A man burst into the office with hurried steps, almost stumbling through the door. His face was etched with worry as his voice echoed in the small space:

—Hagane, the war for the altar is about to start! What the hell are you doing sitting here like you don’t care at all?!

In the center of the room sat Hagane, a man with slightly tousled long golden hair, his leg crossed casually. The circular window behind him dimly illuminated him, giving him an almost divine air, though his relaxed posture ruined any semblance of solemnity. His dark glasses concealed golden eyes, their irises surrounded by a ring of the same color. He tilted his head slightly to the left, letting out a sigh of boredom.

—The war for the altar? —he yawned, stretching the words as he rested his chin on one hand—. Can Sasha come with me? —He raised his hand, adding sarcastically—. Or do you want me to solve everything with a snap?

The man frowned, clearly annoyed.

—Hagane, enough with the jokes! The Ascension Altar is crucial for strengthening our students' weapons. Move it already!

Hagane leaned his head back, letting out a light laugh.

—Weapons, weapons... —he repeated mockingly while raising his fist in front of his face—. The weak need weapons. I have this. Maybe I can upgrade my knuckles. What do you say? —A mischievous smile spread across his face.

The man looked at him impatiently, crossing his arms.

—It’s for the students. Not everyone has your... “incredible luck.” Now go to Jurtgenzan and do what you have to do.

Hagane dropped his hand, staring at the ceiling as if considering something deeply.

—Ah, I see. So my task is to save the poor mortals who don’t have my talent? —He stood up with a fluid motion, brushing off imaginary dust from his shoulders. He walked towards the door, stopping just before opening it.

—Hey, you should find yourself a hobby. You'll give yourself a heart attack if you keep yelling at me. —He opened the door and stepped out—. You’re getting too old for this.

The man gritted his teeth as he watched Hagane leave, muttering under his breath:

—If only you knew what really awaits you…

As Hagane strode confidently towards the courtyard, an arrogant smile spread across his face. His eyes sparkled with determination, reflecting his almost excessive confidence.

—The old man speaks the truth —he murmured to himself, letting out a low, mocking laugh—. It would be good for Sasha to have an ascendant weapon.

His mind revolved around the idea, and he couldn’t help but imagine the possible threats lurking around his group. He paused for a moment, crossing his arms over his chest as he gazed at the clear sky.

—If one day I’m not around —he continued, his voice growing deeper and more resolute—, it’s possible that some enemy will attack them and wipe them out. I can’t let that happen.

With a slight shake of his head, as if dismissing any doubts, Hagane straightened up and began to walk again, this time with an even more determined air.

—Alright, I’ll do it. —He snapped his fingers with enthusiasm. Then he let out a confident laugh, as if he were sure everything would go according to his will.

—Though, of course... who could possibly take me down?

Hagane reached the central courtyard of the school, his footsteps echoing on the stone, the students' energy and magic seemingly praising him; his very presence diminished the surrounding power, literally. The structures with thatched roofs and dilapidated walls contrasted with the energy of the few students occupying the space. He surveyed his surroundings with a grimace of discontent.

—This place needs urgent remodeling —he muttered to himself—. Maybe I should ask for help from Earth... something more modern.

From a distance, the man’s voice resonated strongly:

—How dare you mention Earth?! No one outside this world can know about us!

Hagane raised his hands, feigning surrender.

—Calm down, calm down. It was just an idea, “boss.”

As he walked, some students recognized him and ran towards him.

—Professor Hagane! Teach us one of your convergences!

Hagane raised his hands with a confident smile.

—Hello, mortals! Easy now, I know I’m incredible, but don’t fall in love. I’m on a life-or-death mission... well, more life than death.

The students laughed as Hagane continued on his way, encountering Sasha.

—Hey, come on. I’m off on a super secret and dangerous mission; do you want to come? —he said, striking a fun and confident pose, but Sasha had other plans. —Ah... I’m sorry, Hagane, I have some things to take care of. —Ryuga looked disappointed, said goodbye, and left.

