Federation Year 216, December 25th. Snowfall.
The sky above Valerion was gray like slate, snow falling silently over the capital. The students of Ironwood Academy sat in their classrooms, studying as if it were any other day.
In Class B, Kuro sat by the window, his dark eyes half-closed, watching the snowfall outside become a blur. Rei sat silently behind him, her presence like a shadow. Saria and Ryuto were bent over their books, whispering.
"It's strange…" Ryuto murmured, watching the thickening snow. "Normal for winter, but still odd. Even the weather feels heavy."
Kuro's gaze didn't move from the window. "It's not the snow you should fear, Ryuto."
At the same time, in Class A, Princess Alisa was diligently studying her texts, but her heart was restless.
---
The Royal Announcement
Suddenly, the clear crystals embedded in the walls of every classroom glowed, and the voice of a noble, amplified by royal magic, echoed through the academy halls.
"All citizens of the Ironwood Kingdom, pay attention and listen well—today is no ordinary day. This day is marked by prophecy and fear. Today, December 25th of the year 216, is declared a Demon Hunt Day. The demons of Velgrith will seek human blood—not just in one kingdom, but in all human nations."
The classroom filled with gasps and held breaths. Saria paled, clutching her chest. Rei's eyes narrowed slightly, and Ryuto gritted his teeth.
The voice continued—
"Take immediate shelter in the four royal sanctuaries of Valerion Castle. Only the protection of the Goddess Elmyria can shield us. The holy barrier will remain strong until the hunt is over."
The academy erupted into chaos. Teachers ushered students into lines, knights on horseback led civilians toward the castle, and Valerion's bells tolled a frightened alarm.
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The Deserted Streets of Valerion
Hours later, the once-bustling city had fallen silent. Shops were shuttered, homes abandoned with snow-covered windows. The only moving figures on the streets were demons. Long, twisted shapes hunted for prey, their laughter a faint, echoing whisper.
But not in Ironwood.
The demons in Ironwood remembered the warning of the Dark Lord Shujin. They dared not openly touch the citizens. But the decree from the Demon Emperor of the demon empire had fallen like a curse.
"Hunt them. Hunt until the human streets run red. Ironwood shall not be spared."
Thus, the nobility of the demon empire crossed over into Ironwood, unable to restrain their hunger.
---
Sanctuary
Within the great stone halls of Valerion Castle, thousands of people huddled under a glowing holy barrier. Priests of Elmyria chanted without cease, their voices a harmonic drone.
Knights with gleaming weapons patrolled the entrance, ensuring no demons could enter.
Among the crowd, Kuro stood silently, his expression unreadable. Beside him, Rei's violet eyes glanced at him, sensing his silence.
Suddenly, Kuro stepped forward. "Sir Knight."
An armored guard turned. "What is it, boy?"
"My friends…" Kuro said, his voice calm but urgent. "Lucien and Selvaria-sensei. They're not here. I'm worried for them."
The guard flinched. "No one is allowed to leave. It's too dangerous—"
Kuro feigned weakness, lowering his gaze. "If something happens to them while I do nothing... I won't be able to forgive myself. Please, let me search for them. I'll take responsibility."
The guard clenched his jaw. After a moment, he sighed and opened a small gap in the barrier. "You have three hours. Return alive, boy."
Rei's eyes narrowed, but she said nothing. "So... the master has decided to change the plan, Kuro-sama."
---
The Hunt
Kuro's footsteps echoed on the silent, snow-covered streets. His skin was pale with cold, but his expression never wavered.
It didn't take long. In a ruined courtyard, Selvaria and Lucien froze as he approached, their eyes wide.
"Kuro?" Lucien whispered. Genuine surprise flashed across his face. "What are you doing here?"
"You… shouldn't be outside." Selvaria's voice was sharp, her hand secretly tightening on her hidden magic blade.
Kuro stopped a few steps away. His face was calm, unreadable. Then—
A blur of motion. A shadow…
---
The Return
Three hours had passed. Whispers rose within the sheltered hall.
"Where is that boy?"
"He hasn't returned yet…"
"Do you think he—?"
Suddenly, the hall's heavy doors groaned open. The crowd turned as a single figure staggered inside.
"Kuro-kun!" Saria breathed out.
His uniform was torn, his body marred with wounds and smeared with blood. He fell to his knees, his voice a faint rasp.
"Lucien… Selvaria-sensei… They're… dead."
The hall filled with gasps and shouts.
"What?!"
"Selvaria-sensei…?Dead?"
"And that new student too?!"
Before anyone could ask more, Kuro's eyes closed, and he collapsed onto the cold stone.
"Quick, call the healers!"
Rei stepped forward, kneeling beside him. Her hands glowed with a faint, controlled dark magic unseen by others. As she pressed against his wounds, her lips curved into a faint smile. "So this is only the beginning, Kuro-sama…"
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✦ To Be Continued...