Around seven long years had passed since that fateful day, a day Isaac could never forget, even if he tried. Seven years of nightmares, of sleepless nights, of the hollow ache left in his chest, propelling him toward a single, unyielding goal. Today, at last, was the day he and Karma would set out for Castletown. A long journey awaited them, but Isaac’s gaze was fixed on a future with no path of return.
As they gathered their belongings by the gate, Granny Agatha hobbled out to see them off, a wry smile tugging at her lips. The years had softened her once sharply vigilant eyes, but her words still held the warmth of the only mother figure they’d known.
“Well, it seems today I finally get rid of you two troublemakers,” she chuckled, her voice both teasing and tender. “Always off brawling, pushing each other to the brink. I don’t think the orphanage has seen a moment’s peace since you started training together.”
Karma laughed, shrugging, the mischievous spark in his eyes untouched by the years. “You’re the one who always told us to get stronger. Can’t blame us for putting in the work.”
As they exchanged these parting words, Karma seemed almost unchanged, with the same rebellious, cocky demeanor, his face hidden beneath his usual face mask. Beneath the bravado, though, his movements had grown sharper, his reflexes quicker, honed from years of relentless training. But Isaac was another story.
Isaac’s transformation over the years had been stark, haunting even. The once-bright glimmer in his eyes was gone, replaced by a hollow, vacant stare, as though each day stole a little more of his soul. Shadows pooled under his eyes, deep and permanent, like bruises from a thousand sleepless nights. His hair, once neatly combed, now lay in wild, untamed strands, a reflection of the chaos within. Every gesture he made carried a heaviness, a quiet, simmering rage masked by an unsettling calm. When his hand brushed over the scar on his neck, a souvenir left by Inari’s sword, his fingers lingered, as if remembering the sting of the blade and the vow he made to himself that day.
Granny Agatha’s smile faded as she looked at Isaac. Her voice softened, almost breaking. “Isaac, you’re… so different now. Are you certain, you’re ready for this path?”
He didn’t answer, his gaze fixed on the distance, the world around him a blur. For Isaac, there was no choice. His every thought, every action, had been building to this moment.
“Goodbye, you brats," Agatha called out, holding back a hint of sadness beneath her gruff tone. "The headmaster has gifted you each a teleportation crystal. They’re custom-made just for you two, so don’t waste them. Just break them, and you’ll be brought straight to the academy. And don’t disappoint me—I expect both of you to pass.”
“Goodbye, Granny,” Karma grinned, waving carelessly. “See you never!” he laughed, eyes sparkling with excitement.
Isaac’s voice was low but steely. “I’ll win, Granny. I’ll make sure of it.”
Both of them pulled out their crystals, small emerald stones that pulsed softly, as though alive with latent magic. Karma lifted his mask, hiding his face from view, and bit the top of the crystal with a sharp crack, his expression momentarily serious. Isaac took his crystal and crushed it in his hand, the edges cutting into his skin, leaving faint traces of emerald dust.
In an instant, a brilliant emerald glow enveloped them, the light bursting outward. The world around them faded, replaced by a dizzying rush of colors and shapes until, almost as suddenly as it began, they found themselves standing in the heart of Castletown, blinking in the bright daylight.
The city before them was awe-inspiring, a vast expanse of towering spires, stone-paved streets, and bustling crowds. Other potential students appeared around them in flashes of emerald light, adding to the vibrant energy of the scene. A magical, faintly glowing barrier surrounded the entire city, shimmering in hues of purple and silver, pulsing with a rhythm like a heartbeat. It was a protective shield that enclosed the city in a veil of safety.
The town was a marvel, crafted to support the needs of the academy’s students. To the east, they saw towering dormitory halls, ancient but grand, built with an intricate blend of carved stone and enchanted glass. The western side of the town led to a sprawling forest, thick and foreboding, its shadows crawling with the unspoken promise of danger. The forest was teeming with creatures that lurked within its depths—yet somehow, none ever crossed its border.
Everywhere they looked, the town bustled with life. Shops displayed rare and exotic goods, from spell-infused trinkets to gleaming weapons and armor. Blacksmiths pounded iron into enchanted swords; alchemists sold elixirs that bubbled with faint glows, while the scent of food wafted from nearby restaurants, filling the air with tantalizing aromas.
