Katheran leaned forward against the desk with a composed expression, arms folded as he watched the students relax a little after the procedure had been completed. There was an odd sense of relief in the air, yet it clung to the tension that hadn’t quite dissipated.
Even those who had nothing to hide were on edge, stealing wary glances as if the Holy Knight’s gaze might turn on them at any moment. Sir Likard, the Mountain, remained silent, standing at the front of the class with an air of impatience and confusion.
His armored form seemed to fill the space like an immovable pillar, radiating an oppressive presence that weighed heavily on the room. His eyes, hidden beneath his helmet, were filled with stubborn unacceptance. The situation didn’t make sense to him.
Katheran ignored the man and cleared his throat, addressing the students. “Alright, listen up. Now that we’re done here, I need you all to prepare. Tomorrow, we’ll head out to the Eldergrove Expanse.” His voice was steady, and in response, he noticed the glint of apprehension in the students’ eyes.
They knew about the Eldergrove Expanse. Even though the Academy kept it clear of monsters too strong, it was the training ground for all-year students. So while there were easy monsters and regions, some were far above their league. Katheran liked it if students were cautious. They’re smart to be scared. Especially after the dungeon incident.
Not that he’d ever let that accident repeat. He talked shit to them right before entering the dungeon, but it was average scare tactics. Actually losing their lives when he was right outside was a shame to his titles.
“The Eldergrove Expanse, Professor?” one of the students at the back asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Katheran nodded, giving him a brief, reassuring look. “Yes, were you not present during the last class? Consider it practical training. You’ll be gathering resources, testing your mettle against the creatures that dwell within. You’ll also receive a special reward. Be ready.”
He finished, allowing the students some time to absorb the information. He glanced over at Sir Likard, whose gaze was now focused directly on him. Does he not plan to leave? The Holy Knight’s silence held a weight that seemed to demand attention.
After a moment, Sir Likard stepped forward, his heavy footsteps echoing through the room. Everyone looked at him, as did Katheran. “I shall tag along with you, professor.” His voice was deep and unyielding, and it left no room for negotiation.
Katheran’s brows knitted together. He held the Holy Knight’s gaze, unflinching. “This is a school event. Outsiders aren’t typically permitted to accompany us.”
“The demon might attack again.” Sir Likard’s response was swift, his tone brooking no argument. “I cannot return to the Church with anything less than a solid answer to this situation. Let me tag along. I shall ask the Chancellor about permission, as well. I’m aware of your strength, Professor Katheran, but you can’t be everywhere at once. I’ll watch over the class with you, and should any demon rear its head, I’ll deal with it.”
Katheran’s frown deepened as he assessed the man before him. Likard was determined, as he was strong. No question there, but Katheran could see the underlying frustration in his stance, the slight tension in his grip on his weapon.
There was a different, or perhaps additional would be the right word, reason behind his offer.
The Holy Knight wasn’t satisfied with the results of today’s display. He’d hoped to find a demon, one lurking within his students. Something that was outrageous to Katheran. And now, he wanted to join the expedition to the forest, likely hoping that he’d catch a demon among the students or some hint of the darkness he was so eager to uncover.
But he’s right. The demons have attacked once. They might again. Katheran remained silent for a long moment, considering.
The students were no match for a man like Likard. But at the same time, it filled Kath with impotent rage to consider the possibility that his students’ lives might be threatened again. He hadn’t taken this job to watch them die. Logically, Katheran prioritized the rest of the students’ lives.
The Holy Knight’s presence will be helpful.
The forest was dangerous, indeed. Though the academy staff patrolled the area, ensuring a controlled environment, it was impossible to anticipate every threat. It was the perfect place for a demon to hide in. If there were more lurking dangers, an extra pair of trained eyes wouldn’t be entirely unwelcome.
Finally, he nodded. “Very well. But know this, Sir Likard,” he said, his voice carrying a steely warning. “You may accompany us, but these are my students. If any harm were to befall them by your hand, just because of your hunch, as there had been many cases across the Holy Knights’ history, you shall be answering me.”
Sir Likard inclined his head, almost in mockery. “Fair enough, professor. My aim is only to root out any demons, nothing more.”
Katheran’s gaze remained obdurate, but he turned away, his decision was made. The students would face the dangers of the Eldergrove Expanse, but now they would also be watched by the eyes of a man who sought enemies in the shadows.
The path ahead might grow dangerous, but everything would be fine. The students would be tested, and Katheran would make sure everything remained under control.
