I sat in silence, lost in thought.
Calling humanity's situation bad felt like an understatement.
What remained of us had shrunk into a fragile circle. Each of the Four Families guarded a front, their strongholds forming the last walls between survival and extinction.
But the Brown family's front… it was collapsing.Their lines were breaking one after another, folding in like dominoes.If this continued, their stronghold would fall, and when that happened, the circle would shatter.
And once the circle breaks… humanity breaks with it.
The sudden withdrawal of the Browns from the frontlines could only mean one thing: a mission.The same one they'd been whispering about for weeks.
And I had a feeling I knew exactly what kind.
Sure, I was strong for a Sixth-Stage Sinner—but strength alone wasn't enough against demons.
According to the records, demons are categorized into three known ranks:
Knights — what most call "demons." Individually weak, but their numbers are overwhelming.Cannon fodder—but deadly if underestimated.
Counts — powerful. Each one the equivalent of a Sixth-Stage Sinner. Rarely appear in large groups, but when they do, entire battlefields vanish.
Marquises — intelligent, cunning, and devastating. On par with a Fifth-Stage Sinner. Some can even speak.Rare, but catastrophic.
There are rumors of higher beings among them. Something, or someone, who commands the demons. Because monsters don't organize themselves this well.
I closed my eyes for a moment.
Sleep took me before I realized it.
"Student Roy," the AI's voice echoed softly through the room, "your class will begin in 30 minutes."
It paused, then added,"Your uniform is in the closet. Please wear it while on academy grounds."
I groaned, dragging myself upright.No dreams. Not since reaching Stage Six.Maybe I needed more control.
Sure, I could enter my dream world at will, but I needed other dreams to expand it.
After a quick shower, I put on the uniform: silver trousers, a jet-black shirt, and a black cape marked with class colors.
Functional. Not bad.
I opened the map on my smartwatch, a yellow marker blinked, a timer counting down.<5 minutes until class starts>
The walk would take at least ten.A short distance, sure.Just not short enough.
Students rushed past me, casting confused looks.I walked at my usual pace.
Whether it's two minutes late or ten, late is late.
By the time I reached the classroom, the digital letters above the door read:"The Black Class."
I pushed the door open.
Eight pairs of eyes turned toward me, sympathy written on all of them.For a second, I thought I had the wrong room.
Then came a tired voice.
"Student Roy, you're late. I assume you have a good reason?"
Grace.Arms crossed, gaze sharp enough to cut through steel.
I met her eyes. "I Got lost."
A pause. Then:"Is that so. Regardless, you'll receive punishment later. Take your seat."
Her uniform was neat, dark, and far too formal.
The only open seat was in the front row by the window.
I sat.
Six students. two girls, four boys. Silent. Watching.
The girl beside me stood out immediately, red hair like fresh blood, pale skin, eyes blue enough to freeze you. The scars across her hands said more than words ever could.When she caught me looking, she gave a short nod, then turned back to Grace.
Grace's voice cut through the room again."Since someone was late, I'll repeat myself."
"In two days, each of you will face a top-ranking student in a one-on-one evaluation. Your performance will determine your mission assignments. The Black Class must not meet expectations—it must rise above them."
I felt irritation crawl beneath my skin.I'm starting to hate this place.
She continued,"During your time here, I'll instruct you in advanced combat, military protocol, and tactical operations. You'll also study demons, their behavior, strengths, and weaknesses."
"You may visit one of the Four Towers for consultation or personal instruction, but joining them is forbidden."
The next thirty minutes dragged by like years.
When class finally ended, I stood to leave.
"Student Roy," Grace said without turning."For your tardiness, and for lying to your instructor, your punishment is this:"
"You will face this year's Rank One."
Her eyes flicked toward me, sharp as blades."And remember, there are cameras across the entire academy. I trust you'll behave."
Then she walked off.
I blinked at the empty air.