Eight years havepassed since the day we learned the truth—Lily's father was murdered. And not by some wandering brigands or nameless beasts… but by the Sanctuary itself.
After we returned to the training grounds, everything changed.
Sensei, most of all. The man who once greeted us with patience and warmth became a shadow of himself—hardened, relentless, obsessed with strength, survival and the very deity he served. Morning drills became trials of endurance, monsters became more vicious,s and every day felt like our last.
Not all of us made it.
Some died. Others were maimed, their dreams stolen by claws and fangs. And many… simply gave up. Kim was one of them. After Bon saved her from a monster ambush, she vanished without a goodbye.
The rest of us endured.
We trained like our lives and the lives of our fallen friends depended on it. We pushed ourselves past every limit, not just for vengeance or strength, but because it was the only way to move forward. A few weeks ago, we finally received our signature blades, forged by the celestial swordsmiths. Symbols of everything we'd survived.
Tomorrow, our training ends.
But for me, something lingers. A question I can't ignore. A truth buried beneath the Sanctuary's polished halls.
Jin sat slouched over a pile of dusty tomes, candlelight casting restless shadows across his face. His glasses slid down the bridge of his nose, reflecting pages inked in ancient script. His once short, neat hair had grown long and unkempt, an afterthought to his obsession.
What exactly was the Sanctuary hiding? Was it a secret at all… or a lie built from a thousand truths?
If he wasn't making new weapons or training, he'd spend his time here chasing fragments, decoding old records, trying to weave together a story no one wanted told. Some leads went nowhere. Others hinted at something monstrous hiding behind noble vows.
A chill ran down his spine.
"Is it time already?" Jin muttered through a yawn.
Behind him, Maki leaned in to glance at the open book. Her violet cloak shimmered faintly in the dim light, the familiar flower insignia stitched above her shoulder. Twin blades rested at her waist, symbols of years well spent.
"You should get ready," she said quietly. "They'll be here soon."
Jin groaned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Staying up all night had been a terrible decision, especially today of all days. He had been avoiding someone lately.
No… two someones.
Maki tapped the table sharply. "Hey. I said they'll be here soon. Don't space out."
"Who's coming again?" he asked, feigning ignorance.
She sat on the edge of the desk, exhaling slowly. "The celestial swordsmiths. The ones who forged our blades. They're visiting the Sanctuary."
Jin closed the book and stood, stretching with a grunt. "Right. Them."
They stepped into the biting wind, the library doors groaning closed behind them. Snow blanketed the Sanctuary in soft white, the golden lanterns casting long, trembling reflections across the courtyard.
It looked beautiful. Too beautiful for a place like this.
Jin's heart twinged. Despite everything the Sanctuary had done… the sight of children laughing and playing in the snow stirred something deep. A fragment of innocence. A shard of what they once were.
Maki slowed beside him, her breath forming soft clouds in the air. Her gaze drifted to the children. It felt like a memory; they were those very kids a few years ago, eager for their first training.
In silence, they pulled their dark straw hats low, the wind whipping around them.
Then, like ghosts, they vanished into the white.
#
Emma sat at her desk, the room dimly lit by a single candle. Her quill moved across the paper, documenting each student's progress. Over the years, they had all shown potential. Their final trial was upon them.
Yet, in all her years of overseeing these students, one group had caught her attention, and not just hers. Even the other instructors had whispered about them. They were a group unlike any other, known for their strength, cunning, and sheer unpredictability.
She pulled open the drawer of her desk and picked a scroll. The noise of the younger students playing outside grated on her nerves.
"I wish they'd grow up already," she muttered to herself, frustration lining her voice.
The scroll she held was more than just a list of names. It contained the details of the most notorious group of swordsmen and women the Sanctuary had ever seen. Their leader, Hades, had always intrigued her, ever since their fateful encounter during the scarecrow exercise years ago.
Hades and his group had launched an attack on the Sanctuary after the death of Lily's father. A bold move on their part. The aftermath had been chaotic, and though they were punished, none were ever expelled.
She unfurled the scroll, her eyes scanning the details.
Bon:
Nickname: None. No one cares about him.
Special Talent: He's a stylish fighter with skills that catch the eye. Nothing else.
Blade: Jisei no Tsurugi—A blade that reflects the mastery of one's emotion, remaining steady in the heat of battle.