He reached the center of the courtyard, where a majestic old tree stood tall as the heart of the school. He stopped in front of it, raised a hand, and gently touched its bark.

—Easy there, little one... you’ll rest soon.

From behind, the man’s voice interrupted again:

—Now you’re talking to trees?

Hagane turned his head slowly, his gaze filled with mockery.

—Are you messing with my tree? Choose your words wisely, old man.

Hagane closed his eyes, allowing the energy of the tree to flow into him. Small glowing threads began to emerge from the bark, snaking towards his fingers like tiny currents of light. The contact was warm and pulsating, as if the tree itself recognized him.

—Ah... this never goes out of style. —A confident smile appeared on his face as he tilted his head to one side—. See that, old man? Not even trees can resist my charm.

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—Focus, Hagane! —came the voice from a distance.

Hagane huffed in a mix of exasperation and amusement.

—I’m working, don’t disturb me. Besides, this tree and I have a special connection. —He winked at the imposing trunk in front of him—. Easy there, little one. I know you’ll miss me when I cross over, but don’t worry, I’ll be back to touch you soon.

The threads of energy synchronized with his own. The connection was complete. Hagane pressed his hand against the bark and whispered to himself:

—When the tree's energy merges with that of the user, then they can enter the center of all dimensions. —Hagane recalled what he explained to his students in class. —But it’s much easier to use it when there are strong or negative emotions. —He shrugged and added with a sly smile—. Luckily, I was born perfect.

He opened his eyes, the energy now shining in his golden pupils. He took a step forward, and the world seemed to open up. A doorway of light emerged in another place, and Hagane stepped through without hesitation.

The change was immediate. Now he was in a place that seemed straight out of a dream: a colossal tree whose branches stretched beyond sight, as if connecting entire worlds. Its crystalline leaves emitted a soft light that blended with the sky, where entire galaxies seemed to drift slowly.

—Always so dramatic, huh, tree? —Hagane murmured, a mix of admiration and disdain.

From his watch emerged a small creature, floating awkwardly beside him.

—Good morning, Hagane. —Gugi’s voice was timid, as if afraid to interrupt.

Hagane raised an eyebrow, amused.

—Gugi, why are you here? You know I don’t need help. But well, I’ll grant you this: I’m so great that even my servant wants to see me in action. —He gave a light pat on the head—. Go back to the watch. Today is a day just for stars.

Gugi nodded and vanished back into the device. Hagane continued walking along the branches of the tree, each step resonating as if the place itself recognized his presence.

—The NecroRune... —he thought, glancing at his watch—. This little artifact allows control over energy and magic for creatures that aren’t weaklings; sometimes I wish I could get rid of it. Though, of course, it’s a new organ, as important as my heart.

In the distance, a doorway of light began to form. Hagane smiled, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

—There it is. Time to shine.

Without wasting another moment, Hagane ran towards it and jumped.

Hagane emerged from a tree, just as he did when he entered. He looked up and surveyed the place.

The atmosphere had changed abruptly upon crossing. He went from the majesty of the tree to a desolate and gloomy field. The ground was littered with bodies, and the air was thick, heavy with the promise of more death.

Hagane landed gracefully, brushing dust off his shoulders.

—Well, well... what kind of depressing place is this? —he looked around disdainfully—. This place urgently needs my magical touch.

Before he could move forward, a creature from the void emerged from the shadows. It was an imposing being, with wings as black as blades and a natural armor covering its body, reflecting a dark green hue. Its eyes glowed with malice, and its claws scraped the ground with a metallic sound.

The creature roared, launching itself at him ferociously. Hagane barely moved, elegantly dodging the attack with a swift turn.

—Really? —he asked with a mocking smile as he assessed his attacker—. Was that it? I’m disappointed, friend.

With a quick motion, he struck the creature’s armor with a fist wrapped in energy, sending it crashing to the ground.

—There you go. A signature from the great Hagane. Don’t spend it all in one place.

