---
The Grand Hall was eerily silent as Kaito stood before the academy council. His evidence lay sprawled across the ornate table—maps detailing the summoning network, records from the restricted section, and fragments of his deductions. Behind him, Yumi and Toru watched anxiously, their faith in Kaito unshaken despite the imposing presence of the council.
“Is this a joke?” one of the council members, a tall man with silver hair and a haughty expression, scoffed. “You expect us to act based on the ramblings of a student from the misfit class?”
Kaito’s jaw tightened. “This isn’t conjecture. The summoning circles are part of a larger network, and if we don’t act, Astraea—and possibly the continent—will fall.”
Another council member, a woman with a calm but dismissive demeanor, tapped her fingers on the table. “Even if your findings are accurate, what authority do you have to demand action? You’re a first-year student with no standing.”
“I don’t need authority,” Kaito shot back, his voice cold. “I have the truth.”
The headmaster, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. “Even if there is truth in your claims, there is no evidence that these summoning circles pose an immediate threat to Astraea. The council has more pressing concerns.”
Kaito’s fists clenched, but he knew pressing further would be pointless. Without proof or allies of higher rank, the council would not move.
“Fine,” he said, his voice laced with barely-contained anger. “When the threat becomes undeniable, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
Without waiting for dismissal, Kaito turned and walked out, Yumi and Toru following close behind.
---
The dormitory common room buzzed with tension as the misfit class gathered around Kaito, who stood at the center, his arms crossed.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
“They dismissed you?” Damon asked, incredulous.
Kaito nodded curtly. “They won’t act until the threat is on their doorstep. By then, it’ll be too late.”
Elara frowned. “So what do we do? We can’t just sit here.”
“We won’t,” Kaito replied. “We’re going to the northern circle.”
The room fell silent, the gravity of his words sinking in.
“It’s guarded,” Yumi said, her voice steady despite her unease. “If the demons are protecting it, it means it’s crucial to their plan.”
“That’s exactly why we need to destroy it,” Kaito said, his gaze sweeping over the group. “We’ve trained for this. We’re stronger than they think. If we work together, we can do this.”
Toru smirked, gripping his sword. “I’m in.”
Elara hesitated but nodded. “Me too.”
One by one, the others voiced their agreement. Despite their doubts and fears, the bond they had forged as a class gave them the courage to follow Kaito’s lead.
---
The journey to the northern border was fraught with tension. The forest grew denser as they approached their destination, the air heavy with an unnatural chill. Kaito led the group, his sharp eyes scanning their surroundings, while Yumi stayed close, her presence grounding him.
They reached the clearing just as the moon reached its zenith. The summoning circle glowed faintly, its runes pulsating with dark energy. Around it, a small but disciplined group of demons stood guard, their monstrous forms barely illuminated by the eerie light.
“There are at least fifteen of them,” Rian whispered, his dark magic already coiling around his hands.
“We’ll need to divide and conquer,” Kaito said, his mind racing. “Elara, stay back and focus on healing. Toru, take point with me. Damon and Rian, cover our flanks. Yumi, freeze their movements whenever you can.”
The group nodded, their nerves steeling as Kaito gave the signal to move.
---
Toru charged first, his blade gleaming as it caught the moonlight. He clashed with the nearest demon, his strikes precise and unrelenting. Kaito followed, manipulating wind and fire to keep the demons off balance.
Yumi raised her hands, summoning jagged ice to encase the legs of several demons. “Now!” she shouted, giving Toru an opening to strike.
Damon slammed his fists into the ground, sending a wave of earth magic to destabilize the circle’s perimeter. Rian’s shadows darted through the chaos, constricting and disarming the demons with calculated precision.
Despite their coordination, the demons were relentless. One broke through the flank, charging toward Elara. She let out a startled cry, but Kaito intercepted it with a blast of fire, his movements swift and decisive.
---
As the last demon fell, the group regrouped near the circle. Kaito’s Appraisal revealed intricate layers of enchantments binding the formation. His heart sank as he unraveled their purpose.
“This isn’t just a summoning circle,” he said, his voice grim. “It’s a focal point. They’re drawing power from somewhere—or someone.”
Yumi stepped closer, her expression alarmed. “What does that mean?”
“It means destroying this won’t stop them,” Kaito replied, his fists clenching. “There’s a central circle, somewhere else. This is just one piece of the puzzle.”
Before they could process his words, the air around them crackled with energy. The runes of the circle flared violently, and a shadowy figure began to materialize at its center.
“Kaito, we need to leave!” Yumi shouted, fear lacing her voice.
“No,” Kaito said, his eyes narrowing. “Not until we know what we’re dealing with.”
---
End of Chapter 7: Part VII