Powers: First
Harold:
Nickname: The Gentle Giant—Though big, he's lovable.
Special Talent: Extraordinary coating abilities, almost on par with Hades when using his gift.
Blade: Mountain Crusher—A gigantic sword rumoured to destroy buildings in one swing and demolish hills with two.
Powers: First and Second.
Maki:
Nickname: The Swift Sparrow. Her movements are as unreadable as a sparrow's flight.
Special Talent: The ability to read her opponent's movements and deceive them in battle. Her fighting style is one of wits and confusion.
Blades: Eir and Járn—A pair symbolising the duality of restraint and strength; one blade offers mercy, while the other delivers unyielding force.
Powers: First and Second.
Levi:
Nickname: The Black Assassin. Known for flipping the tables by hunting down instructors and his fellow students.
Special Talent: A master of stealth with exceptional control over his lifeforce, making him nearly invincible. An unreadable character, which makes him a foe to be reckoned with in battle.
Blade- Umbra- A sword that moves through the darkness, its wielder unseen, delivering fatal blows from the shadows.
Powers: First and second
Krissy:
Nickname: None. She dislikes it.
Special Talent: Knowledge of nearly every blade and sword technique, with a counter for everyone.
Blade: The Sword of Perfection—A blade representing ultimate mastery, embodying the culmination of all fighting techniques.
Powers: First.
Lily:
Nickname: The Dancing Demon or flower, depending on who answers
Special Talent: Her extraordinary speed surpasses that of even Hades and the other instructors. Her swordplay is surreal, like fighting a dancer and also unpredictable like a drifitng petal, each movement faster than the last.
Blade: Tenkū Kiba—A blade said to be as swift and sharp as the wind, cutting through the air with ease. sword belonging to her father.
Powers: First and Second.
Jin:
Nickname: Demon Slayer—A title earned after he once challenged Lily and Hades and won.
Special Talent: Jin's thirst for knowledge surpasses all others. He knows the history of every blade ever known to man and the strengths and weaknesses of every person in the Sanctuary after seeing them fight once. He also hides his own weaknesses expertly. But that wasn't his only trait, other instructors had noticed his love for becoming a blacksmith, and his talent in it as well
Blade: Noble Bow—A blade that strikes with the precision and reach of a bow, symbolising the wielder's lofty purpose and ability to manipulate any battle to their advantage.
Gift of the Shattered Edge: He awakened this power two years ago during a fight with Hades. This was when he claimed victory over the two demons.
This gift manifests in the wielding of weapons—both his own and those of others. Jin's gift is not simply one of control, but of disruption. He does not merely command weapons but fractures the connection between the user and their tool. He could also duplicate the weapon at will, a maximum of ten.
Powers: First, Second and Third.
Hades:
Nickname: The Devil's Child, The Number One (depending on who you ask).
Special Talents: Quick thinking in battle, making him a formidable opponent in the game of wits.
Blade: Cordeis—A simple blade with no special attribute tied to it. The only thing known about it is that it was once wielded by a loving knight.
Gift of Wrath: Born with it. Little is known, but it summons a beast in the sky and increases Hades' lifeforce. Recently, it was discovered that this gift could also cause natural disasters.
Powers: First and Second.
Emma rolled the scroll back up, her fingers lingering on the parchment for a moment longer than necessary. "At the end, none of it matters," she whispered. "I want to believe more in Luca than Sakura. We've done our part, all that's left to do is hope"
#
Lily walked with the others, munching on corn. Nothing beats a hot breakfast in the biting cold. Unlike the others clad in dark, sombre attire, she sported a bright, colourful outfit adorned with small bells that jingled with each step.
Her eyes flicked toward Hades, offering him a bite.
"I'm good," he replied. His long hair had grown back, falling in loose strands down his shoulders. He had sworn off cutting it again, claiming it was too much of a hassle.
Lily walked forward while facing him. "Come on, it's just a bite," she said, eyeing the others who kept silent. "What's with the gloomy mood? It feels like we're heading off to war."
Harold coughed, the reason being quite obvious: he wanted to prevent the instructors from launching any surprise attacks. He had changed, now towering over the others, his size nearly four times what it had been. A massive claymore hung from his back, a weapon only he had the strength to wield.
Lily sighed, linking arms with Hades, who didn't seem to care. "So, we're meeting the divine swordsmiths today, right? I wonder what the issue is this time."
