---
The pulsating light of the summoning circle grew blinding, forcing the group to shield their eyes. The shadowy figure in its center began to solidify, its form both grotesque and regal. Towering horns spiraled from its head, and its glowing crimson eyes locked onto Kaito with a terrifying focus.
The creature’s voice rumbled like thunder. “Mortals… how bold of you to meddle in the affairs of the abyss.”
Kaito stepped forward, his expression cold and unyielding. “And how arrogant of you to think we wouldn’t fight back.”
The demon laughed, a sound that made the ground tremble. “You misunderstand, boy. I am no ordinary demon. I am Malrik, the Keeper of Chains, and you have only delayed the inevitable.”
The runes beneath Malrik flared brighter, and dark energy rippled outward, forcing the misfit class to stagger back.
“Kaito, this thing is way beyond us!” Yumi shouted, ice forming instinctively at her fingertips.
---
Kaito didn’t hesitate. “Everyone, spread out! This thing won’t fall easily, but we have no choice!”
Toru charged first, his sword glowing with a faint light as he aimed for Malrik’s legs. The demon swatted him away effortlessly, sending him crashing into a nearby tree.
“Toru!” Elara cried, rushing to his side with healing magic.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
Meanwhile, Damon raised a massive wall of earth to block Malrik’s advance, but the demon shattered it with a single strike. “Pathetic,” Malrik sneered.
Kaito’s mind raced. His essence reserves were higher than ever, but he knew even his newfound strength wouldn’t be enough to take on something of this scale directly. He glanced at the glowing runes on the summoning circle.
“It’s tethered to the circle!” Kaito realized. “Yumi, freeze the runes! Rian, cut off its connection to the magic!”
Yumi nodded, unleashing a barrage of freezing spells at the glowing inscriptions, while Rian’s shadows surged forward, disrupting the flow of energy around Malrik.
For a moment, the demon faltered, its movements growing sluggish.
---
“You dare challenge my power?” Malrik roared, slamming a clawed hand into the ground. The force sent shockwaves through the clearing, toppling trees and throwing the group off balance.
Kaito barely managed to stay on his feet, his mind racing for a solution. He activated his Appraisal again, scanning Malrik for weaknesses.
“His core,” Kaito muttered. “It’s exposed whenever he draws energy from the circle. We need to strike there!”
Toru, battered but standing, gripped his sword tightly. “Say the word, Kaito.”
“Now!” Kaito shouted.
Toru dashed forward, his blade aimed for Malrik’s chest. At the same time, Kaito unleashed a concentrated blast of fire and wind, driving the demon back.
The combined assault struck true, and Malrik let out a deafening roar as his core cracked.
---
As the demon began to dissipate, it managed a final, chilling laugh. “You think you’ve won? Fools… this is only the beginning. The central nexus… will awaken.”
With those words, Malrik’s form dissolved into ash, leaving behind only the dimming glow of the summoning circle.
The group stood in silence, the weight of the battle pressing heavily on them.
“What did he mean by ‘central nexus’?” Yumi asked, her voice shaky.
Kaito’s gaze hardened. “Whatever it is, it’s what they’ve been building toward. And if we don’t stop it…”
He didn’t finish the sentence, but the dread in his voice was enough.
---
Returning to Astraea
Back at the academy, the misfit class regrouped in their dormitory. The battle had left them bruised and exhausted, but their resolve was stronger than ever.
Kaito sat at his desk, poring over the tome he had taken from the library’s restricted section. The phrase “central nexus” echoed in his mind, each repetition stoking the unease in his chest.
Yumi entered the room, her steps hesitant. “Kaito, you should rest.”
“I can’t,” he replied, not looking up. “We’re running out of time.”
She placed a hand on his shoulder, grounding him for a moment. “We’ll figure it out. Together.”
For the first time since the battle, Kaito allowed himself a small, fleeting smile. “Thanks, Yumi.”
But as the night wore on, his thoughts returned to the demon’s final words. The central nexus loomed like a shadow over their future, and Kaito knew their fight was far from over.
---
End of Chapter 7: Part VIII