Snow melted on Valerion's cobblestone streets, and for the first time since the Hunt Day, laughter returned to the avenues. Merchants hawked their wares, children darted through alleys, and the city seemed to come alive, defying its lingering shadows.
The Magic Academy also resumed its rhythm. Students filled classrooms, and their voices spilled into the corridors. In Class B, Kuro sat in his usual seat, his expression unreadable. Beside him, Rei quietly and meticulously copied notes, while Saria sighed and stretched her arms.
"Feels normal again..." Saria murmured, though her voice was tense.
"Normal?" Rei whispered. "On the surface, perhaps."
Nearby, Ryuto let out a light laugh, but his eyes betrayed his concern.
---
Ryuto and the Cardinal
A few days earlier, Ryuto had stood in one of the temple's sanctified rooms. Facing Cardinal Verelius, the golden light from Elmyria's statue streamed down upon him.
"Your power..." the Cardinal stated gravely, "is unlike any other. The Temple believes you to be the Second Summoned Hero."
Ryuto clenched his fist. "...You can't tell anyone about me. If it's revealed, confusion will spread... and Shujin will act faster. Please keep this secret, Your Eminence."
The Cardinal studied him and slowly nodded. "Very well. The Goddess teaches us to trust those chosen by her light. We will conceal your identity... for now."
Before leaving, Ryuto added sharply, "There's something else. We must find the Darkness Lord. He's immeasurably dangerous. Otherwise, he will destroy everything."
The Cardinal nodded. "We will begin the search."
What Ryuto didn't tell anyone—not Alisa, Saria, not even Kuro—was that he had agreed to enter the temple's tutelage.
---
The Grand Cardinal Council
Simultaneously, within the temple's holy stronghold, Grand Cardinal Sarion sat in meditation, his vestments gleaming like flame. A subordinate knelt before him.
"Grand Cardinal Sarion-sama, reports are confirmed. Verelius has spoken with the Second Summoned Hero."
Sarion's eyes opened, gleaming like steel. "But it has not yet been announced publicly?"
The subordinate bowed. "At the Hero's own request."
"...Understood." Sarion's voice was calm, yet the room grew cold. "If he truly bears the Light, we must protect him. But if he falters... he could become more dangerous than the darkness we oppose."
---
The Royal Lineages
Back in Valerion's royal palace, King Arvedis sat on his throne, numerous reports scattered across the table before him. His brow was furrowed, and his golden crown seemed to tilt slightly as if weighed down.
"Missing... hundreds... not just humans, but demi-humans as well," he sighed. "And the dead... too many to count."
Beside him, Princess Alisa laid a hand on his shoulder. "Father, please. Don't bear this burden alone. Let me handle the reports from the southern districts."
Arvedis looked at her with tired eyes, but pride softened his demeanor. "Alisa... you are just like your mother. Very well. Share this burden with me."
Elsewhere, across the sea, the nation of Silverwood echoed with similar grim reports. Under torchlight, Queen Bellatrix, her long silver hair gleaming, tossed a document onto the council table.
"Let me repeat," she said coldly, "more villagers are disappearing. Are the demons testing us? If this continues, Silverwood will not sit idle." Her blue eyes burned with responsibility, reflecting her resolve and weariness.
In Mistwood and Flarewood, emperors and nobles whispered similar fears. Discontent seeped beneath the false veneer of peace throughout Velgrith.
---
Kuro's Silent Message
Upon returning to the Academy, when Kuro returned to his dormitory, he found a letter that had slipped under his door. The seal bore the mark of the Adventurers' Guild.
He opened it and read silently:
To Kuro Velgrith of Ironwood Academy,
The Guild acknowledges your recent hardship and the tragedy concerning your parents. The Adventurers' Guild will continue to provide for your livelihood until you graduate and secure stable employment. May your path be steady. And may your wounds heal swiftly.
– Guildmaster Ardelion
Kuro stared at the letter for a long time, his expression as still as ice. Then, with the faintest of smiles, he murmured to himself.
"...How convenient. They can't see my truths at all."
He neatly folded the letter and stored it away. Wasn't this Guildmaster the same one who had sent a similar letter before...
---
The Coming Exams
Days passed. Lessons grew more difficult, and the instructors more severe. The final exams of the first year loomed closer with each bell toll.
Saria groaned, staring at her book. "We survived Demon Hunt Day... now we have to survive exams? This academy is cruel."
Rei closed her eyes, her voice steady. "They will test our abilities too. In combat... and in discipline."
Alisa turned from her desk, a bright but firm smile on her lips. "Then let's all give it our all. How can we protect the kingdom outside if we falter here?"
Ryuto nodded, his mind far away—on the temple, on the secret he carried.
And Kuro... he sat silently, eyes cast downward, a shadow of amusement hidden beneath his calm exterior. The exams would mark the end of the Academy's first year. For most, it was just a step towards the future. For him, it was merely another mask to wear.
"The world is moving," he thought. "Soon... it will move from my hand."
---
✦ To be continued...