《Cycle of Fate-Despair Side》


 Chapter 1-Massacre

    Flames cascaded from the bruised night sky, their embers spiraling downward like dying stars, igniting the scorched earth with bursts of molten brilliance. Isaac staggered through the desolation, breathing smoke-laden air that tasted of ash and despair. His gaze fell upon a shattered mirror, propped amidst the debris like an omen.


    An aberration glared back through fragmented glass¡ªa ghastly shadow of himself, emaciated and monstrous. One eye burned crimson, pulsating with a malevolent fury, the other a sickly green, cold and lifeless. A deep, jagged scar bisected its throat, raw and glistening as if freshly torn. The creature''s cracked skin strained, threatening to shatter into countless shards.


    Isaac''s heart seized as, without warning, the reflection surged forward, hands erupting from the mirror''s splintered surface, clawing viciously for his throat. The world tilted, air trapped in his lungs¡ªthen shattered entirely.


    He jolted awake, gasping desperately, tangled sheets clinging to his sweat-soaked body. But the haunting image remained seared into his mind, a grim promise whispered in darkness.


    He found himself in a narrow cot, the silence broken only by his own ragged breathing. Dusty, fractured windows let in a thin ribbon of morning light, illuminating flaking walls that might once have been white. The shelves lining the room sagged under the weight of old, half-empty potion bottles, and the room smelled faintly of vinegar and decay. A wave of nausea reminded him of the horror from the day before, so vivid it forced bile into his throat.


    Desperate to end it all, he spotted a knife on a nearby table and rammed it into his skull, longing for an end¡ªlonging to join his lost family. But the wound closed up almost instantly, leaving behind only the faint rush of blood in his ears. Then came a whisper, like a voice echoing through an empty chamber: ¡°Ability: River of Styx.¡± At that moment, knowledge surged inside him. He understood he could control his own blood¡ªand that no blade, no wound, would ever release him from this nightmare.


    The day before had been peaceful. Standing before a mirror in his family¡¯s home, eight-year-old Isaac studied his reflection: stark-white hair, two black, spiraled draconic horns, and mismatched eyes¡ªone a deep blood-red with a faint draconic glimmer, the other an emerald green marked by a crosshair-like symbol. His gaze held a sharpness beyond his years, a quiet intensity that belied his small stature.


    Nearby, his twin sister, Isabelle, lay nestled in bed. She shared Isaac¡¯s horns and white hair, but her eyes were reversed¡ªher crimson one bore an X-shaped mark, while the other shone a draconic green. She smiled wearily as he approached.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Isaac soothed, recalling their older brother Noah¡¯s assurances. ¡°He said you¡¯ll get better soon. Everything will be fine.¡±


    Isabelle¡¯s face lit with a flicker of hope. ¡°Really? That¡¯s good. I¡­ I¡¯d like to go outside sometime. Is it warmer out there? I¡¯m always so cold in here.¡±


    Isaac gently squeezed her hand. ¡°Yeah, don¡¯t worry. It¡¯ll be really warm. You¡¯ll see,¡± he promised, trying to chase away both her fears and his own doubts.


    He headed downstairs to greet his parents, never guessing how fast that peaceful morning would shatter.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Noah?¡± he asked bluntly. ¡°Did that idiot run off to train in the forest again?¡±


    His father looked up from the kitchen table. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be so hard on him, Isaac. He¡¯s doing his best.¡±


    Isaac sank onto a chair, crossing his arms. ¡°He¡¯s just as sick as Isabelle¡ªmaybe worse. If he keeps pushing himself like this¡­ Never mind.¡± He quieted, letting the smell of fresh pancakes drift through the room. His mother placed a plate before him, and he ate slowly, trying to forget the nagging worry coiling in his stomach.


    Meanwhile, in the forest, four figures gathered around Noah¡¯s motionless body. A gaping hole marred his chest, the final mark of a savage attack.


    Their leader, Blank, stood tall in a tattered black cloak, red gloves encasing his hands. A sinister plague doctor¡¯s mask concealed his face. At his side, a slight girl¡ªno older than Isaac¡ªhid beneath a brown cloak and wore a steampunk mask that trembled with each shaky breath. A third figure, Inari, wore a fox mask above dirty-blonde hair and kept a katana casually at his hip. The last one, Faker, radiated restlessness; clad in armor, his neon-green hair caught the gloom, and his orange eyes flared with boredom.


    ¡°That brat was too easy to kill,¡± Faker muttered, yawning. ¡°So dull.¡±


    Blank¡¯s voice was smooth, almost calm. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. There are more interesting toys ahead.¡±


    Faker pressed his hand to the hilt of his sword. ¡°When can I get a new vessel? Letting that kid chop my head off for a laugh really wore this one down.¡±


    ¡°In the capital,¡± Blank answered. ¡°You¡¯ll find what you need there.¡±


    Labyrinth, the girl with the steampunk mask, clung to Blank¡¯s cloak, her voice trembling. ¡°Boss¡­ why do I have to be here?¡±


    He placed a gloved hand on her shoulder. ¡°Your abilities are too precious to waste, my dear. I won¡¯t let anyone harm you.¡±


    Turning to Inari, Blank spoke with cold finality. ¡°You¡¯ll bring me the boy. And I expect no complications.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Inari said with a respectful nod. ¡°What of you, sir?¡±


    Blank¡¯s tone dropped to a deadly chill. ¡°Killing, naturally. I¡¯ll handle anyone who thinks they can stop us.¡±


    As soon as The Crows crossed into the city¡¯s heart, an eerie hush settled over the streets. Windows were barred and doors locked. It was as if the very air recognized its predators, and everyone hidden inside felt the chill of death creeping past their doors.


    The city guards spotted the plague doctor mask at the forefront and stiffened. They knew who he was: Blank, leader of The Crows¡ªa group rumored to herald the world¡¯s next apocalypse. With a calm that seemed more sinister for its quiet, Blank stepped forward, his black cloak merging with the shadows. A low, distorted chuckle slipped from beneath the beak of his mask.


    ¡°I admire your bravery,¡± he said, voice thick with mocking civility. ¡°So eager to die for a duty you scarcely comprehend.¡±


    Without another word, he stripped off his red gloves. Pale hands glowed with malevolent energy. In a swift motion, he lunged and pressed his palm against a guard¡¯s exposed skin. The man¡¯s flesh darkened to a hideous purple, then bubbled and melted until it collapsed in a gelatinous mess at Blank¡¯s feet. The guard¡¯s armor struck the stones with a hollow clang, echoing like a funeral knell.


    Blank wiped his hand clean on a cloth with maddening indifference. ¡°I hope the rest of you put up more of a fight,¡± he sneered.


    At his side, Inari drifted through the guards like a lethal specter. His fox mask betrayed nothing, but his katana flickered with deadly precision, slicing through armor and flesh with unnerving ease. Body after body crumpled in his wake, each strike a testament to his chilling efficiency.


    Laughter rang above the clash of steel¡ªFaker¡¯s laugh, cold and cruel. Swinging a sword that glowed with emerald light, he carved a path through the guards, severing limbs and lives with brutal relish. Blood sprayed the cobblestones, and his orange eyes gleamed with sadistic pleasure.


    ¡°Look at them,¡± he taunted, stepping over the fallen with casual scorn. ¡°They drop like flies.¡±


    Any remaining guards, drained of color and courage, could only watch as The Crows advanced unchecked. One by one, they fell¡ªdissolved by Blank¡¯s touch, torn apart by Inari¡¯s blade, or butchered in Faker¡¯s frenzied slaughter. The once-peaceful square ran red with blood, its cobbles slick with despair.


    Behind shutters and cracked windows, terrified citizens cowered. Rumors of The Crows had swirled for ages, but to see them now¡ªcruelty incarnate¡ªwas a living nightmare none could have foreseen.


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    Near the center of the carnage, the small girl known as Labyrinth hovered behind Blank, trembling beneath her steampunk mask. She clutched his cloak like a child desperate for refuge. Her eyes, wide with horror, flicked from the fallen guards to her merciless allies.


    ¡°Faker, enjoy yourself,¡± Blank ordered, his tone colder than ice. ¡°Kill and devour to your heart¡¯s content.¡±


    Labyrinth whimpered, voice barely audible over the shouts and dying gasps around them. ¡°He¡¯s¡­ he¡¯s terrifying.¡±


    Blank glanced down at her, a faint smile hidden under his mask. ¡°I know. That¡¯s precisely his value,¡± he replied, voice somehow both calm and unyielding. ¡°One day, you¡¯ll understand.¡±


    Within the Fafnir manor, muffled screams and the glow of distant flames set nerves on edge. Alicia pressed trembling fingers to her lips as she peered outside.


