As the students walked back into the classroom, they moved to their assigned seats, still feeling the effects of their rigorous training session. On each desk, there were neatly arranged pencils, paper, and other technical equipment meant for the day’s work. Haru glanced at the items, understanding that these would be their core essentials from now on. As everyone settled in, Takurov stood at the front of the room, his expression as stern as ever.

"This equipment will be your core essentials," he began, his voice firm. "You are expected to keep them in good condition and with you at all times. If you fail to do so, you'll receive detention after school instead of having your private time."

A murmur went through the room, and Angel couldn't help but groan, earning a quick look from Takurov. The teacher then continued, explaining the structure of the day’s class.

"Today, we'll be covering three key basic subjects," Takurov said, scanning the room. "Afterward, you'll be taking a basic test that will contribute to your final ranking. Let me make this clear: any cheating will result in an automatic rank of 20 for a month." He paused, allowing the warning to sink in. Angel groaned again, unable to hide his displeasure, which made Takurov’s lips twitch into the faintest of smiles.

"Now," Takurov continued, "Ranks 20 to 16, come to the front and distribute the manuals to the rest of the class. You'll also be called later to hand out the test papers."

Aslan, Yue, Luella, Penelope, and Matteo reluctantly stood up and made their way to the front, gathering the stack of manuals labeled "Arknights 101" before moving around the room to distribute them. As Haru received his copy, he glanced at the cover, taking in the title: *Arknights 101*. He flipped through a few pages, already making mental notes about what he wanted to focus on.

Takurov watched as the manuals were handed out, then addressed the class again. "This manual contains the basics of being an Arknight. You are expected to study it thoroughly. If you need additional resources, you can find more books in the library located within the main university campus. However, let me be clear: any damage to these books will result in a fine that you must pay."

"Yes, sir," the class responded in unison, the strictness of the academy's policies settling over them like a heavy weight.

As Haru listened to Takurov's instructions, he glanced over at Aurora, who seemed to be flipping through the manual with the same level of interest. Their eyes met briefly, and Haru could tell that she was already thinking about the library as well. He made a mental note to visit the library soon—there was no harm in gathering more information, and staying ahead could only benefit him in the long run.

With the manuals now in hand, the class prepared themselves for the lessons ahead, knowing that every action they took from this point on could affect their standings and their future as Arknights.

Takurov stood at the front of the class, gripping a piece of chalk as he turned to the blackboard. He moved with purpose, quickly drawing three overlapping circles that formed a simple yet intricate diagram.

"Alright, class, let's review how our gifts work," he began, his tone authoritative but patient. He labelled each circle: Spirit, Soul, and Body.

Haru’s attention locked onto the board, the words resonating with what he had been taught but carrying a deeper significance. This was the foundation of what it meant to be an Arknight, a reminder of the profound connection between these three elements.

Takurov pointed to the first circle, labelled Spirit. "The spirit," he explained, "is the essence of life within us. It has no distinct identity, yet it powers everything else in our existence. Without the spirit, there is no life—no energy to drive us forward."

He moved his hand to the second circle, labelled Soul. "The soul acts as the processor between the body and the spirit. It’s both material and abstract, composed of our mind, will, and emotions. The soul is where our identities are forged—it’s what makes each of us unique."

As Takurov tapped the third circle, labelled Body, he continued, "The body is our physical form, the vessel through which we interact with the world. The body receives information from the external world, which is then processed by the soul and powered by the spirit. This flow of energy is what allows us to manifest our gifts in the physical world."

Takurov paused, scanning the room to ensure everyone was following along. The students were quiet, absorbing the explanation. Haru, like the others, knew this was basic knowledge, but it was essential to revisit these principles.

"The difference between Arknights and ordinary humans," Takurov went on, "is that our spirits produce far more power. The gifts we possess are the result of this power being shaped by our souls—a complex mix of our genetics, upbringing, and individual experiences. To reach your full potential as Arknights, you must focus your souls and train your bodies. Only then can you fully manifest your gifts."

Haru listened intently, aware that while the others had natural gifts, his power came from a different source. He wasn’t a typical Arknight; he carried the spirit of Seisaku, a god, within him. This unique situation provided him with a vast reservoir of power, but it also meant he had to be even more diligent in mastering the basics.

Then, Takurov's tone shifted slightly as he added, "Now, it's important to understand that these principles apply to all types of humans, whether they are common humans like most of us, vampire humans, or even elven humans from the other continent."