The creature growled, rising with difficulty, but Hagane had already leaped to the side with grace. He watched as the being opened a rift in the air and vanished into the void.

—Hmm... magical creature. Interesting. —He removed his dark glasses, carefully stowing them in his pocket—. Though, of course, even with tricks, you won’t stand a chance against me.

The air seemed to tense as the creature reappeared, diving from above like a predator. Without hesitation, Hagane raised his arms, forming a scissor shape with his fingers.

—Time to show you my divine gift... to a beginner. —A dark portal materialized in front of him, enveloping the creature in a shadowy flash.

—A good convergence, an advanced maneuver of the void for a creature of the void.

The creature roared in defiance, but the portal absorbed it without resistance. Hagane closed his scissors, cutting the air with precision, sealing the portal as if closing a wound in the fabric of reality.

—But my Divine Gift gives me the advantage of taking you to my own world. —He turned calmly, dusting off his hands.— You don’t deserve to die. I’ll free you when all this is over, simple beast.

Hagane continued on his path, facing warriors, mages, and stronger creatures as he advanced. Each enemy fell before him, sent to his pocket dimension. Finally, he reached the Ascension Altar.

The place was an open grave. Bodies scattered across the ground told truncated stories; pain and despair were frozen on their faces. Blood and fragments of broken weapons covered the field, while weak traces of energy crackled in the air like the last gasps of life.

Hagane moved forward slowly, his golden gaze laden with unusual bewilderment. He stopped beside the body of a young NecroRune user still clutching a spear, his youthful and serene face contrasting with the brutality of his death.

—Why risk your life for something like this? —he murmured, kneeling beside the boy.

Around him, he saw the immobile bodies of magical humanoids: Gerfeniles with their beautiful furry tails and cat ears, Vanpelusgos with their wolf-like noses and muscular bodies, Vacuvalijes from the void... Each one was a silent reminder of the cost of that war. With a slow gesture, he closed the eyes of a fallen Gerfenil, whispering:

—All this... for an altar that isn’t worth their lives.

He stood up, feeling a strange weight in his chest. He raised the young man’s spear and placed it on the altar, bowing his head in respect.

—This won’t bring them back, but at least it will have some meaning.

The altar glowed intensely, absorbing Hagane’s energy. The spear levitated for a moment before falling to the ground, transformed. Hagane picked it up and observed it in silence.

—Well... mission accomplished —he said, though his words sounded empty even to him.

With one last look at the battlefield, he activated his Advanced Maneuver and vanished, leaving behind a place marked by tragedy.

The strongest disappeared into the void and fled from there.

When Hagane returned, crossing a dimensional rift with the spear in hand, the man awaited him with crossed arms and an impatient expression.

—How did it go?

Hagane raised the spear in a theatrical gesture, flashing an arrogant smile.

—Perfect, as always. There’s no challenge the great Ryuga Hagane can’t handle.

The man frowned, showing no trace of humor on his face.

—Get off your cloud, Hagane.

Hagane feigned placing a hand on his chest, as if the words had hurt him.

—You’re so tough, old man! But fine, I forgive you. It’s hard living in my shadow, I understand.

Without waiting for a response, he continued walking toward his office, receiving greetings from the students.

—Professor! When will you teach us your technique?! —asked one excitedly.

Hagane raised a hand with an elegant gesture.

—Someday, kids. All in good time. You’re not ready for something so spectacular yet.

He entered his office and collapsed into his chair with a satisfied sigh.

—Another flawless mission completed... I’m so good I’m getting bored.

Suddenly, he felt the cold edge of daggers brushing against his neck.

—Hello, Hagane.

Without flinching, he smiled calmly.

—Ah... I had seen this. Three seconds into the future, of course.

—Exactly. —The figure leaned slightly towards him—. Your golden eyes are impressive.

Hagane raised an eyebrow casually.

—I hope you show me something interesting; remember, my students will be watching. I’ll need to show off a bit.