    ¡°Honey, the town¡­¡± she whispered, voice quavering. ¡°It¡¯s burning.¡±


    Hector, her husband, stared down at the chaos with dawning horror. The heart of his domain¡ªreduced to cinders before his eyes.


    ¡°Noah¡­¡± he muttered, realization crushing him. ¡°He¡¯s still out there. Alicia, stay here. Protect Isaac.¡± He steeled himself. ¡°I need to find him.¡±


    Alicia nodded, clutching Isaac close. ¡°Be careful,¡± she pleaded.


    Hector sprinted out, only to come face-to-face with The Crows, silhouetted by the inferno licking at the darkened sky. Fury flared in his eyes.


    ¡°So,¡± he snarled, ¡°it¡¯s you. The same monsters who razed Eldenwood. I¡¯ll kill every last one of you!¡±


    Blank, standing at the forefront in his plague doctor mask, gave a soft chuckle and gestured to Inari. ¡°Keep Labyrinth safe. I¡¯ll amuse our guest.¡±


    He peeled off his gloves, exposing pallid hands that shimmered with a sickly energy. Hector tensed. His right arm contorted, sprouting crimson scales as flames flared around his fist. With a roar, he struck.


    Blank barely brought up an arm in time. The force shattered both of Blank¡¯s limbs in a grotesque, splintering crunch. Staggering, he glanced down at the broken bones with mild annoyance.


    ¡°How¡­ tiresome.¡±


    A dark aura seeped from his wounds, and in moments his arms twisted back into place. Reborn.


    ¡°Please,¡± Blank taunted, ¡°try again.¡±


    Hector¡¯s grip tightened, resolve hardening. ¡°No more holding back.¡± Power rippled through his body as he chanted, ¡°Awaken my Regalia, O Lion King of Endless Dawn¡ªcome, Arthur Pendragon!¡±


    Brilliant light erupted from his hands, piercing the swirling smoke. When it settled, a magnificent sword remained¡ªlong, curved, and etched with glowing runes. Its silver blade emitted an otherworldly shine, and a crystal orb pulsed in its ornate hilt, each beat synchronized with Hector¡¯s racing heart. Sparks arced along the edge, hinting at devastating force.


    ¡°Impressive,¡± Blank said softly. ¡°Though I doubt I¡¯ll need my own Regalia.¡±


    In a gruesome display, he took hold of a finger and tore it off with a sickening snap. The severed digit twitched, bones elongating and sinews weaving until a jagged scythe formed in his grasp. Its blade radiated a hungry, dark energy, while Blank¡¯s hand regenerated with horrifying ease.


    He raised the scythe, voice a low whisper. ¡°Shall we dance?¡±


    Blank¡¯s laughter echoed across the flames as he severed his own hand at the wrist, tossing both the disembodied limb and his twisted scythe skyward. An instant later, he lunged forward, his remaining hand morphing into a slender blade. Metal clashed against metal as he met Hector head-on, sparks showering the cobblestones.


    ¡°Tell me, Hector,¡± Blank hissed, voice dripping with cold mockery. ¡°Do you have any last words? Something I can whisper to your wife before I kill her?¡±


    Hector¡¯s eyes blazed with fury. ¡°Go to hell,¡± he snarled, and he spat¡ªexcept his spit seared into molten lava. The scorching fluid cut straight through the cracked glass of Blank¡¯s mask, sizzling into his left eye. A wet hiss filled the air, flesh and bone melting into a twisted mess.


    For one brief heartbeat, Blank¡¯s face contorted in genuine pain. Then that flicker vanished, replaced by an even more deranged smile. His ruined eye re-formed in a matter of seconds, sinews and bone knitting themselves back together with unholy ease.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Blank said softly, the derision returning to his voice. ¡°I¡¯ll be sure your wife hears that message.¡±


    Above them, the scythe exploded into a flurry of razor shards that tore through Blank¡¯s body¡ªonly for his wounds to heal the instant they formed¡ªand then ripped into Hector. Blood sprayed the cobblestones. Hector staggered, regeneration faltering as his injuries overwhelmed him.


    Blank¡¯s hand regenerated just as he closed the distance, planting his foot on Hector¡¯s head. With casual cruelty, he pressed down. Cartilage and bone gave way in a sickening crunch, and Hector¡¯s body went limp. His grand sword clattered to the ground, its shining radiance dying away in a final puff of luminous smoke.


    ¡°How utterly disappointing,¡± Blank sighed, stepping away and brushing off his boot like he¡¯d merely crushed a bug. ¡°It seems Faker had more sport with that failed son than I had here.¡±


    He glanced back at the trembling Labyrinth, who stood behind him. ¡°Labyrinth,¡± he ordered in an unfeeling tone, ¡°keep an eye on the body. We¡¯ll feed it to Lupin later.¡±


    A faint cry escaped from the manor¡¯s threshold, and there stood Alicia¡ªeyes wide with horror, hands trembling around the hilt of a sword she barely knew how to wield. Tears ran down her cheeks as she took in the sight of Hector¡¯s lifeless form, the echo of Blank¡¯s mocking voice still ringing in her ears.


    ¡°No¡­no¡­¡± she whispered, choking on each syllable. Dread sank deep in her bones, freezing her in place.


    She forced herself to look away from her husband¡¯s broken body and pressed Isaac toward a nearby room. ¡°Isaac, run! Hide!¡± she cried, voice frantic. The boy darted into another room, peering back through a tiny gap in the door, heart hammering as he watched the nightmare unfold.


    The Crows marched into the home, their footsteps heavy against the floor. Alicia steeled herself, arms shaking but resolute, raising her sword in a final stand between the intruders and her son.


    Blank, mask partially shattered, approached with a slow, deliberate calm. ¡°Your husband left me a message. He said, ¡®Go to hell.¡¯¡± His cold laughter rattled through the hallway, taunting her with every echo.


    Alicia clung to her blade, tears glistening on her pale cheeks. ¡°You won¡¯t harm my children,¡± she said, voice faltering but determined.


    Blank smiled thinly beneath the broken mask. ¡°I¡¯ve already killed Noah, and your husband¡­ What do you honestly think you can do? Give me Isaac, and I¡¯ll let you live.¡±


    Alicia lunged, desperation fueling her. But Inari¡¯s katana flashed, catching her swing with terrifying ease. He shoved her back, her feet sliding on the floor.


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t necessary,¡± Blank murmured, sounding vaguely annoyed. Inari merely nodded, stepping aside.


    Blank advanced once more, voice eerily smooth. ¡°You can die for him, or live by giving him up. Choose.¡±


    Alicia¡¯s grip tightened despite the tremors in her arms. ¡°Never! I¡¯ll never hand him over.¡±


    A flicker of something¡ªpity?¡ªcrossed Blank¡¯s remaining eye. ¡°Then your son will live with the burden of your choice,¡± he said softly, almost as though speaking to himself. ¡°I suppose mothers all share this maddening devotion.¡±


    Alicia drew a shaking breath. ¡°Children are everything. Any mother who won¡¯t die for them isn¡¯t a mother at all.¡±


    For a heartbeat, Blank seemed almost amused. ¡°Indeed.¡± His arm warped into a jagged blade. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for this then.¡±


    In a single monstrous sweep, he swung. Alicia¡¯s world ended in an instant as the strike took her head from her shoulders. Her body collapsed to the floor, fingers loosening around the sword¡¯s hilt. Isaac, watching in numb disbelief through the door¡¯s narrow gap, felt the air rush from his lungs in a silent scream as his mother¡¯s fierce final stand came to a brutal, blood-spattered end.


    Blank¡¯s gaze shifted, his tone turning unnervingly playful. ¡°Isaac, come on out now,¡± he coaxed. ¡°We¡¯re not here to hurt you¡ªwe only want to talk.¡±


    ¡°Sir, I think he¡¯s hiding in that room,¡± Inari noted, his voice devoid of emotion.