His eyes briefly flicked towards Aslan, who shuffled uncomfortably at the mention of vampire humans. Takurov continued, "Though these distinctions exist, we are all considered human because we share the same fundamental structure: spirit, soul, and body. The differences lie in the way our spirits manifest power, not in our essential humanity. Whether common, vampire, or elven, we all have the potential to harness our gifts, and that is what unites us."

Haru noticed the moment, understanding the underlying unease that Aslan felt, but also recognizing the importance of Takurov’s words in affirming their shared humanity.

Takurov, satisfied that the class understood, stepped back from the board. "Now that we’ve reviewed the basics of how gifts work," he said, his voice steady, "let’s move on to the next subject."

The class remained focused, knowing that mastering these basics was crucial to their growth as Arknights. Haru glanced at his manual again, preparing himself for the challenges ahead, each student understanding that their journey to becoming powerful Arknights was only just beginning.

Takurov's expression turned grave as he began the next lesson. The atmosphere in the room shifted, the lightness from the previous discussions evaporating as he addressed the class.

"Now, let's move on to something that you will be facing sooner or later in your journey as Arknights," he began, his voice taking on a more somber tone. "The Breachers."

He turned to the blackboard once more, but this time there were no diagrams, just the harsh reality of his words. "Breachers are alien creatures—abominations, really—that many believe were sent by some type of devil or malevolent force into our world. They emerge from a portal, one that no one has ever found. Maybe it's gone, or maybe it still exists, hidden somewhere on this planet. We simply don’t know."

The students sat in rapt attention, the gravity of the subject matter sinking in. Takurov continued, "When they first arrived, they were small, seemingly insignificant. But their ability to propagate quickly turned them into a much greater threat. You see, all Breachers are male. They breed by forcibly mating with whatever creatures they can get their hands on—animals, humans, even Arknights."

A ripple of unease passed through the class. Haru's mind raced, recalling the stories he had heard but never fully grasping the horrific nature of these creatures until now.

"The species they impregnate has a direct impact on the intelligence, size, and innate power of the offspring," Takurov explained, his tone cold and clinical. "The strength of the original male counterpart also plays a role in determining the power of the Breacher. This means that the stronger the creature or person they breed with, the more dangerous the resulting offspring."

Takurov’s eyes scanned the room, locking onto each student as if ensuring they understood the seriousness of what he was saying. "If you find a Breacher, you must kill it immediately. Do not hesitate. If you encounter a large number of them in a confined area, they must be contained. They are a threat to public safety with zero tolerance. They are not to be underestimated."

The room was silent, the weight of Takurov's words pressing down on the students. He then fixed his gaze on the girls in the class, his expression hardening even further.

"And now, a word of warning," he said, his voice lowering as he addressed them directly. "If any of the young woman in this room are caught by a Breacher and forced into impregnation, your best course of action is self-sacrifice before you can give birth. Historically, any mix between a Breacher and an Arknight has resulted in incredibly powerful, uncontrollable offspring. Such offspring are a danger to the world, and it is your duty to ensure that they do not come into existence."

The sternness in his voice left no room for argument. The reality of the dangers they would face as Arknights became crystal clear in that moment. Haru, like the rest of the class, felt the gravity of the situation settle in. This was not just about learning how to use their gifts; it was about survival and protecting the world from unimaginable horrors.

The tension in the room grew even thicker as Callus, who had managed to remain calm through the entire discussion, raised his hand and asked in a measured tone, "What if we come across a woman who has already been impregnated by a Breacher? What should we do then?"

The room seemed to hold its breath, the weight of the question settling heavily on everyone. Haru, seated near his brother Luis, suddenly felt a shift. He glanced at Luis and noticed something that unnerved him—a visible tension in his brother's posture, a clenched fist shaking slightly from what was clearly a controlled rage. It was as if the question had struck a deeply personal chord. Haru didn't know why, but it was obvious that this was something Luis had a strong reaction to. He made a mental note to ask about it later.

Takurov's face darkened even more, his expression devoid of any warmth. His response was as cold and merciless as the reality they were being trained to face. "In such a situation, your duty is clear," he said, his voice low and firm. "You must commit a swift execution. There is no other option."