Bon, walking behind them, crossed his arms and whispered, "Maybe it's because you rejected their weapon and kept your father's sword."
"Seriously? No way! What are we going to do, Hades? Help me!" She threw a tantrum, shaking Hades back and forth as she panicked while his face remained cold and unchanged.
She relaxed, crossing her arms back with Hades."Well, not like I care or anything, but you all are still way too gloomy."
Levi, his hand wrapped in bandages and half his face concealed by a mask, whispered. "It's not like we're going off to have fun, are we?"
Lily spun around to face him. "You're right, but still, crack a smile once in a while."
As they passed the library, they ran into Jin and Maki
Jin yawned, scratching off the dirt in his eyes, only to squint at the sight of Lily and Hades walking arm-in-arm. You've got to be kidding me, can't a single guy enjoy his moments in peace?
Hades caught Jin's gaze, and they exchanged cold stares.
"What're you looking at?" Jin muttered with a groan.
"You look horrible"
Jin smirked. "Oh, I had no idea. Thought I was killing it with this princely look. Maybe I should've put on more makeup."
Maki stepped between them, stretching her arms out. "Not here, you two. Come on, act like adults."
Lily threw her half-eaten corn between them. "Come on, Maki! Where's the fun in that? Fight, fight, fight!"
Maki sighed, though she wasn't particularly surprised, it was Lily, after all.
Hades, on the other hand, had grown tired of the dilly-dallying. "Where's your sword, Jin? You're not planning to fight bare-handed, are you?"
Jin raised his arm, and his blade flew into his hand with a thud. It was a finely crafted sword, long and elegant. "Let's make this quick. I've got sleep to catch, she's a slippery bastard these days."
"That joke was so bad it made my skin crawl," Hades said with a little smile.
Jin returned the gesture, but his wasn't actually pleasing. "At least I don't look like a depressed widower who only has his sword for company."
Lily blinked. Wait, but I'm not dead.
Hades chuckled. "Your sword skills are so amateurish, I almost feel sorry for you. You won't last ten seconds in the final test."
Jin stepped closer, glaring. "Want to keep talking? Or should we let our blades do the talking?"
Hades, undeterred, smiled. "The latter"
Lily quickly finished her corn, wiping her hands before patting Hades on the shoulder. "You've got this, Hady. Remember what I always say, aim for under the belt"
He stared at her, wishing he hadn't heard that.
Maki leaned against the wall, exhausted. Ever since Jin had unlocked his gift, the two had been sparring relentlessly, even at the most inconvenient times.
The Gift of the Shattered Edge allowed him to command the will of any blade or weapon, whether forged by man or celestial hands. No one was surprised when Jin received such power; his obsession with making weapons grew, and so did his thirst for battle.
When they were younger, rumours circulated about them. Jin had completed an encyclopedia on every type of blade he could find in the library.
He was always the outgoing type who sought knowledge about everything, and he never enjoyed fighting. Yet, he ranked among the top three strongest in the sanctuary. Maki admired him from a distance; it wasn't love or anything close to it, just respect.
Out of the remaining students, she could confidently say that if anyone was capable of stopping Hades in his devil form, it was Jin.
She wasn't finished with her thoughts when she opened her eyes to a colourless, snowing world. Here they go, again.
Hades stood firm, deflecting Jin's flying sword effortlessly with a single swing of his blade. "Too slow, Jin."
Jin yawned, crossing his arms lazily. "G-Give a guy a break, will ya?" He lifted a finger. "I'm just warming up."
Right before Hades' eyes, Jin's sword split into two. Hades quickly adjusted, swinging in an arc to deflect both blades. But then three swords appeared, then four, then five, surrounding him like a deadly swarm.
"Don't get hurt now," Jin whispered with another yawn.
Lily watched, her fists clenched with excitement, while the other boys let out exasperated sighs. Bon, however, was frozen in time, frowning.
Hades blocked every strike, gritting his teeth. Even in this parallel space, the speed of each blade was high. Jin had the power to multiply swords and control them effortlessly. If my will wasn't strong enough, he'd take over my blade too. Who in their right mind gave a monster like Jin this kind of power?
Jin smirked, noticing the weariness in Hades' movements. "Getting tired, buddy?"
With one powerful swing, Hades knocked away all the blades, but he knew they'd be back. He had only seconds to act. Without hesitating for a second, he tapped into a fragment of his gift energy and dashed toward Jin, tearing through the space like paper.