    ¡°Obviously, Inari,¡± Blank snapped. ¡°I¡¯m just keeping things dramatic.¡±


    Heart pounding, Isaac bolted from his hiding place, sprinting through the manor¡¯s corridors as fast as his legs could carry him. From behind, Blank¡¯s sarcastic call taunted him. ¡°Oh look! He¡¯s finally shown himself! However shall we catch him?¡±


    He gestured to Inari, who vanished down the hall in pursuit. Isaac skidded to a stop by the back exit, torn between fleeing and going back for his sister. Tears streaked his cheeks as he fought off a rising sob.


    ¡°What should I do?¡± he whispered, voice breaking with terror and helplessness.


    Moments later, Inari¡¯s presence loomed behind him, silent and deadly. Panic flared in Isaac¡¯s chest, and he burst through the back door into the forest. Trees stretched before him, but fear fueled every step.


    A rustle in the darkness made him glance back¡ªjust in time to see Inari draw his katana. ¡°A single slash should suffice,¡± the fox-masked assassin murmured. ¡°Sword technique: Wind Blade.¡±


    An arc of nearly invisible power swept through the forest. Isaac looked back as he felt a sudden sting along his neck; hot blood trickled down as he stumbled, still forcing himself forward despite his blurry vision and burning lungs.


    Then, through the haze of pain, Isaac caught sight of a figure standing ahead¡ªa man in a pristine white suit and matching top hat. Purple hair fell over dark skin, and a monocle glinted in the faint light. His calm smile was the last thing Isaac saw before collapsing at the stranger¡¯s feet.


    ¡°Ah,¡± the man murmured, brushing a hand across Isaac¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Ah, it seems I didn¡¯t need to search for you, after all. Fear not, Apostle of Calamity¡ªI won¡¯t let them harm you.¡±


    In a burst of violet light, both vanished. By the time Inari arrived, the clearing stood empty, the night air thick with silence. Realizing his quarry had escaped, Inari let out a slow exhale. ¡°The boss will be furious,¡± he muttered, sheathing his blade.


    When Isaac woke up, he found himself within the unfamiliar medical office.

 Chapter 2-Change

    Isaac¡¯s eyes gradually adjusted to the dim light, and he noticed a boy entering the room. The newcomer had unruly crimson hair and piercing eyes¡ªpartly hidden behind a black mask, as if he preferred not to reveal too much.


    ¡°Where am I?¡± Isaac murmured, disoriented.


    The boy regarded him with a mix of calculation and warmth. ¡°Name¡¯s Karma. Welcome to Sunshine Orphanage. We¡¯re somewhere in the continent of Midgard.¡±


    Isaac¡¯s heart sank. ¡°Midgard? I was on ¨¢lfheimr¡­ How did I end up here?¡± His voice trembled with disbelief.


    Karma offered a slight shrug. ¡°Most of us got here in strange ways. I was attacked by a monster in Helheim and woke up here. It¡¯s weird, but that¡¯s the way it goes.¡±


    Before Isaac could ask more, the door creaked open. A small, elderly woman entered with a gentle authority. Her long white hair framed a deeply lined face, and neon-green eyes shone kindly from beneath. Leaning on a cane adorned with a snake motif, she smiled warmly. ¡°Welcome, young one. I¡¯m Agatha¡ªthough the children call me Granny. You¡¯re safe here.¡±


    Isaac glanced between Karma and Agatha, trying to make sense of this new world. ¡°Thank you¡­ Granny,¡± he whispered, a faint glimmer of hope piercing through his confusion.


    Agatha then turned to Karma with a playful scold. ¡°First of all, Karma, don¡¯t you have chores to do, you slacker?¡± she chided lightly, tapping him with her cane.


    ¡°Ow! What the¡ª¡± Karma muttered, rubbing his head as he grumbled an apology.


    With her tone softening, Agatha looked back at Isaac. ¡°After the attack on your home, a friend brought you here for safety,¡± she explained gently.


    Isaac¡¯s face fell as the gravity of her words sank in. ¡°My family¡­ They¡¯re dead, aren¡¯t they?¡± His voice cracked with sorrow as tears welled up.


    Agatha placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Isaac. There were no survivors.¡±


    Isaac choked back a sob, his face twisted in agony as despair crashed over him. Slowly, his grief curdled into blazing anger.


    After a heavy silence, Agatha¡¯s voice dropped to a low, almost conspiratorial whisper. ¡°Would you like revenge?¡±


    Isaac¡¯s tear-filled eyes snapped up, burning with newfound fury. ¡°Yes,¡± he replied, voice trembling yet resolute. ¡°Absolutely.¡±


    Agatha¡¯s gaze hardened. ¡°Then listen carefully, Isaac. For the next seven years, you will train harder than ever before. When you come of age, you will take the entrance exam to the Aegis Academy in Castletown. There, you will grow strong enough to track down and confront those responsible for this tragedy.¡±


    Isaac¡¯s resolve solidified, his grief merging with determination. ¡°But¡­ can I really pass the exam?¡± he asked, a flicker of doubt in his voice.


    With a knowing smile, Agatha leaned in. ¡°A little secret: this orphanage is funded by the academy¡¯s headmaster. As long as I vouch for your training, you¡¯ll be admitted¡ªregardless of your score.¡±


    Isaac¡¯s jaw set firmly. ¡°I¡¯ll prove myself. I won¡¯t just pass¡ªI¡¯ll be the top candidate. I¡¯ll become stronger than any of them and kill those bastards.¡±


    Agatha¡¯s expression softened, though she swiftly tapped his shoulder with her cane. ¡°Mind your language, Isaac.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am,¡± he muttered.


    Turning to Karma, Isaac¡¯s voice carried grim resolve. ¡°Karma, will you join me? Come to Castletown and face this with me.¡±


    Karma raised an eyebrow, arms folded. ¡°I¡¯ve known you for less than five minutes.¡±


    Isaac grinned determinedly. ¡°That doesn¡¯t change the fact that I¡¯m serious. Will you?¡±


    Before Karma could answer, Agatha interjected firmly, ¡°You both have no choice. You¡¯ll go to Castletown and train to become the heroes you must be.¡±


    Karma sighed and slumped his shoulders. ¡°Yes, Granny, I¡¯ll go.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Agatha said with a knowing nod. ¡°Rest up while you can.¡±


    With that, she left them in heavy silence, each burdened by the journey ahead.


    Moments later, Agatha closed the door to her office and found a man waiting¡ªlegs propped casually on her desk, a half-lit, amused grin playing on his lips. It was Ashe, the one who had brought Isaac here.


    ¡°Thank you for taking care of those two,¡± Ashe said, his eyes glinting with sinister amusement. ¡°I¡¯m quite excited to see how they develop.¡±


    Agatha pressed a hand to her chest and bowed her head, the spiderweb tattoo on her hand pulsing with a dark purple light. ¡°Of course, my lord. I am here to assist you in every way.¡±


    Ashe chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s always satisfying to have a¡­ useful apostle.¡±


    Agatha lowered herself into a reluctant half-kneel, wincing as the effort betrayed her age. ¡°I serve you gladly, Lord Ashe¡ªgreatest of gods, bearer of Despair.¡±


    Leaning forward with mock concern, Ashe said, ¡°Please, do not strain yourself on my account. You¡¯re one of the few humans whose despair I don¡¯t relish.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, my lord,¡± Agatha murmured, her voice reverent. ¡°You truly are magnificent.¡±


    His gaze darkened as his tone turned cold. ¡°Ensure they¡¯re ready. They must become useful. And remember,¡± he added with malice, ¡°do not mention to Isaac anything about his surviving family.¡±


    Agatha¡¯s expression turned guarded. ¡°Yes, my lord. It will be as you command.¡±


    A twisted smile crossed Ashe¡¯s face, satisfied with her loyalty, as the room fell into charged silence.


    Seven years had passed. Every day, Isaac and Karma trained relentlessly for the entrance exam, and now, on the eve of that fateful day, change and familiarity mingled in unexpected ways. In the bathroom, Karma spotted Isaac¡ªhis tired eyes heavy with sleepless nights. Despite his unwavering dedication, Isaac still remained shorter than most, even as his peers, had grown taller. A long zipper wrapped around his left arm from his middle finger to near his elbow, while his right hand bore intricate magic circles etched in blood.


    ¡°What are you up to, shorty?¡± Karma teased with a grin.


