Why are we being trained? For a better future? No. What are we all striving for? Is our main goal to protect the city? Maybe, but no, the real reason is to cleanse the demons and create a world free of problems. That's the true answer. And yet, even the B-class is not included in this, and I don't believe even they are capable of it.

Those with truly good abilities, like heroes, will fight the demons and repel them.

We all receive the same training. It's ridiculous, because people like us are just shields standing next to the higher classes, destined to die pointlessly. Is this what we're being raised for?

I don't agree with this idea, though. Because life has given us a reason to rise…

Despair, stagnation, and, worst of all, making excuses won't make our lives easier.

What was the source of my black flames? Today, I would find the answers to these questions. It's time to stop focusing on foolish things and strive to rise up. I'm tired of being weak! It's time to talk to the guidance counselor again.

-Knock, knock.

• Come in...

• I'm here to ask you a few questions.

• Ah, Kaito, it's you. As I said before, you should speak with your class teacher, and I'm currently a bit-

• This is the guidance counselor's office, correct?

• Yes, but-Then one of your primary duties is to assist me, isn't it?

She put on a weary expression.

• I'm listening, Kaito.

• Look, Sensei, I remember what you said. You told me I would be a C-class peasant, but I don't think so. This academy has given us a purpose to rise, and I'm going to use that to reach the highest level.

• Keep going, kid. You're starting to pique my interest. It seems the scared child is long gone.

• I'm not here to satisfy you! I only came to ask about my magic!

• Your magic was healing, wasn't it? And you were blessed.

• Actually, this isn't about that magic.

• What are you trying to say? Speak clearly.

• When I get angry, I lose control, and when I lose control, I start using black flame magic. And... I'm not the one controlling it. In fact, even my personality changes.

• Black flames? That's impossible, child. Black flame magic is something only high-level demons, even the Demon King, can wield. It's a magic born of hatred, terrifying… You were blessed. This can't be.

• As I said, something is wrong with me. That's why I came to talk to you about it.

The guidance counselor began muttering to herself in a low voice.

• -How could this be? He must be lying, but where would a peasant like him even learn about black magic? It's not in any books... But this situation is strange.

• Alright, child, you did well to come to me. Now, start by telling me everything.

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• Before I explain, I want to make sure this conversation stays between us, and that you'll ensure my safety.

• As I said, even if you committed murder, as long as I don't see it with my own eyes, I can't tell anyone. I'm a guidance counselor; what you tell me is all I'll know.

• Alright then. The first time these flames appeared was on the first day of school, when I saved a little girl. I don't remember the event at all, but my roommate told me about it, and the girl I saved confirmed it. So, I believed it was me who did it.Is that all?

• I think you might be misinterpreting things.

• I thought the same, but on the day of the event, even though it wasn't too clear, I started remembering some things.

• Keep going.

• I don't use the black flames by my own will. It's like someone else is using them. But for the first time, on the day of the event, I was aware. Just before I lost control, I heard a voice, and after that, things went really wrong. I couldn't even recognize myself anymore.

• Yes, I notice the change in your personality. Why did you dye your hair? I don't understand.

• Actually, I realized it after the event ended, when I left the infirmary. I didn't dye it.

• How interesting, child. Now, go. I'll call for you later.

The person who seemed to want to dismiss me suddenly vanished, replaced by someone eager and excited. Things were changing…

• I entered my class. Lina was there, too. I didn't say anything; I just waited for the lesson to end. For some reason, our teacher didn't take her eyes off me throughout the class, and neither did the other students.

After the class ended, Lina left her seat and walked out. I followed her for a while, and then I approached her.

• Lina, wait.

• I told you to stay away from me.

• And I told you that no matter what happens, I will protect you!

There was a brief silence.

• Lina, we need to talk in private. Let's go to the garden.

Under the moonlight in the quiet garden, we found a place with no people.

• I've learned a few truths about you.

• What are you talking about?

She began playing with her hair, her face clearly showing signs of stress.

• The fact that you're an Eldryn. I overheard it. And that your roommate is also your sister.

• Wha- What?! That idiot of a sister! Why did she tell you?!

• That doesn't matter right now. I just want to know why you're in C-class and living like this.

• Things are complicated in our family, so our father wanted to raise us in a way where no one would recognize us. Knowing that much is enough for now, I think.

• Alright. I was only curious about that. But the real question is: who is the person after you?

It was clear she still didn't want to involve me in this.

• Kaito-

• Lina, just tell me who's after you. Let me help. It hurts me to see you like this, and I...

• Fine, it's someone from B-class who likes me and wants to be with me. Even though I've rejected him multiple times, he won't leave me alone. He's always with two others... Kaito, please. They're B-class students. Don't get involved.

She was trying to hide her arm, covering the sleeve with her hand.

• Show me. Did they hurt you?

• Kaito, please…Please, Lina!

She pulled up her sleeve and showed me her arm. That bastard had clearly dragged her.

• LINA, HOW COULD YOU LET THEM DO THIS? THOSE BASTARDS ARE DEAD—tell me where they are, now.

• NO, THEY'LL HURT YOU!

Damn it, it was happening again. The VOICE… I needed to calm down.

I quickly left her side. I had to talk to Ren; maybe he knew who they were. Damn it, the black smoke! It was coming from me. I couldn't control myself.

If I went to them like this, I'd hurt everyone around me. I had to go to the guidance counselor. Fast.

The people around me seemed unable to see the black smoke, but they must have sensed my aura because they were looking at me with fear. I needed to hurry.

A Class A teacher was in front of me.

• Child?

• You need to lock me up. I don't want to hurt anyone, but I'm losing control.

• Follow me.

He grabbed my wrist and dragged me down to the third basement level, where the sphere was supposed to be. But there was no sphere, just the damp, musty air.

• I CHANGED MY MIND. LET ME GO, I HAVE A SCORE TO SETTLE!

The VOICE was growing louder. IT WAS ALMOST TOO LATE!

• Shut up!

The teacher had sealed me in this place. I realized this as I tried to escape but couldn't. I moved back to the center of the area and knelt down.

• Ah, Kaito, you're such an interesting kid, aren't you? Both blessed and cursed, HAHAHA! The moment you touched the orb, I knew it wasn't a mistake.

• Shut up, you pathetic creature! Do you think you have the power to keep me here?

• You're very confident. I like that.

The last thing I remember was making a move toward the teacher. After that... darkness.

That man with the white hair, inside the darkness...