He paused, letting the severity of his words sink in before continuing. "Understand this: the situation would be dire. The childbirth alone from having a Breacher’s offspring would kill at least 99 percent of victims. Even if the woman were to survive the birth, the offspring would pose an unimaginable threat to everyone around them. It is an act of mercy, and more importantly, an act of protection for the greater good."

The students, particularly the young women, felt a cold shiver of fear run through them, but they held it in with as much grace as they could muster. They were training to be Arknights, protectors of the realm, and this was part of the harsh reality they would have to accept.

Haru felt a knot form in his stomach as he processed the implications of what the teacher had said. The idea of having to make such a decision was horrifying, but it was a necessary part of their duty. He glanced around the room and saw that the others were equally affected, though trying their best to maintain their composure.

Luis's tension had not lessened, and Haru's concern for his brother only grew. Whatever had happened to make this topic so personal for Luis, it was clear that it had left a deep scar. Haru would find out, but for now, he focused on the lesson, trying to absorb every word Takurov said, knowing that their survival might one day depend on it.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

The teacher transitioned smoothly into the next critical lesson, his tone turning even more serious. "Especially for the lady Arknights," he began, "it is imperative that you learn to assess the threat levels of Breachers quickly and accurately. This knowledge will guide your decision on whether to engage or disengage from a potential battle, and whether, in a clash, your focus should be on escape and survival or on hunting the threat down."

He paused, letting the gravity of his words sink in, before continuing. "There are six classifications for Breachers, each based on their threat level."

He wrote the classifications on the board as he explained them:

1. Omega: "This is the weakest classification," Takurov explained. "An Omega-level Breacher can be killed by a regular human, though that doesn’t mean they should be underestimated. A mistake against even an Omega could be fatal for someone unprepared."

2. Gamma: "A step above Omega, Gamma Breachers are tougher. A human would almost certainly die in a confrontation with a Gamma, but for a professional Arknight, they shouldn't pose too much of a challenge—unless, of course, there are several of them. Numbers can change the odds significantly."

Haru's mind flashed back to the two Breachers he, Angel, and Luis had fought in the cave. They were stronger than Omegas but still manageable with effort. Then there was the one outside the cave, another Gamma, a tough foe but still within their ability to defeat.

3. Delta: "Delta-level Breachers are where things start to get dangerous," Takurov continued. "These creatures are not only stronger but also more intelligent. They start to exhibit basic intelligence and unique skills. A Delta is no longer just a beast; it's a thinking predator."

Haru's thoughts wandered to the girl he had saved in the forest. That Breacher had been cunning, more than just a brute force—it likely fell into this Delta category, a step above the Gammas they had faced earlier.

4. Beta: "This is where everything changes," Takurov's voice lowered, the intensity in his tone unmistakable. "Beta-level Breachers are incredibly dangerous. At your current level, very few of you—if any—could defeat a Beta on your own."

Haru felt a chill run down his spine as he remembered the Breacher that had burst from the ground, nearly killing him, Luis, and Angel. The sheer power, the intelligence, the presence that it had exuded—it was something Haru would never forget. That Breacher had a presence that could be felt from afar, and when it awakened, it was like the very earth itself had shuddered in fear. Haru realized that he and his friends had been lucky to survive, let alone escape. As he glanced around the room, it was clear that the memory of that encounter was still fresh in his mind. The only person who seemed unfazed, perhaps even ready for such a challenge, was Callus, who sat with a calm determination that set him apart from the others.

Takurov's eyes scanned the room, noting the reactions of his students. "When facing a Beta, your instincts will scream at you to run. Listen to those instincts, because unless you're prepared, a direct confrontation could be your last."

The class was silent, the weight of the lesson settling heavily on their shoulders. They were just beginning to understand the vast gulf between what they knew and what they still had to learn. And Haru, despite his experience, realized he had a long way to go before he could confidently face a Beta-level Breacher on his own.

Takurov's expression grew even more serious as he continued, "Now, we move on to the next level: Alpha. These are the generals of the Breacher forces. They often command other Breachers, leading them in teams or even armies. An Alpha has the power to destroy entire cities with its strength alone. Very few Arknights can take down an Alpha—only the best of the best, such as Yusei Subaru or Reikou Tadashima in his prime, could defeat one in a one-on-one battle."

The class was silent, absorbing the gravity of this information. Haru could feel the weight of Takurov's words—this was a level of power that was almost unimaginable. Takurov continued, "Zane was renowned for killing many Alphas. Back in his day, they were more common. He changed the battleground forever, both on this continent and the Elven Continent."