    Isaac rolled his eyes. ¡°Shut up, I¡¯m not that short¡­am I?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you are. What did you expect? No sleep, no growth,¡± Karma quipped before softening his tone. ¡°So, what are you doing?¡±


    Isaac sighed. ¡°I¡¯ve asked Granny to enroll me in the academy under a false name. I still need to change my appearance, just in case.¡±


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    Karma arched an eyebrow. ¡°Worried about running into the Crows before you''re strong enough for revenge?¡±


    Isaac shook his head. ¡°Not them¡ªsomeone far scarier. The Fafnir¡¯s have a long tradition of arranged marriages. There was a girl I was likely meant to marry. She¡¯d recognize me in a heartbeat. Even as kids, she was terrifyingly powerful. I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll cross paths at the exam.¡±


    Karma smirked. ¡°That¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve seen you mention a woman. I always thought you weren¡¯t interested in them.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I¡¯m not like you¡ªhaving every girl chasing after you,¡± Isaac retorted with a half-smile.


    ¡°You¡¯re one of a kind, Isaac. Your look is pretty distinct¡ªit¡¯ll take a lot to change that,¡± Karma observed, his tone light yet sincere.


    ¡°Summon a healing spirit¡ªI''m about to do something pretty brutal, and I need you to reduce the pain. It¡¯s going to hurt like hell,¡± Isaac requested.


    ¡°Watch your language, or Granny will hit you with her cane,¡± Karma teased as a soft, pink glow emerged from his hands.


    A diminutive, pink spirit materialized¡ªa little ball with tiny arms and a goofy face. With grim determination, Isaac yanked out his own horns. Using his ability, he mended himself¡ªbut he altered the shape, creating sleek, gazelle-like horns. Karma then directed the spirit to envelop Isaac, dulling the agony.


    ¡°Thanks¡­ that really hurt. Now, the next step is simple, cover up my demonic eye,¡± Isaac said. He unzipped a strip along his hand, releasing a trickle of blood that dripped onto his green eye, disguising it as an ordinary red one. Finally, he blended some blood into his white hair, adding red highlights for effect.


    ¡°All done. From now on, you¡¯ll call me Fyodor,¡± Isaac declared with a slight bow.


    Karma grinned. ¡°Mind if I keep your horns? They¡¯d fetch a fortune.¡±


    ¡°Only if I can rip out your eyes and sell them,¡± Isaac shot back.


    ¡°Fine, keep your stupid horns¡ªthey looked dumb anyway,¡± Karma retorted, pouting. Then, with a teasing smirk, he added, ¡°I still find your combat style gross.¡±


    Isaac shrugged nonchalantly. ¡°I¡¯m useless in sunlight. I have to rely on ranged attacks and demon summoning¡ªplus, I have near-infinite blood reserves for that.¡±


    ¡°Sure, but why choose such grotesque demons? They smell like rotting corpses,¡± Karma teased.


    ¡°That¡¯s because they are rotting corpses¡ªbut believe me, they pack quite a punch,¡± Isaac replied with a wry smile.


    ¡°Please, my spirit summons are far superior. I only sacrifice mana, not blood like you,¡± Karma insisted.


    ¡°There are five avenues of power in this world, and we¡¯ve both chosen the hardest¡ªspirit and demon summoning,¡± Karma chuckled.


    Isaac sighed. ¡°I¡¯m too frail for martial arts. Our abilities are passive by nature, and hardly reliable in a real fight. The stars never blessed us with regalia, and on both my mother¡¯s and father¡¯s side, my innate powers suffer a double debuff in sunlight.¡±


    Karma grinned. ¡°At least you¡¯re a force to be reckoned with at night. And thanks to your vampire mom, your blood manipulation is even stronger.¡±


    Isaac smirked. ¡°Your innate abilities aren¡¯t too shabby either¡ªif only they weren¡¯t so wildly destructive. I suppose that¡¯s why you always hide behind that mask.¡±


    ¡°If you ever need to rely on mine, I¡¯ll use them,¡± Karma said, his tone turning serious.


    Isaac nodded. ¡°I know how much you despise using them. I won¡¯t force you.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Karma chuckled.


    The next day, Isaac and Karma set out for Castletown with no turning back. Though a long journey lay ahead, Isaac¡¯s eyes burned with resolve as he left what had become his home.


    By the gate, Granny Agatha shuffled out to see them off. Her once-sharp gaze had softened with time, but her words still carried the warmth of the only motherly figure they¡¯d ever known.


    ¡°Well, it seems today I finally get rid of you two troublemakers,¡± she teased, her voice both tender and laced with mischief. ¡°I don¡¯t think the orphanage has known peace since you started training together.¡±


    Karma laughed, his mischievous spark undimmed. ¡°You¡¯re the one who always told us to get stronger. Can¡¯t blame us for putting in the work.¡±


    Her smile faded as she looked at Isaac. ¡°Isaac, you¡¯re so different now. Are you sure you¡¯re ready for this path?¡±


    He said nothing, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon¡ªa future of challenges and irrevocable choices.


    ¡°Goodbye, you brats,¡± Agatha called, a note of sorrow hidden beneath her gruff tone. ¡°The headmaster has gifted you each a teleportation crystal¡ªcustom-made for you two. Break them, and you¡¯ll be whisked straight to the academy. Don¡¯t disappoint me¡ªI expect you both to pass.¡±


    ¡°Goodbye, Granny,¡± Karma grinned, waving carelessly. ¡°See you around!¡±


    Isaac¡¯s voice, low and steely, promised, ¡°I¡¯ll win, Granny. I¡¯ll make sure of it.¡±


    They withdrew their crystals¡ªsmall emerald stones pulsing with quiet magic. Karma, concealing his face behind his mask, bit the top of his crystal with a determined crack, while Isaac crushed his in his hand, its sharp edges drawing a thin line of blood that mingled with emerald dust. In an instant, a brilliant glow enveloped them, and the world blurred into a dizzying cascade of colors.


    Moments later, they found themselves standing in the heart of Castletown. The city was a marvel of towering spires, stone-paved streets, and a vibrant throng of people. A shimmering barrier of purple and silver light pulsed protectively around the town, as if the very air was alive with magic.


    To the east loomed ancient dormitory halls, carved from stone and enchanted glass, while the western side bordered a sprawling, foreboding forest¡ªa realm of silent danger where shadows whispered secrets. Everywhere, bustling shops displayed rare spell-infused trinkets, enchanted weaponry, and exotic goods. Blacksmiths hammered glowing metal into swords and alchemists sold elixirs that bubbled with promise, all underscored by the irresistible aroma of freshly cooked food.


    At the center of it all stood the academy¡ªa colossal tower of dark stone inlaid with veins of enchanted silver. Elegant balconies offered sweeping views of the city, while ornate carvings and stained-glass windows depicted legendary heroes in battle. The massive entry gate, flanked by colossal statues of mythical guardians, opened onto a grand atrium, welcoming the new arrivals.


    Isaac and Karma weaved through the bustling streets, drawing curious glances and hushed whispers as they passed. Suddenly, Isaac¡¯s shoulder brushed against an upperclassman, halting both of them.


    ¡°Watch where you¡¯re going, freshman,¡± the man snapped. Kurt, much taller than Isaac, wore a sneer of arrogance and disdain. ¡°You newcomers need to learn your place.¡±


    Isaac¡¯s tired eyes narrowed, locking onto Kurt¡¯s with an eerie calm. Around them, a crowd of students gathered, eager for a showdown¡ªsmirks exchanged among upperclassmen who knew Kurt¡¯s violent streak well.


    At the fringe of the gathering, two freshman siblings watched with worry. June, with long crimson hair and a pair of striking red wings, stood tense and alert, her eyes fixed on Isaac. ¡°Should we help him? This isn¡¯t looking good¡­that boy might be in trouble¡± she murmured, glancing at her brother.


    Her brother Mars, sporting square black glasses and unruly black hair with intense yellow eyes, folded his arms. ¡°If we did nothing, Dad and Uncle would be disappointed,¡± he replied, his tone low and resolute.


    Just then, Karma, noticing the siblings, glanced back and playfully shushed them with a wink, signaling that things were under control.


    ¡°Karma,¡± Isaac said coolly, ¡°would it be terrible if I killed him?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you dumbass¡ªjust knock him out,¡± Karma smirked.


    Kurt¡¯s face twisted in rage. ¡°What did you say?¡± he bellowed, lurching forward with a punch.


    Effortlessly sidestepping, Kurt¡¯s blow passed harmlessly by. In response, Isaac delivered a swift kick to Kurt¡¯s leg, buckling it and forcing him to one knee. The crowd gasped as Isaac¡¯s next brutal strike connected with Kurt¡¯s jaw, sending him crashing down.


