The sun was bright and unforgiving. The Hiloxy students gathered on the training ground—some were chatting, others were already stretching and warming up.
Meanwhile, Haruki, the clumsy boy, just stood there like a tree, yawning.
"Why do we have to get up so early? It's… wait—6 a.m.? Who even invented the morning? I wanna fight him."
Riiki, who noticed Haruki mumbling to himself, walked up behind him.
"Oi. What are you doing?"
Haruki turned his head slowly, stared at Riiki with the deadest, most boring face for five whole seconds, then turned back.
"…Do you think I have something need to do?"
Riiki moved beside him, arms crossed.
"Maybe you could, I don't know… warm up like everyone else instead of standing there like a tree sucking up people's carbon dioxide."
Haruki's jaw dropped.
"HEY! I'm not a tree! …I'm more like a… majestic flower."
Riiki sighed.
"More like a weed."Haruki stare at him "Shut up"
Footsteps echoed across the ground. Yoruto appeared, his presence instantly silencing the students.
He clapped his hands once, and the entire field went quiet.
"Today's training will be divided into six groups. Each group will have five hundred students. Each will be led by one of our three Genius Heroes."
Beside him, a woman stepped forward. Long black hair, wearing a kimono. Her crimson eyes swept across the crowd like blades, and the silence grew heavier.
Riiki leaned toward Haruki and whispered,
"That's Sayoko-sensei. Our swordmaster. One of the strongest… though not stronger than Yoruto. Yoruto's still rank one, Legend Hero, the strongest fighter master and Sayoko Rank Second, Legend Hero. So, don't make a fool of yourself."
Haruki's eyes widened.
"Swordmaster? … She's gorgeous. Beautiful and tall. I'm in love already. Is she single?"
Riiki twisted his face in disgust.
"You're hopeless, Haruki. Are you always like this?"
"Hmmm… I don't know," Haruki answered with a shrug.
Sayoko raised her voice.
"Furuha. Kyosuke. Misora. Step forward."
The three walked up—each carrying their own aura. Furuha, sharp and intimidating. Kyosuke, cold and silent. And Misora, smiling softly, almost too kind for the battlefield.
Haruki blinked, pointing at Misora.
"Wait, wait… who's that? I've never seen this girl with black-and-red hair before."
Riiki adjusted his glasses.
"That's Misora. Rank Third, Genius Hero. Sweet, calm, never gets angry."
Haruki narrowed his eyes.
"…She looks nice. But I bet she's secretly dangerous. The soft ones always wear a mask."
Riiki's eyes narrowed "Don't fall in love after you meet her."Haruki laughed softly "Nah, never"
Yoruto's voice carried across the ground.
"Each of these Genius Heroes will lead two groups. Together, they will sharpen your strength. Now, pay attention."
He gestured toward the three standing before him.
"Furuha will lead Group One and Group Two. Kyosuke will lead Group Three and Group Four. Misora will lead Group Five and Group Six."
The students immediately broke into murmurs.
"Furuha again, huh… she's terrifying."
"Kyosuke? That guy is dangerous."
"We're with Misora! NICE, we are safe."
"Lucky we're not in Group 1, 2, 3 and 4. If we were, we'd get kill by them"
Haruki tilted his head. "Oi, Riiki… which group are we in?"
Riiki adjusted his glasses. "We're in Group Five. With Misora."
Haruki's eyes sparkled instantly.
"Seriously?…Angel group?! Finally, luck is on my side!"
Riiki muttered, "You're hopeless."
The groups quickly spread out across the field. Group Five and Grout Six gathered at the far end, where Misora stood waiting with a soft smile. Her black-and-red hair glimmered under the sunlight, and her gentle aura immediately calmed the nervous students.
"Good morning, everyone," Misora said warmly. "I know training can be tough, but don't worry. We'll take it step by step. Follow my instructions, and you'll be fine."
Haruki's jaw practically dropped. "She even talks like an angel…"
Riiki elbowed him. "Focus, idiot."
Haruki said "Seriously, come one, don't you see that? She's acting like an angel"
Riiki face frown "Remember what you said earlier?" Haruki flash back his own words (The soft ones always wear a mask.) Haruki snapped back to reality "Oh... that was...just my opinion, yeah"
Misora clapped her hands lightly, drawing attention. "Let's start with a simple warm-up. Stretch your arms, legs, and shoulders. No need to rush—just loosen up."
The students followed obediently, except Haruki, who was bending the wrong way.
"Oi, Haruki," Riiki hissed. "That's not stretching, that's… breaking your own spine."
Haruki straightened up, pretending to cough. "It's called advanced stretching. Only professionals know this."Riiki role his eyes "Yeah, a professional of breaking bone"
A few students chuckled. Misora, instead of scolding, giggled softly.