****
Nebula moved through the city, her blue and white academy cloak catching the eye of passersby. She barely noticed, her mind elsewhere as her gaze skimmed over shop signs and glowing displays. The streets of Waybound were alive with whispers of magical enchantments, runes glimmering from storefronts selling everything from protective charms to crystalline potion vials.
She usually enjoyed looking, even if just for curiosity’s sake since the Waybound City was beautiful to the eyes. But today, her thoughts circled back to the earlier class, replaying the moment Sir Likard’s eyes slid over her. He had been too focused on her earlier, but over time, it had shifted. Thankfully he didn’t find anything on her. She’d stayed off his radar and breathed easy after. It was a relief.
Had she lucked out? Or was it as that young man had said…?
Her steps slowed as she reached the shop, an unassuming place wedged between towering buildings, the only one around that didn’t hum with arcane energy.
She couldn’t afford the more expensive ones.
She stepped inside, inhaling the familiar scent of oiled leather and polished steel. Her eyes adjusted to the dim light, scanning the room—and she stopped short.
The shop only had one customer, while the shopkeeper, a large man with a receding hairline, yawned at the counter. The one to catch her attention was the former. It was someone she knew.
Iskandaar Romani, son of a wealthy count, what was he doing in this shabby shop?
He stood by a shelf of weapons, examining a sword, his fingers brushing over the hilt with absent curiosity. When she stepped inside, his gaze flicked to her as he blinked, a faint glint in his eye.
“Huh, Nebula?” he asked, the corner of his mouth lifting. “I didn’t expect a [Mage] to show up in a weapon shop.”
Nebula stiffened, meeting his gaze with a cool stare. “...I just wanted a dagger for close-quarter combat for emergencies. You already know about tomorrow..”
He raised an eyebrow and gestured to a rack of daggers with an open hand. “Then pick one from here. I was checking them out earlier. They’re all good, won’t snap under pressure.”
She stared at him for a second and nodded, turning her attention to the daggers. Her fingers grazed the hilt of a slender dagger, one with a dark blade and a smooth grip. She held it tight. It felt right on her grip, balanced. She began to play with it, but his hand shot out, stopping her.
“Not that one,” he said in an oddly confident voice, handing her a different dagger instead. “This suits you better.”
She frowned. “Why bother asking me to pick, then?”
He only shrugged, a faint smirk on his face. That annoyed her. Before she could say anything, he moved to the counter, tossing the dagger and sword to the shopkeeper, and she watched, growing more annoyed. But when he reached into his coin purse to pay, she blinked and stepped forward, voice low.
“Hey, no. ’ll cover mine, Iskandaar. I don’t need—”
He leaned closer, cutting her off. “I’ll be covering all your expenses after the wedding, my dear. Let me practice for it.”
A heat rushed to her cheeks before she could stop it, and she clenched her jaw, looking away. The shopkeeper let out a chuckle, low and amused.
“You’re a lucky one, miss. Seems you’ve got yourself a gentleman.” His tone held a teasing lilt, and Iskandaar chuckled in response.
She said nothing, choosing instead to examine the floor as she accepted the dagger, swallowing her thanks. She knew he’d only twist it into another joke, anyway.
She didn’t like receiving stuff from people. They always wanted it back—with interest. But somehow, she couldn’t wholeheartedly reject him.
“I’ll be seeing you again, then, boss,” Iskandaar said to the shopkeeper who nodded and then walked out of the shop. Nebula stared at his back before following along.
They walked out in silence, the noise of the street filling the space between them as they headed back. I thought I was the only one scared. But since he’s buying a new sword too, is he also nervous about tomorrow?
She hadn’t planned on bringing up her concerns, but the knot in her chest wouldn’t go away. At last, she looked over, and the words slipped out. “Iskandaar…” She kept her voice steady, casual. “Will tomorrow be alright?”
He didn’t answer immediately, but when he did, his voice was calm and certain. “It’ll be fine. I handled the Holy Knight today, didn’t I? If things develop for the worse, I’ll handle him again.”
Her steps slowed. She didn’t expect the answer to be that simple, yet somehow, hearing it calmed her. For so long, she had seen him as an arrogant, spoiled noble, nothing more. But the way he spoke now held an edge that was hard to dismiss. Perhaps he’d been serious all along.
When he promised her ‘I’ll figure something out,’ he wasn’t joking. He had indeed figured something out, and she had survived the examination of the Holy Knight thanks to that. It was hard to believe, but what other explanation did she have?