    A tense silence fell as Isaac stood over the battered upperclassman. With unnerving focus, he knelt beside Kurt and continued his assault with relentless punches, blood splattering across his face. Lost in a dark intensity, he barely noticed the growing concern in the crowd.


    At that moment, June pushed through and unfurled her wings gracefully, intercepting Isaac¡¯s next strike. ¡°The fight¡¯s over,¡± she commanded. ¡°He started it, but he¡¯s unconscious now¡ªyou don¡¯t need to go any further.¡±


    Isaac paused, then turned to Karma with an unreadable expression. ¡°Karma, did I go too far?¡±


    Karma sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°Yeah, dumbass¡ªyou scared everyone. I was planning to charge the crowd for the entertainment, but now I can¡¯t even do that.¡±


    Isaac¡¯s gaze softened. ¡°Sorry for ruining your plan.¡±


    June rolled her eyes, gently pressing a feather from her wing to Kurt¡¯s wounds to begin healing. ¡°Don¡¯t apologize to him¡ªapologize to the guy you nearly turned to pulp!¡±


    Isaac blinked in confusion. ¡°Why? He started it.¡±


    ¡°Obviously¡ªbecause you almost killed him,¡± Karma countered, raising an eyebrow.


    Isaac shrugged, his disinterest palpable. ¡°But I don¡¯t really to. Do I have to?¡±


    Karma chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s a lost cause anyway. He¡¯s out cold, and honestly, it¡¯s kind of nice watching someone else take the hit instead of me.¡±


    Isaac smirked, though fatigue lingered in his eyes. ¡°You started most of these fights, remember?¡±


    June shook her head in exasperation. ¡°You two are impossible. Mars, come on¡ªwe don¡¯t have time for this. The entrance exam¡¯s about to start.¡±


    Mars chuckled and waved a casual goodbye. ¡°See you, crazies.¡±


    As the siblings departed, Karma nudged Isaac. ¡°Alright, enough entertainment. The letter said to head to the auditorium¡ªwe¡¯re running late.¡±

 Chapter 3-Lyra Tiamat

    As Isaac and Karma stepped into the grand auditorium, they quickly spotted two open seats near the front¡ªunfortunately, right next to June and Mars.


    June glanced over, sighing with mock exasperation. ¡°Oh great. You two again.¡±


    Karma grinned beneath his mask, sliding into the seat with easy charm. ¡°What a delightful coincidence. I¡¯m Karma, by the way. Nice to meet you¡ªformally this time.¡±


    Isaac said nothing, his eyes already fixed on the stage ahead.


    Karma nudged him. ¡°Don¡¯t mind him. He¡¯s been a moody bastard for all seven years I¡¯ve known him.¡±


    Isaac shot him a cold glare. ¡°Says the walking scam artist.¡±


    ¡°You two are an odd pair,¡± Mars remarked, tilting his head curiously. ¡°Are you siblings?¡±


    The question made Isaac visibly flinch, his expression momentarily darkening. Karma caught it and answered smoothly.


    ¡°Thankfully, no. Just survivors of the same orphanage. He¡¯s been my best friend since we were kids.¡±


    Isaac muttered, ¡°I¡¯m your only friend.¡±


    June gave a half-smile. ¡°I¡¯m June. This is Mars. We¡¯re from Camelot, in the heart of ¨¢lfheimr.¡±


    Karma raised an eyebrow. ¡°Sounds fancy. Can¡¯t say I know much about the world. Orphanage life wasn¡¯t exactly big on geography, mainly just combat training.¡±


    They exchanged a few more remarks¡ªbarbed, teasing, but increasingly warm. The tension began to ease¡­ until a sudden shift in the air silenced the room.


    A figure materialized on stage, clad in a tailored black suit and an extravagant top hat with two unsettling, eyeball-like ornaments perched on the brim. Isaac¡¯s eyes narrowed in recognition¡ªit was him. The man from the massacre. The man who saved him.


    ¡°Ahem. Quiet down, everyone,¡± the figure said, voice smooth and rich.


    The students ignored him.


    Then, without warning, the atmosphere thickened. Mana surged through the auditorium like invisible gravity, crushing every word, every breath. In an instant, the crowd fell silent under the weight of sheer presence.


    ¡°Much better,¡± the man said with a calm smile. ¡°I am Ashe, headmaster of Aegis Academy.¡±


    He scanned the room with a piercing gaze that seemed to strip away every pretense, every mask.


    ¡°You¡¯re here to become heroes¡ªor the tools that help shape one. That¡¯s your choice. But before we begin, remember this academy¡¯s creed.¡±


    His voice rose, deep with conviction.


    ¡°Sharpen thy claws to the best of your ability.


    If your claws are weak, sharpen your mind.


    If your mind is weak, sharpen your fangs.


    Find your strength¡ªhone it. Only then will you stand among legends.¡±


    A murmur swept the crowd as his words settled like stone.


    Ashe continued, tone shifting into cool command. ¡°Now, the entrance exam. It¡¯s simple: a battle royale. You¡¯ll each be scattered across the forest surrounding the academy. Engage how you wish¡ªcombat, evasion, ambush. Should you suffer a fatal blow, an emergency teleport will extract you and heal you. No one will die¡­ probably.¡±


    His smile sharpened.


    ¡°The exam ends when only ten remain.¡±


    A wave of shock rippled through the crowd, but Ashe raised a hand, and his pressure silenced them again.


    ¡°Survival isn¡¯t the only way to pass,¡± he added. ¡°I¡¯ll be watching for more than victory. Tactics. Creativity. Resolve. Whether you go down in the first minute or last an hour, prove yourself¡ªand you may earn a place here.¡±


    He paused¡­ then grinned.


    ¡°There is one final twist. Hidden somewhere in the forest is a sentinel¡ªa professor. He¡¯ll awaken if provoked, operating at only ten percent of his power¡­ but in his soul-release state. If you see a knight in black armor, pray. No student has ever defeated him. But should you succeed¡­ the exam ends, and everyone remaining will pass.¡±


    The silence afterward was thunderous.


    ¡°Let the exam begin,¡± Ashe said, snapping his fingers.


    A burst of emerald light erupted beneath every student, swirling around them.


    As the light enveloped them, Karma turned to Isaac with a lazy salute. ¡°Stay alive, ¡®Fyodor¡¯.¡±


    ¡°I will,¡± Isaac replied, voice low, eyes smoldering. ¡°I¡¯m going after the sentinel.¡±


    Karma blinked, then laughed. ¡°You crazy bastard.¡±


    June gave a wry smile as she vanished in the glow. ¡°Let¡¯s all meet at the top, yeah?¡±


    And then the world blinked.


    Isaac landed in a vast, shadow-drenched forest, the scent of earth heavy in the air. In the distance, something howled.


    The exam had begun.


    A moment of silence broke when a rustle behind Isaac revealed an unprepared student stumbling into his path. With deadly precision, Isaac extended his index finger. A small magic circle flared to life on its tip as he fired off a ghoul¡¯s finger aimed at the student¡¯s head. But just as it was about to connect, the student vanished in a burst of light, teleported back to the auditorium.


    A booming, disembodied voice echoed through the forest: ¡°First blood has been claimed.¡±


    Isaac lowered himself onto a nearby tree stump, his gaze steely as he reached for the long zipper embedded in his arm. He unzipped it, and his blood spilled into the air. Instead of dripping down, the crimson liquid hovered, coalescing into a spinning arrow pointed westward. A rare smile broke Isaac¡¯s stoic expression as he murmured, ¡°Perfect. My blood link worked. Karma¡¯s not far¡ªonce we regroup, this exam will be ours.¡±


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    Elsewhere in the dense forest, Karma stood amid a wary circle of nine students. With casual nonchalance, he pulled a small vial from his pocket. Inside, a solitary droplet of Isaac¡¯s blood shivered, as if yearning to return to its source.


    A tall, scarred student with a confident smirk stepped forward. ¡°Hey, masked guy¡ªwe¡¯re forming an alliance. Power in numbers and all that. Join us, and we¡¯ll all make the final ten. What do you say?¡±


    Karma narrowed his eyes beneath his mask. After a brief pause, he laughed half-heartedly. ¡°Sorry, but I¡¯ve already got a partner¡ªand he¡¯s a bit possessive.¡±


    The student¡¯s smile faded. ¡°Then you¡¯re a loose end we can¡¯t afford.¡± He signaled his group, and they began closing in.