"You're funny, Haruki. But careful, don't hurt yourself."
Haruki froze.
"Sh-she laughed… at my joke?!" He grabbed Riiki's sleeve, whispering, "I've ascended again. Heaven part two."
Riiki smacked his hand away. "Focus before I bury you six feet under."
From across the field, Furuha—leading Group One and Group Two—noticed Haruki making a fool of himself. She clenched her fist, her eye twitching.
"Tch… he's showing off in front of her now?"
She blew her whistle angrily, making her own group flinch in fear. "Faster! You call that stretching? MOVE!"
The poor students of Group One and Group 2 nearly cried.
On the other side of the field, Groups Three and Four gathered in a straight line. At their front stood Kyosuke—arms crossed, his sharp eyes scanning every student. His presence alone was enough to freeze the air around them.
"Listen carefully," Kyosuke said, his tone flat and heavy. "I don't care if you're tired, lazy, or scared. In my group, you move when I say move. If you can't keep up, you know what will happen."
No one dared to breathe too loudly.
"Warm-up. Standard set. Thirty push-ups. Forty squats. Ten laps around the field. Start."
The students blinked. "T-ten laps?!" someone muttered under their breath.
Kyosuke's eyes flicked to the voice. One cold, sharp glance was enough—the student immediately shut up and dropped to the ground to start push-ups.
The rest followed, their movements stiff and rushed.
Unlike Misora's side, where laughter and chatter still floated, Kyosuke's group was silent except for the sound of strained breathing and shoes hitting the dirt.
Kyosuke watched without flinching, arms still crossed. "Too slow If this is your best, you'll die before the enemy even swings. FASTER! Didn't you eat breakfast or what?!"
A few students gritted their teeth and pushed harder out of fear.
On the far side of the field, Groups Five and Six stood in formation. Misora faced them, her smile gentle as always, her tone calm yet confident.
"Good work on the warm-up, everyone," Misora said softly. "Now, we'll move to something more practical. Basic stance and movement—foundation before technique. Remember, if your stance is weak, everything else falls apart."
She demonstrated slowly, sliding one foot back, her arms raised in a balanced guard. "Left foot, steady. Right foot, light. Shoulders relaxed. Follow me."
The students mirrored her movements, though some wobbled and lost balance.
Haruki tried too, but his stance looked more like someone ready to trip over his own legs.
"Oi, Riiki," he whispered, wobbling in place. "Am I doing this right? I feel like a crab."
Riiki didn't even look at him. "That's because you look like a crab. Straighten your back, idiot."
Misora walked past, observing their forms. When she saw Haruki struggling, she stopped for a moment. Instead of scolding, she knelt slightly and adjusted his arm with a soft touch.
"Here, keep it steady like this. Better."
Haruki froze instantly. His face turned red.
"She… she touched my arm. I can't move. I've been blessed."
Riiki facepalmed. "Stop acting like you just got married."
Some nearby students giggled, but Misora only smiled gently, completely unfazed.
Meanwhile, Sayoko moved across the groups, her crimson eyes sharp, studying every student. She paused at Misora's side, watching her group for a moment. Misora greeted her politely with a small nod, but Sayoko didn't reply—just observed quietly, her expression unreadable.
The tension made Group Five students straighten up immediately, their wobbling stances suddenly much more solid. Haruki gulped.
"...Oh crap. She's staring at me. Am I dead? Is this my last moment alive?"
Sayoko's gaze lingered for a second longer before she turned away to check Group Six. The students let out a collective sigh of relief.
"Don't relax just because she left," Misora said gently. "Your stance must be steady even when no one is watching."
Haruki muttered under his breath, "Easier said than done when my knees are screaming."
Sayoko's steps were silent, yet every group she passed felt the weight of her presence. Her crimson eyes scanned movements like blades, missing nothing.
She stopped first at Group One and Two, where Furuha was leading.
"FASTER! Your punch is weaker than a baby! Tighten your grip, twist your hips, and hit like you mean it!" Furuha barked, her voice sharp enough to cut stone.
The students flinched and corrected their form immediately, sweat dripping down their temples.
Sayoko observed in silence for a moment. Her gaze shifted to Furuha, who straightened her posture instantly.
"Your command is strong," Sayoko said calmly. "But don't let your temper cloud their progress. Precision matters more than anger."
Furuha clenched her jaw, biting back a retort, and simply nodded.
Sayoko moved on to Group Three and Four, where Kyosuke stood like a statue, arms crossed, watching his students collapse mid-squats.
"Five more laps," Kyosuke ordered flatly. "Anyone who falls behind will repeat the whole set."
Groans spread across the groups, but no one dared to disobey. They pushed forward with trembling legs.