The upperclassmen had arrived two days prior, and some watched the new arrivals from balconies or strolled around town in their distinctive academy uniforms, their gazes a mix of intrigue and amusement. The city itself seemed alive with magic and mystery, as if welcoming them into a new world, one that promised challenge and transformation.
At the heart of the town stood the school, an awe-inspiring, towering structure that dominated the skyline and stretched impossibly high, vanishing into the clouds above. The tower was massive, each floor like a world of its own, with walls built of dark stone inlaid with gleaming veins of enchanted silver. Magic seemed to pulse through these veins, giving the structure a faint, ethereal glow that flickered like a heartbeat against the stone’s dark surface.
The tower’s exterior was alive with a network of sprawling balconies and grand platforms, each one offering a breathtaking view of the town below and the landscape beyond. Beautiful arches and ornate carvings adorned each balcony, depicting scenes of mythical battles, and legendary creatures.
The tower itself was the size of a fortress, but its structure was elegant, almost regal, with spires spiraling upward, and sharp angles softened by artistic detailing. Tall stained-glass windows reflected scenes of famous heroes from history, their colors dancing with the sunlight. Students flocked to the entry gates, a vast, intricately designed portal that was flanked by colossal statues of mythical guardians, their stone faces carved with expressions of wisdom and power. The entrance doors, plated with enchanted gold, shimmered as they opened, revealing the grand atrium beyond.
Isaac and Karma navigated the bustling streets, heads turning as they passed, whispers of excitement spreading like wildfire among the gathered crowd. Suddenly, Isaac’s shoulder brushed against an upperclassman, the impact hard enough to make both of them halt.
“Watch where you’re going, freshman,” the upperclassman sneered, barely concealing his disdain. Kurt stood a head taller than Isaac, his expression twisted in a mixture of arrogance and annoyance. “Honestly, you newcomers need to learn your place.”
Isaac’s eyes narrowed, their deadened, sleepless look locking onto Kurt’s gaze with a flash of eerie calm. Around them, students began to gather, eager to witness the showdown. A few upperclassmen exchanged smirks, familiar with Kurt's violent nature. The crowd thickened, drawn to the tension in the air, anticipating a brawl.
In particular, two freshman siblings lingered at the edge of the crowd, concern flickering in their expressions. The sister, June, watched with a mix of worry and readiness. Her long crimson hair flowed down her back, and two striking red wings extended from her shoulders, catching the light. Her crimson eyes were fixed on Isaac, every muscle in her body tense and alert.
“Should we help him? This doesn’t look good…” June murmured, glancing at her brother.
Mars, her brother, adjusted his square black glasses, the lenses gleaming. Unlike June, he bore no wings, his features more grounded, with unruly black hair and yellow eyes. He crossed his arms, watching intently as the confrontation unfolded.
“If we stood back doing nothing, both Dad and Uncle would be angry for not helping,” Mars replied, his voice low yet resolute.
June gave a nod, already stepping forward, but then Karma, noticing the siblings, glanced over his shoulder. With a playful grin, he lifted a finger to his lips and winked, signaling them to stay put. The glint in his eyes promised that things were under control.
“Karma, would it be bad if I killed him?” Isaac asked, his tone calm but chilling, as though asking about a trivial matter.
“Yes, you dumbass. Just knock him out,” Karma replied with a smirk, nonchalant as ever.
Kurt’s face twisted in rage. “What the hell did you say?” he barked, throwing a punch with all his weight behind it.
Isaac’s eyes shifted, his demonic eye glowing faintly with a gleaming emerald hue, tracking Kurt’s movements in slow motion. With a calculated sidestep, he dodged the punch effortlessly, the blow swiping harmlessly past him. Without hesitation, Isaac delivered a swift kick to Kurt’s leg, buckling it and forcing him down to one knee. The crowd gasped as Isaac’s foot shot up in a brutal arc, connecting with Kurt’s jaw and sending him crashing to the ground.
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A tense silence lingered over the crowd, eyes wide as they watched Isaac standing over Kurt’s battered form. For a moment, Isaac’s eyes held an unnerving intensity as he looked down. He knelt beside Kurt and, without hesitation, threw another punch, then another, even as Kurt weakly gasped, trying to shield his face. Blood spattered across Isaac’s face, but he was unmoved, lost in some dark focus.