    With a low, playful chuckle, Karma raised his hand and whispered, ¡°Awaken, high-class fire spirit, Salamander.¡± In an instant, a torrent of purple flames erupted around him, swirling outward with near-sentient fury. Within seconds, the encroaching students were engulfed and teleported back to the auditorium amid their startled screams.


    As the flames subsided, a small creature appeared, drifting lazily atop Karma¡¯s head¡ªa miniature dragon with ruby-red scales, tiny black horns, and wings too small to lift it. The creature purred softly, settling comfortably.


    ¡°Welcome back, Sally,¡± Karma said, reaching up to scratch under its chin. ¡°With you around, this exam¡¯s a walk in the park. I doubt these amateurs even stand a chance.¡±


    Karma then rolled up his sleeve to reveal an intricate tattoo on his forearm¡ªa series of concentric circles intersected by four lines and centered on a single, piercing eye that glowed faintly as he stroked the creature¡¯s scales.


    With a mischievous grin, he commanded, ¡°Awaken, low-class fire spirits, Embers! Scout the forest, and if you find anyone¡­¡± He paused, snapping his fingers, ¡°explode on sight.¡±


    At his signal, dozens of tiny fireballs burst into existence around him. Each one sported a comical, wide-eyed grin as they bobbed through the air, flickering with mischievous energy¡ªa chaotic but effective patrol against any approaching threat.


    Deeper in the forest, Isaac prowled through dense foliage, his eyes scanning for any sign of movement. Suddenly, he paused¡ªa boy lay asleep beneath a tree, looking utterly out of place in this brutal arena. The boy¡¯s messy green hair fell over his face, and he wore a worn black hoodie over pajama pants and slippers. Clutched in his arms was a small white kitten plush, tucked under a blanket.


    Isaac narrowed his eyes and formed a large ghoul¡¯s fist using one of his magic circles. With lethal precision, he thrust the rotting fist downward¡ªbut it shattered against an invisible barrier with a resounding splat. The barrier shimmered briefly in the sunlight before fading away.


    ¡°What the¡­? How strong is that?¡± Isaac muttered, his gaze hardening as he studied the sleeping stranger. Something about the boy seemed unsettlingly calm.


    The boy stirred. His purple eyes opened sleepily as he yawned. ¡°Excuse me,¡± he mumbled, barely awake. ¡°I¡¯m trying to sleep here. Not really in the mood for a fight¡ªso could you move along?¡±


    Isaac arched an eyebrow. ¡°You do realize this is a battle royale, right? People are fighting for their lives, and you¡¯re... napping?¡±


    The boy stretched, shifting his plush aside. ¡°Yeah, but I¡¯m the strongest one here,¡± he said casually, his voice barely above a murmur. ¡°Why should I worry?¡±


    Isaac blinked, surprised by the boy¡¯s nonchalance. ¡°You¡¯re an odd one,¡± he admitted, lowering his energy fist. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Kel,¡± the boy mumbled, eyelids drooping once more. ¡°My dad¡­ works here¡­ as the¡­¡± And then, with a heavy sigh, Kel drifted back to sleep, leaving Isaac with a bemused frown.


    Resuming his sprint through the forest, Isaac navigated over gnarled roots and ducked under low-hanging branches. His foot suddenly splashed into a shallow puddle. As he stepped back, the water rippled and transformed into a shimmering, purplish hue. The liquid coalesced into the upper torso of a young woman, her flowing hair made of water, and a petulant expression briefly crossing her featureless face.


    ¡°Ugh, how rude! Just because my disguise was flawless doesn¡¯t mean you have to step on me,¡± she grumbled before melting back into an unremarkable puddle.


    Shaking his head at the absurdity, Isaac pressed onward until he spotted a figure bathed in soft shafts of light. Standing under the canopy was a girl with cascading light blue hair and elegant white draconic horns that arched gracefully upward¡ªso different from the rugged horns of the Fafnir family. Tucked in one horn was a delicate crimson rose. She wore a flowing crimson dress that fluttered in the breeze, and her golden draconic eyes widened in shock and recognition as they met his.


    Isaac froze, breath catching as old memories surged forth. ¡°Lyra?¡± he whispered, his voice unsteady and soft with nostalgia.


    ¡°Do you know me?¡± Lyra asked, curiosity tinting her tone.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡ªI don¡¯t know you at all¡± Isaac muttered, averting his gaze, his voice hollow.


    Lyra¡¯s golden eyes narrowed in disbelief. ¡°But you said my name. Care to explain?¡±


    Isaac offered a nervous laugh. ¡°I muttered ¡®liar¡¯¡ªa student told me this area was empty, but I guess they lied.¡±


    Lyra¡¯s expression shifted to a calm resolve. ¡°Well, I¡¯m sorry, but I must eliminate you. No hard feelings.¡± With that, she raised her hands, channeling energy through her veins. ¡°Ability¡ªHeavenly Rain!¡±


    A crack split the sky as a bolt of lightning seared down, blinding Isaac for a split second. He barely sidestepped, feeling the charge zap past him and leave a smoking crater where he¡¯d stood.


    Gasping for breath, Isaac blurted, ¡°Wait¡ªlet¡¯s team up. We could be allies.¡±


    Lyra smirked, her eyes glinting with mischief. ¡°You don¡¯t seem to have much stamina. If I¡¯m picking an ally, I need someone who can handle close combat.¡±


    Isaac¡¯s panic showed through his voice. ¡°You need a healer, right? I¡¯m pretty good at closing wounds and doing blood transfusions.¡±


    A slow smile crept over Lyra¡¯s face. ¡°Then you have a deal. Healers are always useful.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, you¡¯re scary,¡± Isaac chuckled, still catching his breath.


    ¡°So, do you have a name?¡± Lyra asked, her tone gentle yet curious.


    ¡°Fyodor. No last name¡ªI grew up in an orphanage,¡± Isaac replied, his heart pounding.


    ¡°Fyodor?¡± Lyra echoed with a soft laugh. ¡°It¡¯s funny¡ªmy fianc¨¦¡¯s favorite book featured a protagonist by that very name. It brings back memories.¡±


    Isaac¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°I was also named after that character. So, what¡¯s your fianc¨¦¡¯s name?¡± he asked, though he already knew the answer.


    ¡°Isaac Fafnir. We were never officially engaged, but it was a guaranteed outcome¡ªuntil he died,¡± Lyra said, tears welling in her golden eyes.


    Isaac¡¯s voice softened. ¡°I¡¯m truly sorry for your loss.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Now, let¡¯s get going¡ªI¡¯ll do my best to defend you, healer,¡± she replied, rubbing her eyes.


    ¡°Do you think we could track down my friend? I¡¯ve got a tracker on him, he¡¯s incredibly skilled and will help us quite a lot,¡± Isaac inquired, his tone mixing urgency and hope.


    Lyra¡¯s gaze warmed. ¡°Sure, let¡¯s go,¡± she agreed, inexplicably drawn to ¡®Fyodor.¡¯


    ¡°Follow me¡ªI¡¯ll lead the way,¡± Isaac said, a slight blush coloring his cheeks as he met her eyes.


    Meanwhile, deep in the forest, a massive stone castle loomed, its shadow stretching ominously over the tangled trees as if daring intruders to approach. Ancient walls, choked by thick vines and etched with pulsating, dark runes, whispered secrets of a forgotten age. A lone student, desperate to escape the chaos of the exam, slipped inside, believing he¡¯d found sanctuary.


    ¡°This place should be empty. No one will think to search here,¡± he whispered, relief easing his tense posture as he ventured deeper.


    His footsteps echoed in a grand, deserted hall that led to a vast throne room. At the room¡¯s center, a solitary figure sat¡ªa knight clad in armor as black as midnight. His presence swallowed the light, casting long, jagged shadows. The knight¡¯s helmet was imposing, with twisted ram horns curving from its sides, lending him a monstrous air. His right arm was fused with a massive spear, its deadly blade gleaming faintly in the dim light.


    The student¡¯s heart pounded in terror as he realized the gravity of his mistake. This was no ordinary knight¡ªthis was the Sentinel.


    ¡°How¡­ unfortunate,¡± the Sentinel drawled, his voice calm yet chilling. ¡°Not even ten percent of the students have been eliminated, and yet here you are, awakening me.¡±


    Panic seized the boy. He stumbled back and spun around in a desperate bid to flee. But before he could cross the threshold, a spear of dark energy erupted from the ground, piercing him. In an instant, he vanished, teleported back to the auditorium, his scream echoing ghostlike in the empty castle halls.