Sayoko's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Efficiency. Discipline. But don't break them before they learn."
Kyosuke gave a short nod without changing his expression. "If they break here, they would've died on the battlefield anyway."
Sayoko didn't argue, only moved on, her coat swaying behind her.
Finally, she circled back toward Group Five and Six, where Misora's calm, gentle instructions filled the air.
"Breathe evenly. Strength flows best when your mind is calm," Misora encouraged. Her students' stances grew steadier, their confidence returning with each word.
Sayoko stood quietly behind her for a while, watching the difference. Misora's group, though less strict, looked more focused than before.
Sayoko turned away, continuing her silent patrol.
Yoruto clapped his hands loudly, drawing everyone's attention.
"Listen up, all of you!" His tone was sharp but steady. "Today's training has three simple rules:
Rule one: Work as a team. No lone wolves. If you move alone, you're as good as dead.
Rule two: Push your limits, but don't be reckless. Injuries won't make you stronger.
Rule three: Respect your leader's commands. If your leader gives an order, you follow—no questions asked."
He scanned across the groups, his gaze heavy. "Break these rules, and you'll answer to me. Understood?"
The field went silent for a moment, then the students responded in unison, "Understood!"
Yoruto stepped forward, his shadow stretching across the field. His voice cut through the air like steel.
"Listen up. Training will be divided into three games. You win them, you earn stars. Stars decide your ranking, your rewards, and your privileges. Fail…" he paused, letting the silence bite, "…and you'll be repeating drills until your bones break."
A few students exchanged uneasy glances.
Yoruto raised one finger.
"Game One: Hunt the Lesser. Five waves of minor demons, then the wave boss. Survive, and you get stars. Clear all five waves in time, three stars. No deaths? Extra star. Finish faster than expected? Another star. Too slow, too sloppy… you lose everything."
"F-five waves?!" one student whispered.
Yoruto's gaze slid toward him. The boy instantly snapped his mouth shut.
Second finger.
"Game Two: Shadow Maze. A shifting illusion. You must find and destroy three demon cores, then escape. But inside the maze, shadows will copy your faces, your voices, your movements. Attack the wrong target…" Yoruto let his words hang. "…and your team loses stars. Confirm your allies before you strike. Clear all without friendly fire? Bonus star."
Students stiffened, some clutching their weapons tighter.
Third finger.
"Game Three: Boss Gauntlet. You'll fight a Rank-5 Harbiloy—don't worry, just an avatar simulation." His tone was dry, almost mocking. "It won't kill you. It will only break you if you fight alone."
Gasps rippled. Even some leaders' expressions hardened.
Yoruto continued, merciless.
"Defeat it, three stars. Execute a proper team combo, one star. Keep your team alive with fewer than five total knockouts, another star. If you all get wiped—zero stars. And a nice long date with recovery drills."
Silence swallowed the field.
Finally, Yoruto lowered his hand.
"Fifteen stars total. Top teams earn gear access, privileges, and their leaders may skip certain drills. Bottom teams—get punishment. Remember: stars are not for glory. They measure if you fought together. Alone, you are nothing. Together, maybe you survive."
He stepped back, eyes sweeping over the groups like a blade.
"Two minutes. Then the first game begins."
Haruki leaned closer to Riiki, whispering loud enough for half their group to hear,
"Oi… five waves of demons? That's not training, that's suicide with extra steps."
Riiki adjusted his glasses, unimpressed.
"Better than you skipping warm-ups. At least demons don't yawn in the middle of battle."
Haruki glared. "I don't yawn. I… conserve energy!"
A couple of students nearby snickered, but Misora quickly clapped her hands to bring focus back. Her smile was soft, but her voice carried authority.
"Don't panic. Remember what Yoruto said—these games are about teamwork. If we watch each other's backs, we'll be fine."
Haruki put a hand on his chest, sighing dramatically.
"See? Angel words again. We'll be fine, she says. I'm already fine just hearing it."
Riiki smacked the back of his head.
"Idiot, focus. She's not here to save your soul, she's here to keep us alive."
Misora giggled quietly at their bickering but then straightened, her expression turning serious.
"Alright, Group Five and Group Six. Stay sharp. We're not here to lose."
The whistle blew sharply across the field. Dust kicked up as hundreds of students surged forward, weapons ready. Misora raised her voice, calm but commanding.
"Group Five! Watch each other. Move as one. Focus on the demons, not fear."
Haruki squinted at the horizon, his jaw dropping. "Oi… wait, are those… actual demons?!"
Riiki sighed, gripping his sword tighter. "Yes, Haruki. That's why we're here. Focus, idiot."
