The Atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as the students gathered in the academy's main courtyard. The first task of the semester was about to be announced, and everyone was eager to prove themselves. Satoru, however, stood at the edge of the crowd, his eyes scanning the faces around him, still on the lookout for any sign of Asuna.

"Attention, students!" The headmaster's voice boomed across the courtyard.

"Your first task is a test of both your combat abilities and your resourcefulness. You are to explore the Forest of Rehasra and retrieve the jewels hidden by your professors. The task will not only test your skill but also your ability to work as a team."

Groups quickly formed, with students pairing off and setting off towards the forest. Satoru, preferring to work alone, waited until the crowd thinned before heading out. His goal was twofold: complete the task and gather any information that might lead him to Asuna.

As he ventured deeper into the forest, the sunlight dimmed under the thick canopy of trees. The forest was alive with the sounds of creatures rustling in the underbrush and the occasional call of a distant bird. Satoru moved silently, his senses on high alert.

After hours of searching, he stumbled upon a cave, hidden behind a dense thicket. His instincts told him something was off. Drawing his sword, he cautiously approached the entrance. The sound of muffled voices reached his ears, and he strained to listen.

Inside the cave, a group of demon bandits had cornered two of his classmates—Seraphina, the saintess candidate, and Freya, the daughter of the master craftsman. They were bound and helpless, their captors discussing their fate in harsh, guttural tones.

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"We should ransom them. Their families would pay a fortune," one bandit suggested.

"No, we kill them and take their belongings. Less hassle," another countered.

Satoru's grip tightened on his sword. He couldn't let that happen. He stepped into the cave, his presence immediately noticed by the bandits.

"Who the hell are you?" the leader snarled.

"Let them go," Satoru demanded, his voice calm but firm.

The bandits laughed, drawing their weapons. "Looks like we have another one to deal with," the leader sneered.

Without hesitation, Satoru lunged forward, his sword a blur as it cut through the air. The first bandit fell before he even realized what had happened.

The others attacked in a frenzy, but Satoru was a master of his craft. He moved with precision and speed, dodging their blows and countering with lethal accuracy.

The leader, seeing his comrades fall, tried to flee, but Satoru was faster. He caught the demon by the throat, pinning him against the cave wall.

"Tell me your motive," Satoru demanded, his eyes cold and unyielding.

The demon struggled, his eyes wide with fear. "We were hired... to kill the professors," he stammered.

Satoru's grip tightened. "How long have you been planning this?"

"Six—six or seven months," the demon gasped.

Satoru's expression remained impassive. "What do you know about a woman named Asuna?"

The demon's eyes flickered with confusion. "I don't know any Asuna! I swear!"

"I can Swear on my Liege" demon said while tears in his eyes

Satisfied, Satoru knocked the demon out and turned his attention to Seraphina and Freya. He quickly untied them, his demeanor cool and detached.

"Are you both okay?" he asked, his tone neutral.

Seraphina nodded, her eyes wide with relief. "Thank you. You saved our lives."

Freya, still shaken, managed a grateful smile. "We owe you, Satoru."

Satoru sheathed his sword, helping them to their feet. "Let's get out of here. We need to report this to the academy and find the way out."

As they made their way back through the forest, Satoru remained silent, focused on his surroundings and avoiding any emotional interaction.

Moving forward towards completion of his first task........