    Slowly, the Sentinel rose from his throne. His spear-arm glinted as he stretched, as if emerging from a long, fitful slumber. With a low, almost hungry chuckle, he murmured, ¡°Let the hunt begin.¡±

 Chapter 4-Night of the Hunt

    The Sentinel emerged from the ancient castle¡¯s gloom, his black armor glinting under the feeble rays of a dying sun. A crude drill-like spear, grafted to his right arm. Twisted ram horns coiled upon his helmet as though they were hungry for the night itself. Even in daylight, a menacing hush seemed to follow him, each step echoing with hollow finality across the deserted courtyard. A cold smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, revealing faint, dagger-like teeth behind the visor.


    He paused, tilting his horned head upward in grim reverence. A single, low growl escaped his lips¡ªlike distant thunder before a storm.


    ¡°Soul Expansion. Night of the Hunt.¡±


    At those words, an unseen force radiated from his body in rippling waves. Leaves shriveled mid-motion, their vivid greens draining to lifeless grays. The skies dimmed, as if some primordial hand had plucked the sun from the heavens and replaced it with a stark, sickle-shaped moon. Shadows lengthened and congealed, twisting the very forest into a surreal canvas of silent dread. In an instant, day gave way to a perpetual twilight that clung like a shroud.


    Then an announcement sliced through the unnatural stillness.


    ¡°The Sentinel has been released early. Good luck.¡±


    A collective jolt of terror coursed through the scattered students. Those who once bickered or formed alliances now crouched low, breath rasping in their chests, fear kindling a primal desperation. Beneath the sickly glow of the crescent moon, the trees contorted into ominous silhouettes, and the faint rustling of leaves felt like lurking ghosts.


    Far above, perched on a jagged ledge overlooking the warped forest, a figure in slumbering black armor flexed his gauntleted fingers¡ªProfessor Willow¡¯s soul-release in full effect. His voice carried with it a crushing weight that rattled every hidden corner of the woods.


    ¡°Now, I know the location of every one of you,¡± he boomed, his tone casually amused. ¡°I am Castletown¡¯s guard dog. Run¡­ or be hunted. Above all else, be afraid.¡±


    Within the academy¡¯s inner sanctum, a group of professors gathered around a large, glowing screen suspended midair. The spectral images displayed the forest¡¯s new eerie pall: dark treetops, swirling mists, students frantically searching for refuge under a moon that didn¡¯t belong in the sky.


    Professor Leonardo Jupiter stood at the forefront, posture rigid. Tall and wiry, his jet-black hair was pulled back in a taut ponytail, contrasting sharply with the crimson glint in his eyes. Dressed in a trim black suit and matching gloves, he radiated an aura of iron discipline.


    ¡°Sir,¡± Jupiter said quietly, voice betraying concern despite his controlled exterior, ¡°are you certain letting Willow act as Sentinel this year is wise? He¡¯s incredibly powerful, but his¡­ whims can be dangerous.¡±


    Fraser Haas lounged in a luxurious fur coat to Jupiter¡¯s right, his blonde hair cascading over broad shoulders. By his side sat a shotgun and a deer head/mask. With piercing blue eyes and a sly grin, he looked every inch the hedonist. He waved a dismissive hand.


    ¡°Oh, come now, Leo. Don¡¯t be such a spoilsport. Willow¡¯s show of force is exactly what these students need. If a handful get a real scare, it¡¯s no worse than what the real world will do to them later.¡±


    Jupiter¡¯s glare hardened. ¡°It¡¯s a trial by combat, not an invitation for carnage. He should exercise restraint. I won¡¯t tolerate another¡­ incident like last year, with that psycho Warren Necrom.¡±


    A familiar, languid voice floated through the room¡ªsardonic and unhurried. ¡°Are you all whispering about me again?¡±


    The speaker sauntered in with an air of total ease. Warren Necrom¡ªstudent council president and sole member of the student council¡ªdisplayed every symbol of his conquered peers on armbands around his sleeves. In one day he defeated the entire student council in combat. Unruly blond hair framed a pale face, and beneath dark-circled eyes gleamed a wicked intelligence. Black glasses perched low on his nose, half-concealing the smug curve of his grin. A gilded halo hovered overhead, and a set of angelic wings, almost too bright for such a dark presence, fanned idly behind him.


    Warren chuckled, eyes lighting with predatory amusement. ¡°Really, Professor Jupiter. One little demonstration of power is hardly an ¡®incident.¡¯ I recall you escaped perfectly unscathed.¡±


    ¡°Remember your idea of a ¡®demonstration¡¯ that decimated the entire student council, you nearly killed them all,¡± Jupiter snapped, crossing his arms. ¡°I¡¯m still not sure how you avoided expulsion.¡±


    Warren lifted a finger to his chin in mock thought. ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t know¡ªperhaps the academy¡¯s staff finds me... interesting.¡± He shot a mischievous glance at Fraser, who just shrugged with a lazy smirk.


    At the edge of the room, Professor Ashe sat quietly, his gaze locked onto the shimmering screen. He wore his trademark top hat, the twin eye-like ornaments upon its brim unblinking in the half-light.


    ¡°You can¡¯t deny he¡¯s entertaining,¡± Ashe murmured, addressing no one in particular. ¡°And we do have more noteworthy talent this year¡ªdescendants of primordial beasts, a budding monarch, and even a demigod. This is going to be most enlightening.¡±


    A slow grin unfurled across Warren¡¯s face. ¡°Really now? Perhaps this exam won¡¯t be so dull after all, all my classmates are boring.¡± He shifted closer to the screen, practically humming with excitement.


    Outside, atop a moonlit ledge, Professor Willow observed the forest with his soul-release, noting an unusual cluster of students huddled together. ¡°An alliance, perhaps?¡± he murmured with a menacing chuckle. ¡°I might pay them a visit next.¡±


    In another stretch of the twisted woodland, moonlight fell upon two regal figures encountering a terrified, cornered student. The first figure was a young man with immaculate black hair, dressed in attire befitting royalty, every stitch tailored to perfection. His pointed ears and crimson eyes denoted magical lineage, sparkling with restrained excitement. At his side, a woman with curling purple hair¡ªbraided intricately with pink flowers¡ªstood poised, one hand resting lightly on the hilt of a sheathed katana. Her dark, flowing dress shimmered in the gloom.


    ¡°My lord, do you wish to offer salvation to this one as well?¡± the woman asked, her tone detached.


    The young man spoke, his voice low but laced with confidence. ¡°Of course¡­I am Shadar Eclipse, future king of Helheim. If you seek salvation in this grim test, pledge yourself to me. My protection is absolute.¡±


    The trembling student looked up, shock etched on his face at the mention of Helheim¡ªthe only continent that refused subjugation by the Emperor, yet stood unbroken, bound by a fragile peace. Rumors claimed that Shadar himself had conquered Helheim¡¯s feuding states, holding them together until he claimed his rightful throne.


    ¡°Please,¡± the student begged, bowing low. ¡°I¡¯m... I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t survive this. Please my lord.¡±


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    Shadar¡¯s momentary flash of empathy showed as he raised a brow, then gave a curt nod. ¡°Your loyalty is accepted.¡± Shadows leaked from beneath his feet, swirling around the trembling newcomer in smoky tendrils. Within a heartbeat, the student vanished, leaving only wisps of darkness behind.


    Alice, the purple-haired swordswoman, hovered protectively at Shadar¡¯s side. Her voice was soft, but underscored by caution. ¡°My lord... are you certain this plan will succeed?¡±


    Shadar¡¯s crimson eyes glowed faintly, echoing a memory of some past mentor¡¯s advice. ¡°A king must never forsake his subjects, whether they come from Helheim or beyond. I will not let these students fall to despair, even if it means facing the Sentinel himself,¡± he replied, echoing the advice of a great man who had once counseled him. His voice was laced with a calm, iron-clad resolve.


    Alice dipped her head, tension easing from her features. ¡°Then we shall prepare... for the hunt.¡±


    Professor Willow sprinted through the moonlit forest, helmet angled forward as he listened to frightened shouts echo among the twisted trees. A cold, scornful smile tugged at his lips. Students screamed that the Sentinel had arrived¡ªbut Willow knew he hadn¡¯t yet graced them with his presence. Intrigued, he altered course to investigate.