From the far side of the field, five shadowy shapes emerged, flickering like smoke. The first wave of lesser demons—small, agile, and vicious—charged toward the students.
"Hold your stance!" Misora commanded. She swung her staff with fluid precision, knocking one demon aside effortlessly. The students copied her movements, forming a protective circle.
Haruki yelped as a tiny demon darted toward him. "Oi! It's going for my legs!" He swung his sword wildly, almost tripping over himself.
Riiki rolled his eyes and kicked the demon away with precise timing. "You're supposed to strike, not flail like a windmill!"
Misora moved closer to Haruki, her voice gentle but firm. "Step forward with your left foot. Keep your guard up. Aim for its side, not the air."
Haruki adjusted, stumbling slightly but managing to land a clumsy strike. The demon screeched and dissipated into shadows.
He looked at Misora with wide eyes. "Did you see that?! I… I actually did something right!"
Riiki muttered under his breath, "Barely… don't get cocky."
Misora's calm gaze swept across the battlefield, noting each student's position. "Group Five, protect each other. Group Six, cover the rear. Watch your surroundings—these demons are fast."
From behind, Haruki whispered to Riiki, "Oi… if we survive this, I'm asking her out. Angel smile like that, impossible to resist."
Riiki shoved him forward. "Survive first, idiot. Then you can think about your ridiculous crush."
The students tightened their formation, facing the incoming wave. Haruki gritted his teeth, determined, though his legs shook. Misora's soft but commanding presence held them together.
"Ready?" she asked. "Attack on my count."
"ONE… TWO… THREE!"
The students lunged forward, swords and staffs striking in rhythm. Haruki swung wildly, accidentally hitting a demon and sending it flying into a pile of others.
"Not bad… for a beginner," Misora murmured, almost smiling.
The first wave of demons fell one by one, defeated by teamwork, precision, and Misora's guidance. Haruki panted, wiping sweat from his brow, looking around in awe.
"…We… we actually did it," he gasped. "I think… I think I'm a hero now."
Riiki pinched the bridge of his nose. "You're ridiculous. Don't let it get to your head. The next wave will be worse."
Misora clapped her hands lightly. "Good work, everyone. But don't relax. Wave two is coming. Stay sharp and stay together."
From the horizon, the shadows stirred once again—larger, faster, and more menacing than before. The second wave was about to descend.
The second wave of demons surged onto the field, bigger and faster than the first.
Group Five and Six – Misora's side:
"Stay close! Watch each other!" Misora commanded. Haruki's sword swung wildly again, but this time he managed a clean hit, sending a shadowy demon sprawling.
"Oi, Riiki! Did you see that? I'm improving!" Haruki whispered, puffing out his chest.
Riiki rolled his eyes. "Barely… don't get cocky, idiot. Keep your guard up!"
A demon darted toward another student. Haruki hesitated—then lunged forward instinctively, blocking it just in time. Misora's calm gaze met his, a faint nod of approval barely visible.
"Good," she murmured. "But focus on your stance, not the glory."
Group One and Two – Furuha's side:
Furuha's sharp voice cut through the air like a whip. "Move faster! If a demon escapes, it's on you!"
Her students charged forward, perfectly synchronized. Every strike precise. A demon jumped toward one of the younger students, and Furuha appeared like a shadow, her blade slashing cleanly to stop it.
"Don't hesitate! Hesitation kills!" she barked. Even the strongest demons seemed cautious around her.
One student tried to swing, but Furuha intercepted, striking the demon before it reached him. "You're too slow. Speed and precision—remember that!"
The students flinched, but fear sharpened their reflexes.
Group Three and Four – Kyosuke's side:
Kyosuke's tone was flat, yet the intimidation in it could freeze anyone. "FIVE more demons. Kill them fast. No mistakes."
A shadow demon lunged, and one of the students froze. Kyosuke's eyes narrowed. In one fluid motion, he appeared beside the student, disarming the demon and tossing it aside. "React faster. You hesitate, you die. It's that simple."
His group moved in perfect, silent coordination. No words. No laughter. Just motion—efficient and deadly.
One student muttered, "He… doesn't even seem like he's trying…"
Kyosuke's eyes flicked toward him. One glare, and the student froze, gripping his sword tighter.
Group Five and Six – back to Misora:
The second wave pressed harder. Haruki stumbled but managed to block a demon aiming for Riiki. "Oi… look! I saved your life!"
Riiki smacked him lightly on the back. "You're alive because I wasn't hit yet. Focus."
Misora's voice floated above them like calm water in a storm. "Good. Remember, each strike matters. Don't waste energy, don't panic."
Haruki panted, wiping sweat from his forehead. "…She's… she's amazing. And calm. I… I need to calm too."