Despite herself, walking beside him in the calm of the evening breeze, Nebula felt the corners of her mouth tugging into a small but genuine smile. She didn’t know what was true and what was a bluff among his words.
But somehow, his reassurance felt enough.
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****
Footsteps were louder than the whispers of students as we wandered through the school grounds. It didn’t take long for the irritation to settle in once I saw Sir Likard marching right behind Katheran. The man was living by the words he spoke of yesterday.
They were headed towards the teleportation field with the rest of us trailing behind, and I had to grit my teeth to keep from showing how much his presence irked me. Why the hell can’t he just leave? Although I complained, I knew the Holy Knight wouldn’t let go of this that easily. I wasn’t really surprised that it happened. He’d be watching our every move, his eyes peeled for any sign of “demonic influence.”
But why was he so suspicious of us? I couldn’t figure it out. Particularly, Nebula… He was stealing glances at her every now and then still, only caught by my Demonic Sphere.
I blinked. I suddenly had a guess why. Her Blood Affinity? It must be. The professors must have given him files on the students. Her affinity’s not really a secret.
Humans with Blood Affinity were rare, and those few who had it turned out to be black mages. It was not a good look on them. It had to be the reason why he was suspicious of Nebula. If he confronted us too openly and used some sort of other technique to detect demons, I might have to clash with him.
Nebula leaned close, her voice a mere whisper. “Iskandaar, what’s happening? I don’t have a good feeling about this.” She kept it vague, but I understood. She was worried, more than I was, about getting exposed.
I kept my gaze forward, trying to stay calm. “It’s fine. He’s just here to make himself feel important,” I muttered, forcing a smile her way. “Don’t worry about it. We’ll be fine.”
I knew she didn’t fully believe me, but at least she managed a nod before falling back in line. Lying often helps a great deal in times of pressure and uncertainty.
We walked through the academy grounds, passing tall marble pillars that gleamed in the morning light. We passed tall buildings, pristine mansions, and different faculty. Soon, the teleportation field loomed ahead—a vast circular platform encased in metal runes that glowed faintly, even under daylight. Surrounding the platform were tall, obsidian pillars engraved with intricate sigils and symbols, all converging into a larger, central rune carved into the ground.
This was the academy’s pride, a sophisticated teleportation array that could send anyone to the farthest reaches of the continent in the blink of an eye.
“Here we are,” Katheran said as we stepped onto the field. The entire area pulsed with a low hum, the magic activating as we approached.
The air was thick with the scent of burning sage and something metallic, a reminder that this was no ordinary magic. Magic dealing with Space-Time was complex and few. I felt a slight excited tingle along my skin, the energy tangible, like standing too close to a fire.
Katheran raised a hand, gesturing for silence. “Don’t get too lost in its beauty; you’ll see it a lot. Gather around the circle,” he ordered.
We moved to the center, with thirty students and two instructors in a tight formation, the faint hum of the magical energy growing louder around us. I fervently caught a glimpse of the magic circle beneath us, the symbols pulsing with an otherworldly light, weaving and shifting like they were alive.
It was interesting. Magic, I mean. I really wanted to try my luck on it.
“Old Eldrin,” Katheran called, nudging his head at the man sitting outside the magic circle, reading a book beside a lever. “Please, to Eldergrove. Set the call-back to 72 hours.”
“Aye,” the old man grunted and leaned to the side, putting a hand on the lever and visibly channeling his mana into it. It lit up. He turned to grin at us, laughing. “Good luck.” The old man pulled the lever.
The air grew heavy, droplets of light growing visible before my eyes. Solara quickly moved to my side while I stood beside Nebula. The droplets of light, mana particles, began to intensify until they seemed to swallow everything. I felt my body lifting, weightless, as the light wrapped around us, blurring the edges of reality.
We moved through space and time in a process that’d marvel the scientists of modern times. There was a moment of stillness, and then the ground beneath my feet shifted, and the light began to recede.
Distant coo of birds filled my ears, the sound of fire crackling. The smell of smoke hit me first. It clung to the air, thick and suffocating, as the teleportation’s light receded. The world returned in a rush, the hum fading as the teleportation was completed.
We were standing in the heart of the forest, surrounded by charred trees and smoldering brush. Thick, blackened trunks jutted up from the earth, their branches stripped bare, and the air was thick with the smell of ash and smoke. The tree peaks reached into the sky like skeletal hands. The ground beneath was cracked and burnt, the remains of fallen leaves crunching underfoot.
Ah, I hate this place. I recognized this area as the blaze district of Eldergrove. There are much better regions in the forest. Just my bad luck.