Just then, June pushed through the crowd and unfurled her crimson wings in a graceful arc, blocking Isaac’s next strike. The look in her eyes was serious, almost a warning.
“The fight’s over,” she said firmly. “I get it; he started it. But you don’t need to go this far. He’s already unconscious.”
Isaac froze, caught off guard by her intervention, before he looked over at Karma, his expression unreadable. “Karma, did I take things too far?” he asked, voice steady but uncertain.
Karma sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, dumbass. You scared the whole crowd. I was just getting ready to scam them, maybe charge them for the entertainment. Now I can’t do that.”
Isaac’s gaze softened slightly. “I see. Sorry for ruining your plan.”
June rolled her eyes, feathers rustling as she pulled one from her wing and pressed it to Kurt’s wounds, healing him. “Don’t apologize to him,” she huffed. “Apologize to the guy you nearly turned to pulp!”
Isaac blinked, confused. “What for? He started it.”
“Obviously, because you nearly killed him,” Karma replied, raising an eyebrow.
Isaac shrugged, looking at Kurt with vague disinterest. “But I don’t wanna. Do I have to?”
Karma just snorted. “Honestly, it’s a lost cause. He’s not gonna hear it after being knocked out cold by you, anyway. Besides, it feels pretty nice watching someone else take the hit for a change instead of me.”
Isaac smirked, though a hint of fatigue lingered in his eyes. “You started most of those fights, remember?”
June shook her head, exasperated. “You two are impossible,” she muttered. “Mars, come on; we don’t have time to waste with these two. The entrance exam’s about to start.”
Mars chuckled, waving a casual goodbye. “See you, crazies.”
As the siblings walked off, Karma nudged Isaac. “Alright, enough brooding. The letter said to head to the auditorium, and we’re already running late.”
Isaac gave one last look at the unconscious Kurt before nodding, his usual focus returning. The two of them took off, weaving through the crowd and heading toward the towering school in the distance, ready to face the next challenge waiting inside.
As the duo entered the grand auditorium, they spotted two open seats near the front, only to realize they were right next to June and Mars. The siblings turned as they sat down, with June giving them a resigned sigh.
“Oh, it’s you two again. What a pain,” she muttered, though there was a hint of amusement in her tone.
“Hello there!” Karma replied, voice cheerful and warm beneath his mask. “I’m Karma. It’s a pleasure to meet you two properly.”
Isaac, however, remained silent, his gaze fixed somewhere beyond the stage, not bothering with a greeting.
Karma nudged him with a smirk. “Sorry about Mr. Edgelord here. He’s been a moody bastard for the seven years I’ve known him.”
Isaac shot him a dark glare. “Don’t call me an edgelord, you damned con artist.”
“You two are an odd pair,” Mars observed, studying them with open curiosity. “Are you siblings?”
The word seemed to hit Isaac hard. His expression faltered, eyes darkening briefly as a flash of sadness crossed his face. Karma, catching this, answered quickly.
“Thankfully, no!” he replied with a chuckle. “We just grew up in the same orphanage. He’s been my best friend ever since.”
Isaac rolled his eyes. “I’m your only friend,” he muttered dryly.
“Well, I’m June, and this is my brother Mars,” June replied, gesturing between them. “We’re from the city of Camelot, right at the heart of Álfheimr.”
Karma tilted his head, genuinely intrigued. “Camelot? Sounds grand, but can’t say I’ve heard of it. Not much history or geography got taught in our orphanage.”
The group continued talking, sharing bits of their lives and experiences, growing more comfortable with each other as they exchanged laughs and quick-witted remarks. But their conversation abruptly halted as a shadowy figure suddenly appeared on stage. The man wore a sharp black suit and an odd, theatrical top hat with two eerie eyeballs perched on its brim, likely fake but unsettlingly lifelike. Isaac’s eyes narrowed, he recognized this man from that horrific day when his home was attacked.
“Ahem. Quiet down, everyone,” the man announced, voice rich and steady. But the students paid him little attention, their chatter filling the air.
In an instant, the surrounding air rippled, then condensed with intense energy, as if the entire room had thickened, pressing down on each student like a great invisible hand. A wave of sheer dread flooded the room, silencing everyone in a heartbeat. The students froze, their breaths shallow as they looked toward the man on the stage, their casual defiance replaced by unease.