Another demon charged. Haruki swung his sword instinctively and—finally—hit with precision, sending the creature crashing into another shadow.
"Good," Misora said softly. "Keep going. You're learning."
Meanwhile, across the field, the leaders' eyes scanned every student:
Furuha noticed a student lagging behind and instantly cut him off, moving to cover the attack herself. Kyosuke adjusted his group's formation silently, blocking incoming demons without a single word. Misora moved calmly among her students, correcting their stances, their swings, their timing.
Haruki couldn't help whispering to Riiki, "Oi… they're all so strong. I… I think I might actually survive this."
Riiki muttered back, "Just survive first. Then you can start dreaming about survival bonuses or your crush on Misora."
The second wave of demons fell one by one. Misora's group worked seamlessly, Furuha's group struck like lightning, and Kyosuke's group executed deadly precision—each side showcasing their leader's style.
Haruki wiped sweat from his brow, still panting. "…I… I think my back hurt."
Riiki groaned. "You're impossible."
Misora clapped lightly. "Excellent work, everyone. But don't celebrate yet. Waves three, four, and five are still coming. Stay focused."
Across the field, Furuha's whistle blew sharply, and Kyosuke's silent command pressed his group forward—they were ready for wave three.
The battlefield braced as the third wave of demons surged closer.
In a dimly lit control room, the soft hum of machinery filled the air. A hologram flickered to life at the center, projecting Haruki on the training ground. Every step, swing, and stumble was captured in precise detail.
Yoruto's sharp eyes followed Haruki's movements closely. "Notice how he shifts his weight even when he's clumsy. There's instinct there."
Sayoko's crimson eyes scanned the projection. "Yes… his form isn't perfect, but he adapts quickly. He's learning with each move."
Yoruto nodded slightly. "Not many students adjust mid-motion like that. His reactions are unusual."
Sayoko remained silent for a moment, then added, "Keep watching. His next move will tell us a lot more about his potential."
The third wave hit like a storm. Shadows twisted and lunged across the field, larger and faster than the previous waves. The students' formation wavered under the sudden onslaught.
"Stay calm! Keep your guard!" Misora's voice was soft but sharp, cutting through the chaos. She intercepted a leaping demon effortlessly, spinning her staff and sending it crashing.
Haruki stumbled, barely catching himself as a demon darted between his legs. "…Oi! That one almost ate my shin!" He swung wildly, hitting two demons in a fluke strike.
Misora's eyes flicked to him. "Good instinct—but focus on precision, not flailing."
Haruki nodded frantically. "…Yes, precision, got it. Flailing optional… maybe not."
A demon lunged at a student to his left. Without thinking, Haruki rushed forward, tripping over his own feet but managing to shove the demon away with his shoulder.
"I'm a hero? I think I'm a hero!" he whispered, chest puffed, wobbling.
Riiki groaned. "Barely alive, maybe. But yes, technically you're a hero."
Misora moved closer, adjusting another student's stance, then glanced at Haruki. "…You are learning fast. Don't stop."
Haruki's face lit up. "…She said I'm learning! Heaven confirmed!"
Furuha's whistle screamed across the field. "Move! Strike! Kill with intent!" Her students became extensions of her blade—swift, merciless, precise.
A massive shadow demon charged, aiming for one of the younger fighters. Furuha was already there, parrying and countering with such speed that the demon staggered back, its form flickering.
"Your timing is slow!" she snapped at a student who hesitated. "Faster! Or die!"
The field seemed to vibrate with the force of her strikes. One demon lunged at another student—Furuha intercepted midair, blade slicing cleanly. "Do not let them breathe."
Kyosuke didn't move much. His cold eyes scanned, calculating, anticipating.
A demon appeared behind one of his students. Kyosuke's hand flicked, and the demon was thrown aside as if it were nothing. "Stop hesitating. Stop breathing wrong. Move."
Every student under him moved like a perfectly oiled machine, deadly and silent. Haruki shivered watching from afar. "…Silent killer vibes… scary."
A pair of demons cornered a small student. Misora's attention was elsewhere, helping another nearby. Haruki froze for a split second, thinking, This is it… I either flail or do something heroic.
He charged, sword out, dodging one demon's swipe, then sliding under the other's leg. With a fluke spin and barely controlled swing, both demons collapsed in shadows, dissipating.
"…I… I actually saved someone!" Haruki whispered, wobbling on his legs. His chest heaved with pride.
Riiki looked at him, expression deadpan. "Barely controlled chaos. But yes, technically, you saved someone. Congratulations, idiot."
Haruki grinned. "I'm learning, I saved someone…I might be unstoppable!"
Misora's calm voice floated over. "Now… stay sharp. Wave four is coming."