Some students coughed around us while Solara blazed out her wings, jerking them as if heating them with fire. “The weather’s great,” she said.
“Is it, now?”
While I shook my head, Katheran scanned the scene, his expression flat. “The weather’s not bad, true, but I’ve got bad news, kids. Some of you nerds must have realized this is the blazing district,” he said with a sigh as if we’d just landed in a disappointing neighborhood instead of a wasteland. “Pity. The monsters here aren’t very strong...”
“Shouldn’t we be happy if they’re weak?” I felt Nebula shift beside me, the tension in her shoulders mirrored in the rest of the class. I didn’t answer. Katheran, unbothered, turned to face us, hands tucked behind his back.
“You’re now in the Eldergrove Expanse,” he said. “While I said the monsters are weak, it’s by my standards, and my standards are stupid. For weaklings such as you, who’ve already died in a mere dungeon, this area’s volatile, and the creatures here are nothing like what you faced in the dungeon. Well, kind of. You guys didn’t really face normal monsters in the dungeon,” he coughed, blinking when a student held back a laugh.
Katheran frowned at the student, who shut up immediately. “...You lots have three days to hunt and bring back the spoils of your work. Most monsters here are of 2nd Ascension, and I expect each of you to take down at least that. Nothing lower. You can try your luck on 3rd Ascension monsters though, but don’t risk your life if you’re not confident. Unlike the dungeon, you don’t have an upper-class man to rely on this time.”
The Holy Knight looked around behind him, kneeling down and picking up some ash. I think that guy had some problems.
Katheran glanced over the crowd, his sunglasses glinting as he paused, letting the weight of his words settle. “The academy will take what you kill. No need to collect them, we’ll find them ourselves. After classes end, you can either sell the monsters or you can give them to us. The academy will use those monsters as a base material and forge items tailored to each of you. Swords, spears, magic wands—whatever suits your skills. Even alchemical tools, if that’s where your interest lies. So I’d encourage you to approach this properly.”
That was a good initiative. Besides wanting to collect monsters for my monster blood ritual, I could also order a sword for myself. It’d been almost a year since I came here, but I didn’t have a special sword yet. So I was looking forward to it.
Of course, I was more excited for the Heavenly Demon Body.
Katheran’s gaze swept over us again. “Naturally, if you bring back some scrap creature, expect nothing but scrap in return. But if you show me some ambition, you’ll find it reflected in what the academy provides.”
The students glanced at each other. It was a great opportunity. Even most noble houses weren’t rich or influential enough to make a weapon that the Waybound Academy could make for them. Especially to the few commoner students.
Regardless, I hoped they realized the dangers that came with it. Most monsters here might not be dungeon bosses, but they were not pushovers, either. Just like us, they moved in groups. Not to mention the heat and smoke, which would drain us fast.
The blazing district wasn’t the most dangerous area in the forest, but the fire and smoke alone could drain a man’s stamina faster than any monster. It was a harsh enough place for new students.
Katheran continued, his voice steady, “I shall not waste further time talking. You’ll be working in groups of three. No drawing lots this time. Consider this an exercise in teamwork and survival. Now, find your partners.”
The students glanced around, and before I could even take a step, Solara was beside me. Well, she hadn’t really left my side. Nebula tried to walk away from beside me, but I yanked her by her arm.
“...” She looked back, and our eyes locked. She opened her mouth to speak, but I yanked her back beside me. She sighed and nodded. No words were needed; the choice was obvious.
Our little exchange hadn’t gone unnoticed. Some students shot me glares of jealousy, which was odd given she was my fiance, but more importantly… I could feel the Holy Knight’s stare, a piercing weight that lingered over us.
I had his attention.
A few minutes later, Katheran surveyed the newly formed groups, nodding with what might have been approval. “Fifteen teams. Done. Stay within this district. Be sure to test yourselves, hunt, and gather. And…” he trailed off, looking over us with a hardened expression. “I don’t wish a repeat of what happened in the dungeon—of you fools dying incompetently. So my [Aetheris Eyes] will be watching. It might not reach everywhere, so call my name if you’re in serious trouble. Ah, that will nullify your achievements, however.”
He let that sit for a moment, his sunglasses flaring briefly with that iridescent sheen, a reminder that he’d be on us before we even knew we needed help.
But I wasn’t planning on calling for him. Rather, if the worst came to be, I wished he’d be late enough for me to finish off the enemy.