Jin summoned his blade, gripping it with a smirk. "Alright, let's do this head-on."
Their fiery lifeforce mixed with the snow was about to cause a burst reaction, one that could result in a snowstorm right in the sanctuary.
Just as their swords were about to collide, Harold stepped between them, catching both blades in his massive hands. His energy flared, and the force of their combined attack spiralled in a whirlwind of white.
Jin let out a laugh. "Guess we went a little overboard, huh?"
Hades nodded. "Yeah, time to call it a day"
Harold exhaled, sweat dripping down his brow. Damn, was it worth it to get extra weights.
Lily smacked Hades on the head, another corn stuffed in her mouth. "I told you to fight him, not destroy the sanctuary, you idiot," she mumbled.
Hades, rubbing his head, glanced at her. "You took another?"
"Who has a single corn for breakfast?" she replied.
Krissy arrived, panting as she adjusted her glasses. "There you guys are! Just find the source of all the ruckus, and it's easy to find you all," she said, noticing Harold, and straightening up before turning away. "Yeah, the sensei is asking for you all. We don't really need to be disobedient, you know?"
Harold puffed out his chest and crossed his arms around her with a grin. "Did you see? I stopped Jin and Hades' attacks with my bare hands!"
Krissy raised an eyebrow, glancing at his palms, which were bleeding a bit. "G-Good job?"
He flexed his muscles, leaning closer. "Come on, that deserves a kiss, correct?"
Krissy adjusted her glasses and pushed his face aside with a hand. "You need medical attention. Come on." She tugged him along. "We'll catch up with you guys later."
As Harold and Krissy walked away, Lily pouted at Hades. "Why aren't you like that?"
Hades looked away. "Because I'm not Harold. Why would I be? It's not like we're getting married or anything. Let them enjoy their—" He trailed off, noticing her blank expression. "What's wrong with you? You're too old to be acting like this, you know."
Without a word, Lily turned and walked off, leaving Hades confused yet again. He hated dealing with stuff like this, especially when they had more pressing matters, like the final exams.
"Let's go, Maki," Jin said, walking off with her, leaving the others behind.
Bon groaned. "We're gonna die single, Levi," he said, resting his head on Levi's shoulders. "Unfortunate, very unfortunate"
Levi rubbed his head. "Actually, I'm planning to get married soon," he muttered.
Bon jerked up, shaking Levi. "What?! Who is she?"
"One of the girls from the House of Quell. The ceremony's a week after Harold and Krissy's."
Bon slumped, depression sinking in. "You traitor."
"Huh?"
Bon shook Levi more violently. "You traitor! How could you leave me like this? We swore we'd die single! We don't need women!"
Tears welled in Bon's eyes as he mourned his lonely fate.
Hades watched the two, feeling a nerve twitch. "Alright, enough with the drama, boys. We've got a meeting with some celestials "
#
Hades stared at Emilia, who knelt farther from him than usual. Something felt off. Everyone was on the ground, heads bowed, eyes firmly averted from the instructors standing above on the second floor.
Luca tapped Sensei's shoulder, signalling him to speak. Sensei shook his head before addressing the students below.
"Some of you were late," he said, his eyes flicking to his clock. "Even after I specifically ordered early arrivals. But… as long as you made it before our guests, I'll turn a blind eye." He looked up. "And here they are."
Luca sighed. He had hoped Sensei would offer some encouraging words before their final exam tomorrow. But maybe that's what he planned for that day.
The clouds above parted, revealing a brilliant golden light that poured down into the snowy sanctuary. The younger students' eyes widened in awe at the sight, while even the villagers below marvelled at the display. The golden rays shimmered with glitters of light, creating a walkway in the sky.
Descending from this heavenly glow was a small girl clad in a white garment, with a golden ring clasped around her neck. Behind her, a circular halo of light hovered. Her hands were folded in prayer, eyes closed in silent reverence like a lost angel, mistakenly wandering into the mortal realm.
Beside her walked an older man, his long twisted white beard decorated with tiny golden bells. His robe, also white, was adorned with intricate golden embroidery. A large ring encircled his neck as well, and like the girl, a radiant halo floated behind him.
Knights in glowing armour, their faces obscured by helmets, followed closely behind them.