Haruki gulped, the adrenaline fading. "…And here I thought surviving wave three would be enough to earn dessert."
From afar, Furuha's sharp eyes flicked to him. "…Showing off in front of her again, huh?" she muttered, voice tight.
Kyosuke glanced at Group Five briefly, expression unreadable. "…Focus on survival, not heroics," he said flatly.
Haruki blinked, muttering under his breath. "Yeah, yeah...whatever."
And as the dust settled for a brief moment, Haruki realized that despite his clumsiness, he was starting to understand teamwork, instinct, and maybe… just maybe… a tiny spark of courage.
Wave Four loomed on the horizon, bigger, faster, and far more dangerous.
The whistle cut across the battlefield like a knife. Shadows emerged again, this time bigger, faster, and more coordinated. Wave Four wasn't just a test—it was a storm.
"Stay close! Protect each other!" Misora commanded, calm as ever. She intercepted a leaping shadow with fluid grace, sending it crashing into a group of smaller demons.
Haruki froze for a split second. "…Oi… that's huge. Did it just grow?"
Riiki muttered, "Yes. They all just got a power-up."
A massive demon lunged toward Haruki and a nearby student. Haruki swung wildly—he misjudged the distance, tripped over his own feet, and crashed into the ground.
"I meant to block it… but okay, I'm alive," he whispered, blinking.
Misora moved quickly, crouching beside him. "…Focus, Haruki. Left foot forward, guard up. You'll survive if you follow your stance."
Haruki scrambled upright, hands trembling. "…Yes… left foot… guard… not falling again… maybe."
A shadow darted past him. He swung—finally hitting with accuracy. The demon dissipated. "…I… I actually hit it clean!"
Furuha's eyes burned like fire. "Do not let one escape! Kill with intent!" Her voice carried across the field like thunder.
A massive demon charged at a younger student. Furuha didn't hesitate. In one swift motion, she sliced through it, then barked at her group, "Cover each other! Hesitation is death!"
One student faltered. Furuha's blade was already there, blocking the incoming demon, slicing cleanly. "…Do not breathe wrong," she snapped, voice low but lethal.
Her students moved like extensions of her own will—speed, precision, terror in motion.
Kyosuke's group stayed eerily silent. One demon lunged, and he moved like a shadow, disarming it effortlessly, then returned to his original spot without a word.
"Stop hesitating. Stop thinking. Move," he said flatly. The students obeyed like automatons, deadly and precise.
Haruki glanced at them. "…Silent assassins… I'm still alive, right?"
Riiki didn't answer. He just tightened his grip on his sword. "Barely."
A demon bigger than any before barreled toward Riiki, who was blocking for another student. Haruki's instincts screamed. He dashed forward, tripped twice, and finally collided with the demon—his sword striking true just as Misora's voice guided him.
"…Oi… I did it again! I'm… unstoppable!" Haruki whispered, wobbling on his legs.
From the far side of the battlefield, Furuha's sharp eyes flicked to him again. "…Still showing off, huh?" she muttered under her breath.
The remaining demons were relentless, but Misora's calm guidance, Riiki's corrections, and Haruki's newfound instincts carried them through. Slowly, wave four fell back, dissipating into shadows.
Haruki collapsed, panting, sweat dripping from his face. "…I… I survived… I think. Maybe…"
Riiki groaned. "Wave five is coming. You'll need more than luck to survive that one."
Haruki looked at the horizon. "…Wave five… the last… I think I might die… but maybe I'll look cool doing it. I'm gonna kick his butt three times and explode"
And on the far side of the field, Furuha's eyes narrowed. "Tch, this idiot."
The final wave loomed—massive, chaotic, and utterly merciless.
The whistle screamed across the field. Wave Five wasn't just bigger—it was relentless. Shadows moved like smoke, twisting and lunging from every angle.
Haruki's eyes went wide. "…Oi… this isn't… training… this is war!"
Riiki muttered, gripping his sword like his life depended on it. "Because apparently, it does. And you're the first target."
The first demon leapt at Haruki before he could even raise his guard. He swung wildly—missed—then scrambled back as the creature's claw raked the air inches from his face.
"…Oi! That was close!" Haruki tripped over his own feet, nearly colliding with another student.
Misora's calm voice cut through the chaos. "Haruki! Footwork! Eyes on the enemy, not the nearest teammate!"
Another demon darted from the side. Haruki spun, swung, missed again, and the creature knocked his sword aside. He rolled to the ground just as a second demon lunged at him.
"…No… no… no…" Haruki squeaked, flailing as he scrambled to stand.
Riiki growled. "You look like a panic-stricken squirrel! Move with purpose, idiot!"
A pair of shadows charged a teammate. Haruki acted instinctively, swinging wildly to block them—but the momentum sent him crashing into another demon. He tumbled across the dirt, barely avoiding a crushing blow.