“Thank you for quieting down,” he said, his voice now gentle yet carrying an undeniable edge. “I am Ashe, the headmaster of Castletown Academy.” He smiled, though the glint in his eyes seemed to hint at something far less comforting.
The silence lingered, students transfixed by the enigmatic man who held their gaze with quiet authority.
Ashe’s sharp gaze swept across the sea of students as he took a step forward, his presence towering. “Now, as you all know, the purpose of this academy is simple yet formidable: to train warriors capable of either becoming the hero of this era or serving as the hero’s crucial allies. But remember—the path you choose is yours to forge. Before we begin the entrance exam, let me remind you all of this academy's motto.”
He paused, voice rising with commanding intensity. “Sharpen thy claws to the best of your ability. If your claws are weak, sharpen your mind. If your mind is weak, sharpen your fangs. Find your specialty—hone it to its utmost. Only then will you become worthy of standing among the legends.”
A murmur passed through the crowd as his words sank in, resonating with the gravity of the challenge ahead. Ashe gave them a moment to reflect, then continued with a calculating smile.
“Now, for the rules of the entrance exam. It will be a battle royale. Each of you will be distributed throughout the forest surrounding the academy grounds. Engage with each other as you see fit; however, should you strike with fatal intent, worry not. The academy has taken precautions, any blow that would otherwise be fatal will instead trigger an emergency teleportation, bringing the student back here unharmed. They'll be healed instantly, safe from any risk to their lives.”
A pause, and then he let his smile widen. “The exam will continue until only ten of you remain.”
The statement unleashed a ripple of shock through the auditorium, erupting into a clamorous uproar. The notion of such fierce competition, only ten to pass from among so many, sent nervous glances and excited murmurs through the students. Ashe raised a hand, his aura thickening as he released a powerful wave of mana that instantly quelled the noise. Silence fell once again as he resumed.
“I will be monitoring every move, and rest assured, I’m not looking for mere survival. I’m looking at how you navigate this test—how you adapt, strategize, and fight. Those who perform well in any respect may earn a spot here. If you choose to fight, your skill and form will be evaluated. If you decide stealth, I’ll judge your ability to evade and outwit. Whether you’re the first one knocked out or the last one standing, so long as you fight with every ounce of your potential, you have a chance to pass.”
With this, Ashe's eyes gleamed as he scanned the room once more. There was a renewed sense of determination on many of the students' faces, the previous anxiety transformed into something sharper, more focused.
Ashe nodded, satisfied. “Those who survive until the final ten will be given a guaranteed pass. Now, there’s one last twist to this exam, which can begin under one of two conditions. The first is when half of you have been eliminated. The second… well, that depends on your luck. Somewhere within the forest lies the sentinel, a professor who will be stalking the grounds. Should you come across him, he will awaken early. He’ll be capped at only ten percent of his true power, but he’ll be in his soul-release state. Should you encounter a knight in black armor… just know that your days may be numbered. Though it has never happened before, should you defeat the sentinel the exam will end and everyone currently remaining will pass”
He let the words hang ominously in the air before smiling with eerie calm. “Now, let the entrance exam begin. Good luck, everyone.” With a sharp snap of his fingers, an emerald light swirled around each student, whisking them away.
As the green light engulfed them, Karma grinned at Isaac, giving a mock salute. “You better survive, Isaac.”
“I will,” Isaac replied, his eyes blazing with determination. “In fact, I’m planning to hunt down the sentinel.”
Karma laughed. “Crazy bastard.”
“I’ll see you weird duo later. Let’s hope we all pass,” June said with a smile, glancing between the two of them before the light carried her away.
In a flash, Isaac found himself within a sprawling, shadow-draped forest. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth, and distant calls of beasts echoed through the woods. A moment’s silence passed before he heard a sharp rustle behind him, a student, unprepared, had stumbled into his path.
With deadly precision, Isaac extended his index finger, dark scales creeping over it until it formed a claw. He slashed his palm, conjuring a blade of blood. Moving like a shadow, he lunged toward his opponent, eyes fixed on his target’s throat. Just before his blade made contact, the student vanished in a swirl of light, and teleported back to the auditorium.
A disembodied voice boomed across the forest. “First blood has been claimed.”
Isaac smirked, feeling a thrill course through him. His journey had begun, and with it, his relentless pursuit of vengeance and power.