The training grounds were quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling academy. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the arena, which was divided into sections glowing with the colors of the four primary powers: green for Nature Energy, blue for Mana, red for Ki, and golden-white for Aura.

Erik Miller stood alone at the far end, a determined look on his face as he prepared to experiment with the powers he had recently awakened.

His black hair tousled in the gentle breeze, and his gray eyes focused intently on the ground before him.

He could feel the weight of the fragment resting within him, an energy that stirred both excitement and trepidation. Taking a deep breath, Erik closed his eyes and reached deep within, attempting to summon both Ki and Mana simultaneously.

He had trained hard in Ki, yet Mana was a different beast altogether. His fingers tingled as he tried to channel the two energies, feeling them swirl around him in a dance of potential. A moment of frustration passed before he felt a flicker of warmth, the Mana responding to his call. He opened his eyes, his heart racing with the thrill of discovery.

“Come on,” he muttered to himself, sweat forming on his brow as he concentrated harder. “I can do this.”

With focused determination, Erik raised his hands, intertwining the energies. For a fleeting moment, he felt a surge of power wash over him—a sensation like no other, as if he could tap into something divine. But just as quickly as it came, it faded, leaving him breathless and yearning for more.

“Erik!” a voice called out, breaking his concentration. Startled, he turned to see his sister, Claire, approaching. Dressed in her combat attire, she looked formidable yet graceful. Her short red hair framed her face, and her piercing gaze carried both warmth and authority.

“What are you doing here all alone?” she asked, her tone teasing yet concerned.

“I was just… experimenting,” Erik replied, trying to sound casual. “Nothing too serious.”

Claire arched an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. “You know you shouldn’t push yourself too hard, especially with powers you’re still learning to control.”

Erik offered a sheepish grin. “I know. But I need to get stronger, Claire. There’s so much I want to achieve.”

She studied him for a moment before nodding. “Just remember, strength isn’t just about power. It’s about understanding and control, too.”

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With those words echoing in his mind, Erik felt a renewed sense of purpose. As Claire turned to leave, he resolved to master both Ki and Mana, regardless of the challenges ahead.

After their conversation, Erik left the training ground and made his way to class, his thoughts still swirling with the newfound abilities he sought to understand.

The lecture hall was filled with students from all classes—D to S—all buzzing with anticipation. The topic of the day was a subject Erik was particularly interested in: the demon hierarchy.

The instructor, a tall, imposing figure with a sharp gaze, stepped forward. “Welcome, everyone. Today, we will discuss the demon hierarchy and its significance. Can anyone tell me what you know about it?”

Rodger Binter, a confident Class S student, raised his hand. “There’s only one King in the demon hierarchy,” he stated, a hint of arrogance in his voice. “And there are four Dukes who serve him. Each one of them with their own subordonates.”

The instructor nodded, impressed but ready to elaborate. “That is what is normally known by the population, but that is not all. In fact, there are three Kings who hold significant power, each as strong as the leaders of the continents.”

A ripple of shock coursed through the room, Erik's heart racing at the revelation. He felt a mix of awe and fear as the instructor began detailing the Kings and their respective domains.

“The first is King Noxis, the King of the Abyss. He is a master of shadows and deception, known for his cunning strategies in battle. The second is King Pyrax, the King of the Inferno, a fierce warrior who commands fire and destruction. The last is King Thalor, the King of the Depths, a manipulator of water and ice.”

Gasps filled the room as students exchanged glances, the weight of this information sinking in. Erik could hardly believe what he was hearing. He had thought demons were a singular threat, but the reality was far more complex—and terrifying.

“And let’s not forget the Dukes,” the instructor continued, his tone grave.

“They serve under the Kings and wield significant power in their own right. We have Duke Morwen, the Duke of Sorrow, who can manipulate emotions; Duke Aethon, the Duke of Fury, known for his speed and ferocity; Duke Vespera, the Duke of Shadows, an assassin who strikes fear into the hearts of enemies; and finally, Duke Zephyros, the Duke of Tempests, a master of storm magic.”

The room was silent, the enormity of the information settling heavily on the students. Erik felt a knot form in his stomach. These were not just monsters—they were leaders, powerful and strategic, each one a force to be reckoned with.

As the instructor elaborated on the powers and abilities of each figure in the hierarchy, Erik scanned the classroom. His gaze fell upon Aeliana Sylvari, the Elven princess, seated calmly with an air of confidence that both intrigued and irritated him. How could she remain so composed in the face of such revelation?

It struck Erik then that she was likely familiar with this information, raised as she was among the nobility of the Elven kingdom. The thought made him feel small, reminding him of the vast difference in their backgrounds.

The class continued, but Erik’s mind was elsewhere, contemplating the implications of what he had learned. The demons were far more powerful than he had ever imagined, and if he hoped to stand a chance against them, he needed to grow stronger—much stronger.

As the lecture concluded, Erik left the hall, the weight of the new information pressing down on him. The conversations around him faded into a blur as he walked toward the dormitory. Each step resonated with determination. He would not be a mere pawn in this world of power and darkness; he would become a player, one who could defend himself and those he cared about.

With a resolute expression, Erik pushed open the door to the dormitory. The familiar surroundings greeted him, but today felt different. Today was the day he would take control of his destiny. As he entered his room, a fire ignited within him. He would master Ki and Mana, absorb the knowledge of the fragment he carried, and carve his path in the shadows of the demon hierarchy.

Tomorrow would be the start of something great.