"…Oi! Lucky, lucky, lucky!" he panted, dusting himself off.
Misora knelt nearby, adjusting his stance. "That was dangerous, Haruki. Don't rely on luck. Anticipate, don't react."
Before he could answer, a massive shadow appeared, larger and faster than the others. Its eyes glowed red, teeth bared. It lunged straight at Haruki.
"…Oi! THIS IS THE END!"
Haruki scrambled backward, tripping over his own sword. The creature's claw swiped past his shoulder, shredding the air. He rolled desperately, landing flat on his back.
Riiki growled from the side. "You're alive… barely. Focus, idiot!"
A teammate yelled as another demon tried to flank them. Haruki lunged clumsily, blocking the attack, but was sent sprawling again. He groaned, wiping sweat and dirt from his face. "…I… I think I'm gonna die…"
Misora stayed close, her calm voice steady amidst chaos. "You're not dying if you listen to me. Watch the flow, stay with your team, don't flail."
Haruki blinked, groaning. "…Flow… right… with the flow… like water… or something…"
Another demon lunged, and Haruki barely sidestepped, hitting its head by accident. It screeched, spinning out of control and knocking over two other demons. Haruki rolled forward, landing in a heap. "…Accidental genius?"
Riiki groaned, facepalming. "No… just lucky and annoying."
The massive shadow circled again, now clearly aiming for him. Haruki's heart pounded. "Seriously please… not me!"
Misora shouted, guiding the group. "Haruki, left! Step left, block, now!"
Haruki lunged sideways, barely dodging. The demon crashed into a teammate instead, who stumbled but remained upright.
"Oi! That… that was too close! My life's flashing before my eyes!"
Riiki smirked despite the chaos. "Congratulations. You're still alive… for now."
The students pressed together, coordinating with Misora's calm commands. Haruki managed to hit one demon squarely, but then slipped in the dirt, landing on his face.
"…I… I think I broke something… maybe my pride…"
Misora crouched beside him, keeping a careful eye on the battlefield. "Good job surviving. That's all you can ask for in this wave. But remember—control your movements, or the next attack will finish you."
Haruki groaned, dusting himself off. "…Control… right… survive… maybe even… still alive…"
The final demons of Wave Five fell one by one. Haruki stumbled, limping slightly, barely holding his sword, but somehow—through chaos, luck, and sheer panic—he survived.
Riiki crossed his arms, looking down at him. "You're impossible. But… alive. That counts as progress, I guess."
Haruki sighed heavily. "…Yeah… progress… just… don't make the next wave harder, okay?"
Misora's calm voice floated over him once more. "Wave Five was the hardest yet. Take a moment, breathe. You're alive, and that matters more than theatrics."
Haruki leaned back against the ground, groaning. "…Yeah… alive… I'll… try to stay that way."
Haruki huffed, leaning against a fallen log, still trembling. "…Oi… alive… barely… but why is everyone else so… coordinated?"
Riiki, still standing tall, gave him a sharp glance. "Maybe because they're not panicking like a squirrel on fire?"
Haruki winced. "…Yeah, maybe… but… I mean… I saw Kyosuke and Furuha moving… like a single unit… scary."
Misora knelt beside him, adjusting a younger student's stance while keeping an eye on the battlefield. "Haruki, watch your teammates. Notice how they cover each other's blind spots, how they move together."
Haruki frowned, squinting at Riiki and the others. "…Cover… blind spots… like… chess?"
Riiki snorted. "Closer to surviving instead of getting yourself skewered."
A shadow darted toward a teammate who was struggling to regain footing. Haruki's sword hand twitched instinctively. "…Oi! I… I can't just watch!"
He leapt forward, swinging—but this time he followed Misora's instructions. Left foot forward, sword steady, eyes tracking the enemy. The demon lunged—and Haruki blocked it just in time, pushing it back into the path of another teammate. The two demons collided and staggered.
"Haha, see that!?" Haruki blinked in disbelief.
Riiki's lips twitched. "Yes. Yes, cool. Now pay attention."
Haruki's eyes scanned the battlefield, noticing how each student adjusted for another, how one's swing covered another's weakness, how even small movements kept the group alive.
"…Oi… so it's not just me trying to survive… it's… all of us…"
Misora smiled softly. "Exactly. Fighting isn't just about individual skill. It's about awareness, support, and timing. You've survived this wave because you acted when it mattered—and you observed your teammates."
Haruki's knees wobbled as he straightened up, puffing his chest slightly, though still panting. "…I… I think I get it. Not just lucky… teamwork… teamwork matters…"
A smaller demon lunged, and Haruki blocked it—not with luck this time, but with careful timing, anticipating its movement while staying aware of a teammate on his left.