"Wonderful," Sensei whispered, eyes twinkling with admiration. His breath caught in his throat. When they first arrived, he almost fainted from pure admiration and awe. The celestial swordsmiths, beings who communed with the Supreme Being himself, were now before them. To be in their presence was simply spectacular.
The girl opened her golden eyes, stars seeming to twinkle within them as she surveyed the area. With a soft sigh, she turned to face Sensei.
Overcome by awe, Sensei fell from his seat and collapsed to the ground, bowing. "Oh, mighty Celestials, we have awaited your arrival."
The other instructors followed suit, falling to their knees and praising the visitors.
Hades felt the animosity among every student. Seeing their masters praise other beings was something they couldn't stand. Yet, intervening would only prove their disloyalty to the sanctuary. So, they stayed quiet.
"Master Lucifer," the girl whispered, "I still don't see why I had to come here."
The older man, Lucifer, remained quiet, his arms crossed behind his back. "Silence, child."
The girl bowed her head, apologising before her gaze shifted to the kneeling students. Her eyes fell on Hades, and for a brief moment, she peeked into the dark presence that lingered within his shadow.
"Master, that man…"
"Yes," Lucifer murmured. "I am aware."
He turned his attention back to Sensei. "Rise, devout followers of the Supreme Being."
They got to their feet while Sakura helped the sensei back into his chair.
"I trust your students are benefiting from the swords?" Lucifer asked, his voice calm but commanding.
"Yes, yes, as always, we are eternally grateful for the Supreme Being's generosity in allowing us access to his divine inventory," Sensei stammered.
The girl, Luciela, stepped forward. "Those weapons should be treated with utmost care. The materials used to craft them are as rare as true dragon scales."
Lucifer chuckled. "The child speaks the truth. Treat those weapons as though your lives depend on them, for one day, they just might." He turned to Luciela with a raised brow. "Dragon scales on a blade? Intriguing, child."
She smiled, eyes gleaming with pride. "If you can forge a sword from the life force of a giant serpent, anything is possible, right, Master?"
Lucifer gazed up at the softly falling snowflakes, each one descending with perfect grace. "Naga wasn't always a giant serpent. She was a fallen celestial, one who delved into forbidden science and became the very monster our people despise. I merely did what was necessary."
"Truly amazing, Master," Luciela said in awe.
One of the guards approached, carrying a small box. He opened it, revealing a blade wrapped in thick, dark cloth.
Lucifer reached inside, lifting the blade high into the air. "Tomorrow, you shall be tested by our king himself. If you pass, you will become his loyal warriors. You should take pride in this rare opportunity," he declared. "Now, raise your heads."
The students obeyed, their eyes lifting to meet the majestic figures before them. Though the Celestials' life force was faint, it brimmed with an overwhelming, quiet power—enough to make the air feel heavy with their presence.
"With the power granted to me, I will mark you for your final trial," Lucifer said as he raised the blade and swiftly slit his wrist. Blood spilt, but the wound healed instantly, leaving no trace.
Suddenly, the students convulsed in pain, their bodies writhing as if something inside them was being torn apart and set ablaze. Yet, after several excruciating seconds, the pain vanished as quickly as it had come.
"Within your souls bears the mark of our king," Lucifer said aloud. "From this moment forward, you are his property."
He turned, ready to leave, but his gaze lingered on Hades. The gift of wrath. How unfortunate, he thought. There are only two students who possess a gift. Not bad, but nothing extraordinary. However, knowing that one of the five fallen angels was here made this situation much more interesting
Lucifer smirked to himself. Their master has acquired a powerful pawn. But just as he turned to walk away, a sudden shift in the air caught his attention. Something playful, yet ominous, filled the space. His expression darkened, his eyes narrowing as he searched the distance for the source, his face frightened.
"Master, is anything wrong?" Luciela asked.
"No child, it must've been my imagination"
"May I ask what it was?"
Lucifer remained silent. For a moment back there, he felt a presence similar to the Demon Lord. The energy was so great, no one else could notice it. He wasn't certain, but it was something his master had to know about.
Meanwhile, Hades pressed his chest. The pain was gone, but the sensation of the mark lingering inside him was unsettling.
Luca stepped forward, commanding the other instructors to escort Sensei back to his quarters while dismissing the students to prepare for the next day's trial.
Hades stood, scanning the area. His eyes darted around, searching for Lily, but she was nowhere to be found.