He paused, letting the significance of Zane's legacy sink in, before moving on to the final and most terrifying classification. "None of you in this room will have heard of the sixth classification because it has been kept from the public to prevent mass panic. The highest class of Breacher is known as Sigma. We believe there are very few of them, perhaps only a handful, hiding somewhere in the world. But make no mistake—they exist."

A murmur of shock rippled through the classroom. The tension was palpable as the students tried to grasp the concept of a creature that could be classified even higher than an Alpha. Aslan, sitting at the back, nervously raised his hand and asked, "Is there any proof of their existence?"

Takurov's gaze sharpened as he responded, "This information is highly confidential. If any of you were to leak this, you would not only be expelled but could also face imprisonment. However, I will tell you this—Leviathan is an obvious example."

The entire class gasped. Everyone had heard of Leviathan—the most powerful Breacher ever encountered, responsible for nearly destroying the Kalkan Federation. The aftermath of its attack had led to the infamous civil war between Vampires and Humans. It had taken Zane himself to defeat Leviathan, and even now, its legend was whispered in fear.

Takurov continued, his voice steady but ominous, "But Leviathan is not the only Sigma-class Breacher. There is another confirmed to exist, and its name is Beelzebub."

The classroom fell into stunned silence. Even Blaze, who had been aloof throughout the lesson, seemed to freeze at the mention of the name. Emma's eyes widened in disbelief as she blurted out, "Beezlebub? That's just an urban legend!"

Takurov shook his head. "He is very real. Beelzebub once faced Zane, and even Zane had to retreat. Reikou Tadashima himself encountered Beelzebub and decided to withdraw, recognizing that he was unprepared to face such a threat at that time. The Institution and various governments have done their best to keep his existence a secret from the public."

The class was visibly shaken. The idea that creatures like Beelzebub existed—and that they were powerful enough to force even the greatest Arknights into retreat—was almost too much to comprehend.

Takurov pressed on, "We suspect there may be others like Beelzebub in The Breach—the original domain of the Breachers. There's also reason to believe that another Sigma-level Breacher resides on the Elven Continent, but the Great Dragon of the Elven Continent has kept it hidden, likely out of fear."

As the students processed this revelation, the true extent of the Breacher threat became clear. The world they lived in was far more dangerous than they had ever imagined, and the path to becoming an Arknight was now more daunting than ever before.

As the class neared its end, Takurov looked at the students with a stern expression. "All right, it's time for your test," he announced. "This will be a situational assessment based on everything we've covered today, as well as a few additional scenarios. The bottom five in the rankings will distribute the test papers."

Reluctantly, the bottom five students—Aslan, Yue, Luella, Penelope, and Matteo—stood up and began to hand out the papers. Haru received his with a nod of thanks to Aslan, who was visibly nervous but trying to maintain his composure.

Haru looked down at the paper, scanning the first few questions. The test was designed to assess their understanding of the lessons and their ability to think critically in dangerous situations. It wasn’t just about what they had learned; it was about how they would apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios.

He took a deep breath and began to work through the questions, the first of which read:

Question 1: *You encounter a Breacher classified as Gamma. You are alone and without immediate backup. What is your course of action?*

Haru considered his options, thinking back to the earlier lesson. He knew that Gamma-level Breachers were dangerous, but not beyond the capability of a well-trained Arknight. He wrote down his answer, detailing the steps he would take to assess the situation, prepare for combat, and potentially call for backup if needed. His strategy focused on using his speed and agility to outmaneuver the Breacher, taking advantage of its weaknesses while keeping himself out of harm’s way.

Question 2: *You find yourself facing a Delta-level Breacher that has taken a hostage. The hostage is a young woman, and the Breacher is clearly using her as a shield. What do you do?*

This question was more complex, requiring Haru to weigh the risks and potential outcomes. He thought about the discussion regarding Delta-level Breachers and their increased intelligence. His mind flashed back to the forest encounter, where a Delta-level Breacher had dragged a woman into the depths. He carefully outlined a plan that involved distracting the Breacher long enough to create an opening to rescue the hostage, while also preparing for the possibility of a more aggressive approach if things went south.