"I… I actually did it!" he shouted, barely containing excitement.
Riiki rolled his eyes, suppressing a smirk. "Don't let it go to your head. You're still a mess, but… fine, that counts as progress."
Haruki grinned sheepishly, wiping sweat from his brow. "…Progress… teamwork… maybe next wave, I won't embarrass myself completely…"
Misora's calm voice floated above the battlefield. "Good. Keep your focus on your teammates as much as your own actions. That's how you survive—and improve."
Haruki nodded earnestly. "…Alright… survive… help… not just flail…"
The fifth wave fell completely, and for the first time, Haruki wasn't just breathing with relief—he felt a tiny spark of confidence. Not from luck, not from Misora's gentle guidance, but from seeing how working together actually worked.
Riiki smirked, crossing his arms. "Huh… maybe you're learning something. Don't get used to it."
Haruki huffed, trying to look cool, though his legs were still trembling. "Yeah… maybe… teamwork… makes me… alive… got it."
The fifth wave crashed over the field like a storm. Shadows twisted and surged, larger, faster, and more cunning than any before. Haruki's muscles screamed in protest, every step feeling heavier than the last.
A demon, its form writhing like black smoke, lunged straight at him. Haruki froze for a heartbeat—too late. The creature's claw swiped past his chest, grazing his shoulder. Pain shot through him, a sharp reminder of how close he'd been.
His heart hammered, every instinct screaming. He swung his sword, aiming for the creature—but misjudged its speed, sending his strike harmlessly into empty air. The demon pivoted, targeting a younger student nearby.
Time slowed. Haruki's breath caught. Without thinking, he lunged, intercepting the attack with a desperate block. The impact jolted his arm, and he staggered back, barely keeping his balance. The demon collapsed, toppled by his unexpected timing.
Riiki's sharp gaze met his. No words—just the silent acknowledgment of a close call. Haruki's chest heaved, sweat dripping from his brow. "…That… almost ended badly," he thought, knees trembling.
Misora's calm voice cut through the chaos, precise and unwavering. "Steady, Haruki. You acted—not out of luck, but because you noticed your teammate's danger. That awareness… that is progress."
Haruki's fingers tightened around his sword, a shiver of adrenaline running through him. The battlefield was far from over, but for a fleeting moment, he felt… competent. He had protected someone. He had contributed.
The remaining demons fell under the synchronized strikes of Groups Five and Six. Misora moved gracefully among them, adjusting stances, correcting swings, and ensuring the students' focus never wavered.
Finally, the dust settled. Wave Five had ended. Haruki sank to one knee, chest rising and falling with ragged breaths. The battlefield was quiet now, save for the groans of exhausted students and the faint crackle of fading shadows.
Misora approached, her eyes calm but sharp. "You've done well. This wave tested not just skill, but awareness and coordination. Remember this feeling. It's what separates action from recklessness."
Haruki exhaled slowly, letting his gaze sweep over the field. He didn't feel like a hero. He felt like someone who had survived because he learned to act rather than panic. That… was new. That… was real.
Riiki stepped beside him, arms crossed, silent but approving in his own way. Haruki allowed himself a small, tired smile. The wave was over—but the lesson, and the weight of responsibility, had only just begun.
From the left side of the field, Yoruto stood tall, his presence sharp as a blade under the fading sunlight. His gaze swept over the exhausted students. "Nice teamwork… but not enough. I saw every movement. Reckless, sloppy. Not at the level of a Genius Hero. Little Hero and Middle Hero groups—work harder if you want to survive tomorrow."
He turned on his heel, his coat swaying behind him like a shadow. "Next game begins tomorrow. Return to your rooms. Rest. Recover."
Haruki tilted his head, squinting toward the departing figure. "Huh? Wait… I thought we were going straight into the next game. Now… tomorrow?"
Riiki's arms were crossed as he adjusted his glasses, exhaling slowly. "Do you want to rest, or do you want to collapse on the battlefield?"
Haruki's chest puffed out dramatically. "Of course—rest! Definitely rest!"
Riiki rolled his eyes and started walking away. "Then stop wasting time. Go back to your room and rest."
The students began moving in unison, some limping slightly, others stretching their sore muscles. Dust hung in the air, illuminated by the low sun, giving the training ground an almost ethereal glow.
Haruki followed, swaying slightly from fatigue, his sword slung across his back. "Finally… a break," he muttered to himself, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Tomorrow would be another test—but for now, survival, rest, and recovery were enough.
As he disappeared into the dormitory hallways alongside the other students, the battlefield lay silent, the echoes of clashing steel and shouted commands fading like a storm that had finally passed.