“Now, go.” At his signal, we dispersed, moving into the forest, each team headed in a different direction. As we rushed, the smoke seemed to close in around us, filling the space between the charred trees and swallowing any hope of a clear view.
Fortunately, it was no Wraithwoods. I didn’t have to rely on my Demonic Sphere too much. Although I wish the air was a bit fresher… But it was fine.
I was not here to enjoy the scenery. We had a job to do. And after this, a lot more still lay ahead. My eyes flicked to the Holy Knight standing behind Katheran. Nodding to the professor, he turned in a seemingly random direction and headed in. He didn’t have Katheran’s eyes, so his excuse for leaving was easy.
But for me, that meant danger. I had a solid feeling that he’d follow us. I’ll have to stay alert. I didn’t want to give fuel to the flicker of his confusion.
“Let’s go,” I said to the girls, keeping my voice steady. The hunt had begun.
****
The Eldergrove Expanse, specifically the fiery district we were in, wasn’t a vacation spot. In the game, I’d run through here a dozen times over. I knew the territory, the creatures that thrived here, and the rough spots that could make anyone regret stepping foot in the forest.
This place was home to Burning-tail Monkeys and Flaming-skull Dogs, both common enough in the district. I kept an eye out for their features. They were distinguishable enough; with the monkeys’ long, blazing tails, they’d swing around, ready to throw searing nuts like grenades.
The skull dogs were also obvious to the eyes: hounds with bones like hot coals and a bite that could char right through the skin.
I glanced over at Nebula, who kept her gaze sharp, scanning the underbrush for threats.
When Katheran first announced this class a few days ago, I’d wanted to do this alone with Solara. We wanted to kill the monsters and pick up the herbs I needed.
But with Sir Likard tagging along and sniffing around, leaving Nebula behind was out of the question. That obstinate man wasn’t satisfied with his little test, and according to my guess, he might confront her again.
“...! To the side,” I said, pulled out of my thoughts. A fire blazed somewhere in the distance, crackling like a thousand whispers layered over each other.
We slowed down, taking cover. Then we walked in silence for a while, only the sound of twigs snapping underfoot breaking the stillness. But then we saw them—Flaming-skull Dogs, skulking just ahead. Three of them.
The Flaming-skull Dogs were an odd sight, even for someone who’d seen their share of strange creatures. They stood out, their bodies a mesh of exposed bone and sinew, as if sculpted from smoldering embers. Their skulls gleamed white-hot, and their eyes, like hollow pits, radiated a searing red light.
Each step they took left a scorched print on the forest floor, flames from their paw marks fading into smoke. Thin tendrils of fire wove between the gaps in their ribs, pulsing like a heartbeat, casting their surroundings in a sickly orange glow.
Their jaws hung open slightly, revealing teeth that glowed like molten metal, dripping with ash. I could practically feel the heat from where I stood, even at this distance. As they moved, the light from their bodies flickered and danced, making them look like shadows prowling through a field of fire.
[Level 19]
[Level 19]
[Level 21]
We crouched lower, watching as the creatures sniffed the air, their hollow eyes scanning the forest. I gripped my sword, knowing that we’d need to be just as ruthless as they were. I exchanged glances with the two girls and was just about to move.
But then one of the dogs paused, its hollow eye sockets fixing on our position. For a split second, it felt like it saw right through the cover, the flames in its skull flaring brighter, casting sharp angles across its skeletal face.
Then, with a snarl, it turned and sprinted off into the shadows, the other two quickly following suit, leaving only the faint glow of their retreating flames and the lingering smell of burnt earth.
“...”
“What happened?”
“Not what I was expecting,” I muttered, letting down my guard as I watched the pack scatter into the trees. I didn’t recall them being scaredy cats from the game. They weren’t the strongest monsters here, but they’d fight if cornered.
“Maybe they’re running from a strong beast? Let’s stay alert,” Solara said, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the forest around us.
“Good point,” I stepped forward, picking up the pace. “Let’s chase them.” I didn’t like being left in the dark, and if something was scaring these monsters, I wanted to know what it was.
We moved quickly, weaving through the trees, stumbling across more Flaming-skull Dogs. Big groups, actually. And yet, they just fled, scattering like leaves on the wind.
“What the hell?” I slowed down, panting as I looked at the girls in confusion. “Why’s my EXP running from me, Solara?”
“Um, I don’t know…” My Star failed my question.
I sighed, shaking my head and deciding to look for other monsters instead. There were lots more in these parts. We moved again, our eyes openly in search of monsters, while my Demonic Sphere kept its focus on the Mountain that stalked us from afar.