---
The bell chimed, signaling the end of another lesson. The new teacher of Class B, Selvaria Nocturne, descended from the podium, her eyes calmly surveying the class. No one suspected her true identity, except for two people.
Kuro and Rei sat silently, observing her every move. Despite her calm demeanor, they could feel a subtle pressure in the air. Selvaria concealed her magical power, but not completely. It was controlled... like a predator hiding its fangs.
Ryuto was casually talking to Lucien, the new transfer student who was also a demon. With his friendly smile and trusting tone, Ryuto treated Lucien just like any other classmate.
"Hey, Kuro," Ryuto called out, waving him over. "Come join us."
Kuro glanced at Rei. She gave a slight nod.
His expression neutral, he walked over.
Lucien offered a small smile. "Kuro, right? I've heard you're strong."
"Me?... No. You shouldn't believe rumors," Kuro replied curtly. "I'm ordinary."
Ryuto laughed. "So effective, huh? You're as usual. Anyway, Lucien's new here, man. I think we should make him feel welcome."
Lucien tilted his head slightly. "Thank you, Ryuto. I appreciate it. And you, Kuro—you don't talk much, do you?"
Kuro looked at him with unreadable eyes. "Words aren't always necessary."
Lucien gave a light laugh. "That point is true."
Just then, a knock sounded from the corridor. Selvaria entered again, and her sharp gaze fell upon Kuro.
"Kuro-kun, come to my office. Now."
---
**Selvaria's Office – Later That Day**
Kuro sat in a chair, hands loosely folded. Selvaria stood by her desk, her fingers steepled.
"Kuro-kun," she began, "why are you hiding your true magical power?"
Kuro blinked slowly. "Huh?..."
She smiled faintly. "I've read the battle report between you and Saria-san. You won. You should be in Class A, not B. So, what's the reason?"
Her voice was calm and calculated. "Because proving myself is pointless, Sensei. I don't want to be surrounded by people who care. Those kinds of students... they bully the weak. If I stand by them, I'm no different."
Selvaria narrowed her eyes and nodded. "I see. That's a surprisingly human answer."
She turned towards the window, her thoughts racing.
*Kuro... He doesn't seem like a threat. An orphan, a traumatized victim... He seems to hate demons, but shows no hostile signs. No reports of magical abnormalities. His background is clear. Saria and Alisa trust him. That leaves only one... Ryuto.*
As if on cue, the door opened.
"Excuse me," a voice said.
It was Council President Alisa.
"Selvaria-sensei, these are the documents you requested from the Battle and Academy Surveillance Department."
Selvaria nodded. "You may go now, Kuro-kun."
He stood up. As he passed Alisa, she smiled at him. Kuro gave a short nod.
Once the door closed, Selvaria turned to Alisa.
"Miss Alisa... what do you think of that boy, Kuro?"
Alisa seemed thoughtful. "He appears emotionless... but I feel he has kindness buried inside him."
Selvaria nodded and flipped through the reports.
She noticed that Alisa and Ryuto had recently fought demons together. But there was no mention of Kuro or Rei. She concluded there was no suspicion.
Alisa had authority, yes—royal blood. But she could be useful. Ryuto alone... his background is unknown.
And then she turned to another report—classified. Title: Shujin, The Darkness Lord.
It was time to look into that one now...
---
**That Night – Rooftops of Valerion**
Moonlight bathed the academy. Selvaria and Lucien stood atop a building, their robes rustling.
Selvaria spoke first.
"Noticed anything unusual among the students, Lucien?"
Lucien replied, "Ryuto is... interesting. Even suspicious."
"And Kuro?"
Lucien shrugged. "He's a quiet kid. No need for concern."
Selvaria smiled knowingly. "We shall see about that."
With a flick of her fingers, a shimmering magical surface appeared, showing Kuro walking alone through the academy hall.
And then—a sound. A soft meow.
A black cat appeared before Kuro.
Selvaria watched with interest. *Let's see how kind you really are.*
Kuro knelt and gently reached his hand toward the cat. The cat turned and looked back at him, seemingly beckoning him to follow.
Kuro followed.
Finally, the cat led him to a dark, silent alley and stopped, transforming into a demon under a shadow.
"You're mine now, boy," the demon whispered softly.
Kuro feigned fear, stepping back. "Wh-what…?"
The demon approached.
Kuro, pretending to be terrified, unleashed magical attacks against the demon, but they had no effect.
Then... a streak of light.
A blade pierced through the demon's heart.
Ryuto emerged from the shadows, his hand glowing with pure magic.
"So weak," he muttered.
Lucien watched through the surface and smiled. "Told you. He's just a scared kid."
Selvaria nodded. "So then... Ryuto is our only suspect."
---
**Aftermath**
Kuro trembled, breathing heavily.
"Ryuto... you saved me... I would have died otherwise."
"I saw you walking," Ryuto answered.
"Why are you here?"
"I couldn't sleep. Came out for some fresh air... and then a cat—"
He stopped.
Both suddenly felt it—a dark magical aura from the west.
Lucien and Selvaria noticed it too.
Ryuto looked determined. "It's dangerous. You should return to your dorm, Kuro."
Kuro asked. "What about you?"
Ryuto smiled. "Don't worry. I know who I am."
And he flew off towards the source of the aura.
Selvaria and Lucien also followed the aura.
In a distant location, Rei stood shrouded in shadows, releasing Shujin's clear, powerful aura.
Back at the academy, Kuro smiled.
"Well done, Rei."
"Kuro-sama?"
"Let's go back to the dorm, Rei. I'll get you a pet later."
"Yay~!"
Kuro's eyes turned cold.
With a wave of his hand, his uniform vanished, replaced by his dark robes.
The Darkness Lord was standing once again.
"Everything is going as I planned... It's time to make a move."
---
✦ **To Be Continued...**