    Bursting into a moonlit clearing, he came upon a towering suit of armor terrorizing a throng of panicked students. The hulking figure moved with uncanny precision, swinging a double-bladed axe that carved arcs of silvered death beneath the sickle moonlight. One by one, the screaming novices vanished in bursts of emergency teleportation, their retreat sealed by mocking flashes of light.


    From the shadows, the real Sentinel¡ªWillow¡ªwatched in bemusement. His own black armor gleamed under the twisted moon. ¡°Well, well,¡± he murmured, folding his spear-arm across his chest as if he were observing a quaint school play. ¡°Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Pretending to be me? Clever enough to scare a few rookies¡­ but not quite enough to fool the real deal.¡±


    Within seconds, the faux Sentinel turned its blank visor upon Willow. Without a word of warning, the behemoth slammed its axe downward, the blow heavy as a collapsing fortress. Willow didn¡¯t flinch; his spear spun like a drill, meeting the strike head-on and shaking the ground beneath them. With unerring calm, he thrust his spinning spear through the armor¡¯s chest. Metal shrieked and bent around the impact point.


    The giant reeled, toppling with a deafening crash. Willow hopped atop the ruined metal husk, peering curiously into the caved-in helm. ¡°A pity,¡± he remarked, voice dripping with mock disappointment. ¡°I was hoping for something a little more¡ª¡±


    A sudden flash of movement cut him off. A slim spear shot out from the wreckage, whistling past Willow¡¯s cheek with enough force to draw sparks against his helmet. Willow¡¯s eyes narrowed in momentary surprise before his composure returned. From the collapsed armor, a man emerged, scraping his way free like a vengeful spirit. His skin bore the pallor of death, stitched in mismatched patches that hinted at a twisted, undead origin. A single crimson eye glared out from beneath a ragged mask-helmet, burning with raw fury.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re the brilliant mind behind that oversized cosplay?¡± Willow taunted, ¡°Kinda short for a mastermind. Or is that part of your undead charm?¡±


    Ignoring the barb, the patchwork man¡ªKenji¡ªsummoned a massive battleaxe from thin air. It coalesced in his grip, veins of dark energy snaking across the blade. ¡°Keep talking,¡± he snarled, voice raw. ¡°I¡¯ll make you eat every word. I¡¯m one of the few people in this world born with two abilities.¡±


    Willow gave a casual shrug. ¡°Oh, how terrifying. The mouthy zombie wants my respect. Maybe you should¡¯ve kept your strategy secret instead of broadcasting your so-called talents to an enemy.¡± He rested the butt of his spear-arm on the wreckage. ¡°But hey, I appreciate the entertainment, you brainless idiot.¡±


    Kenji¡¯s brow twitched at the insult, and he clutched the axe tighter. ¡°My Enchantment can enhance and control weapons. And Forgery¡ªI can replicate anything I¡¯ve seen. I¡¯m not some brainless corpse.¡±


    Willow smirked under his visor, an amused sparkle lighting his eyes. ¡°Uh-huh. So you¡¯re a short, bragging, undead show-off. Got it.¡±


    With a furious bellow, Kenji lunged, bringing his battleaxe down in a wild arc meant to cleave Willow in two. The Sentinel answered with his spear in a fluid pivot, metal scraping against metal in a shower of sparks. Their blades locked in a ragged contest of wills, each combatant pressing forward.


    ¡°Oh, are we finally getting serious?¡± Willow quipped, voice practically purring with mock delight. ¡°By all means, enlighten me.¡±


    Kenji wrenched the axe free, his single eye burning. ¡°I¡¯ve battled tougher opponents than you, Sentinel,¡± he spat, swinging again with bone-jarring force. Willow sidestepped smoothly, letting the blow crater the earth behind him.


    A lazy grin split Willow¡¯s lips. ¡°You call that a proper strike?¡± His spear spun faster, each parry meeting Kenji¡¯s frenzied assault with near disdain. ¡°I¡¯m starting to feel sorry for you.¡±


    Kenji¡¯s frustration only fueled his next move¡ªhe channeled dark energy into the blade, causing the axe to swell, black flames licking at the edges. In a blur of motion, he struck again. But Willow¡¯s spear-arm intercepted every attack, mocking each attempt with jeering commentary.


    ¡°Is that all you¡¯ve got, corpse-boy?¡± the Sentinel teased, twisting his arm to knock aside Kenji¡¯s monstrous blade. ¡°You¡¯re persistent, I¡¯ll give you that.¡±


    Breathing hard, Kenji switched tactics. Enchanting a second smaller axe in his off-hand, he launched a rapid flurry of blows from multiple angles. The clearing echoed with thunderous clashes as Willow spun his spear in graceful arcs, sparks dancing off the polished metal.


    ¡°You¡¯re stubborn,¡± Willow admitted through gritted teeth, a hint of genuine respect creeping into his tone as he parried another strike. ¡°But stubborn only gets you so far.¡±


    Kenji bared his teeth, refusing to let up. Veering low, he aimed for Willow¡¯s knees, then abruptly feinted, driving his weapon upward toward the Sentinel¡¯s midsection. Willow deflected it by a hair¡¯s breadth, his mocking grin flickering with surprise.


    ¡°Not bad,¡± he conceded, breathing more heavily. ¡°But are you sure you aren¡¯t wearing yourself out?¡±


    ¡°Worry about yourself,¡± Kenji growled, launching another strike that Willow caught in a violent shower of sparks. Both men braced against each other, locked in a precarious dance of strength.


    With a final, punishing blow, Willow¡¯s spear-arm smashed both of Kenji¡¯s weapons, shards of metal crashing to the ground. Kenji stumbled back, chest heaving in uneven gasps. Smelling blood in the air, Willow surged forward, spear poised for a finishing blow.


    Kenji¡¯s hand darted to a pouch at his belt. With a swift flick, he flung a pinch of gunpowder straight at Willow¡¯s face. A blinding flash exploded between them, the acrid tang burning the air. The Sentinel recoiled, momentarily blinded. Taking advantage of the chaos, Kenji conjured a makeshift cannon from his memory. He leaped inside, ignited the fuse, and rocketed himself backward across the clearing, foliage snapping under the force of his escape.


    As he soared away, Kenji shot Willow a crude gesture of defiance, his laughter echoing behind him. ¡°See you around, Sentinel!¡±


    Willow coughed through the clearing smoke, regaining his vision. ¡°Now that,¡± he said, voice brimming with wry amusement, ¡°was actually clever. I might have underestimated him.¡±


    He laughed low in his throat as he melted back into the moonlit forest. ¡°I¡¯ll find him again sooner or later. They always come crawling back.¡±


    Kenji¡¯s crash-landing was anything but graceful; he tumbled through the brush, snapping branches and cursing under his breath. When he finally skidded to a stop, he was greeted by the cool stare of Karma¡ªmask concealing much of his face, a faint crackle of spirit energy at his fingertips.


    ¡°So,¡± Karma observed, tilting his head, ¡°my little fire-spirits said someone was dueling the Sentinel. Sounds like you had a rough time.¡±


    ¡°Rough?¡± Kenji barked a joyless laugh. ¡°Try impossible. That bastard can¡¯t be mortal.¡±


    Karma nodded, eyes flicking over Kenji¡¯s patchworked skin. ¡°And you¡­ you¡¯re an undead, right? Or at least something close. Either way, I¡¯ve been told to gather strong prospects. Care to join my party and take another shot at the Sentinel together?¡±


    Kenji stared, momentarily shocked by the offer. Then he puffed out his chest. ¡°If it means I can get a rematch¡ªand maybe wipe that smug grin off his face¡ªcount me in.¡±


    Karma broke into a sly grin and held out a vial filled with shimmering red liquid. ¡°Excellent. First, you need to stand on your own two feet. Drink this¡ªit¡¯ll heal most of your wounds.¡±


    Kenji accepted the vial without protest, swallowing the contents in one gulp. A comforting warmth spread through his veins, knitting torn flesh and soothing bruised bones. The sting of shame over his defeat eased, replaced by a renewed surge of determination.


    ¡°You¡¯ll find I¡¯m not half-bad when I¡¯m at full strength,¡± he said, a faint smirk creeping onto his stitched lips as he rose to his feet, joints popping with renewed vigor.


    Karma just chuckled, turning on his heel. ¡°Glad to hear it. Now let¡¯s go find my friend. He¡¯s a real piece of work¡ªtrust me, you¡¯ll fit right in.¡±