Question 3: *You’re part of a team facing an Alpha-level Breacher. Your team leader has been incapacitated, and the Breacher is advancing rapidly. What are your next steps?*

Haru paused for a moment, imagining the sheer terror of facing an Alpha-level Breacher. He knew that leadership in such a situation was critical. He described a plan that involved rallying the remaining team members, delegating tasks based on their strengths, and creating a coordinated attack to distract and slow down the Breacher long enough for them to either find a way to escape or regroup and strike effectively. Haru emphasised the importance of communication and teamwork in such high-stakes situations.

Question 4: *You discover a female Arknight who has been impregnated by a Breacher. She is still conscious and aware of her situation. What is your response?*

This was perhaps the most emotionally charged question of the test. Haru felt a chill run down his spine as he considered the scenario. He recalled the stern warning from Takurov about the dangers posed by such a situation. With a heavy heart, Haru wrote down his answer: a swift and merciful execution, ensuring that she did not suffer unnecessarily, while also preventing the potential birth of a powerful and uncontrollable Breacher. He noted the importance of being respectful and offering whatever comfort possible in her final moments, understanding the tragic nature of such an action.

Question 5: *A Breacher classified as Sigma has been sighted near a populated area. You are ordered to evacuate civilians while holding the Breacher back. How do you proceed?*

This was the final and most challenging question. Haru’s mind raced as he thought about the unimaginable power of a Sigma-level Breacher. He knew that in such a situation, survival and minimising casualties would be the top priorities. He described a plan that involved using all available resources to evacuate civilians as quickly as possible, while creating barriers and using his abilities to slow down the Breacher’s advance. Haru emphasised the importance of not engaging the Breacher directly unless absolutely necessary, focusing instead on the safety of the population.

As he finished writing his answers, Haru glanced around the room. The other students were deep in concentration, some scribbling furiously, others pausing to think through their responses. He could see the tension on their faces, knowing that this test would set the tone for their future training and rankings.

Takurov and Garo observed from the front of the room, their eyes scanning the class with a critical gaze. Haru knew that this was only the beginning, and that the challenges they would face in the coming weeks would only grow more intense. But for now, he felt a sense of accomplishment as he completed the test, ready to hand it in and see where he stood among his peers.

As the class ended, the students gathered their belongings and began to filter out of the room, the weight of the morning’s lessons still heavy on their minds. Conversations were subdued, with many of them quietly discussing the new knowledge and the grim realities they had learned. Haru, however, noticed that Luis was walking more silently than usual, his normally light-hearted demeanor replaced by a somber mood.

Sensing that something was bothering his brother, Haru quickened his pace to catch up with him. “Luis,” Haru called out, his voice laced with concern. Luis stopped and turned to face him, his expression guarded.

“Can we talk?” Haru asked, nodding toward a quiet corner of the hallway where they wouldn’t be overheard.

Luis hesitated for a moment before nodding, leading the way to a secluded spot near the stairwell. Haru glanced around to make sure they were alone before turning his full attention to Luis.

“What’s going on?” Haru asked softly. “You seemed really angry during class. It’s not like you to be so... serious.”

Luis’s face hardened, the usual playful glint in his eyes replaced by something much darker. “You’re observant, Haru,” he said, his voice low. “I guess it was only a matter of time before you noticed.”

Haru waited, sensing that Luis was choosing his words carefully.

“There are some things you don’t know about me,” Luis continued, his tone guarded. “Things that I’m not ready to share just yet. Just like you have your secrets, I have mine.”

Haru felt a pang of concern but didn’t press further. He knew that Luis would tell him in time, but it still hurt to see his brother struggling with something so deeply.

“I understand,” Haru said quietly. “But if you ever want to talk about it, I’m here.”

Luis nodded, his expression softening slightly. “Thanks, Haru. I appreciate that.”

As they prepared to part ways, Haru asked, “Are you going to join us in the dining hall for lunch?”

Luis shook his head, his face returning to that guarded seriousness. “No, I need some time to think. I’ll see you in the next class, though. Make sure to tell Angel and Aslan I won’t be there.”

Haru nodded, feeling a bit of worry for his brother. “Alright. But are you sure you’re okay?”

Luis managed a small smile, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. “I’ll be fine. And hey, this is your chance to talk to Aurora,” he added with a cocky grin, his playful nature surfacing for a brief moment before he turned and walked away, heading towards the training area.

Haru watched him go, a mix of emotions swirling in his chest. He wanted to help Luis, but he knew that his brother needed space. With a sigh, Haru turned and made his way to the dining hall, determined to focus on the present and follow Luis’s advice about speaking to Aurora.