“It’s getting late,” Lily whispered, sitting alone on the roof, far from the spot she and Hades usually shared. She hugged her knees to her chest, head lowered, twirling one of the small bells attached to her outfit. Was it really childish? she wondered. The colourful garments were all gifts from the House of Quell. Just because I liked bright colours doesn’t mean I was immature, right?

She pouted, playing with her hair.

“Lily?”

She raised her head and smiled at Maki. “What are you doing here this late?”

“I was about to ask you the same thing,” Maki whispered. “May I have a seat?”

Lily nodded, gesturing for her to take a seat beside her.

Maki stretched and took her place, staring at Lily. “What’s wrong? You don’t usually come to this part of the sanctuary,” she paused before adding, “Still mad at Hades?”

Lily shook her head. “No, I’m fine. Who gets mad over something like that?”

Maki scooted closer, her eyes narrowing with concern. “Now I know something’s up. You’re avoiding my eyes, which means you’re definitely bothered.”

“What makes you think that?” Lily whispered, trying to shrug it off.

“Well, if it’s not about Hades, it must be the test tomorrow, but we both know you aren’t scared of tests. And if there was really nothing wrong, you’d be laughing at the top of your lungs by now, not all—”

“Alright, alright, I get it.” Lily sighed, wrapping her arms around her legs. “Hades is an idiot, okay? So yeah, I’m mad.”

“No surprise there,” Maki said. “You should know that already or… Is it something else?”

“It’s just…” Lily hugged herself tighter. “No, never mind.”

Maki leaned back. “Okay, guess I’m not trustworthy enough,” she said with a teasing tone. “But I’ll tell you why I’m really up here. I’m scared about tomorrow’s exam.”

Lily lowered her head, listening as Maki continued.

“I honestly have no idea how I’ve survived this long,” Maki confessed, clenching her fists. “I feel like the Mother of Luck must like me a lot. You’re all so amazing, and here I am. I don’t even know much about fighting styles like Krissy or blades like Jin. Full of life like Bon, or stealthy like Levi”

Maki blinked back tears and quickly wiped them away. “I just wanted one last view of the sanctuary before tomorrow.”

Lily peeked at her friend. “You’re really doing this?” she asked, "Playing that card with me"

Maki wiped her tears and smiled. “You were the one who taught me all those movements that helped me survive. What kind of friend would I be if I left you alone now?”

Lily’s faint smile returned. “So, you’ve resorted to emotional manipulation? Touche, Maki. Come here!”

She leapt and wrapped Maki around her arms, whispering in her ear. "It'll all be okay"

“Y-yeah,” Maki laughed awkwardly, patting Lily's back. “But seriously, if something’s bothering you, I’m here to listen.”

Lily released her arms and clasped her hands together.

“You know, it’s funny. I brought this on myself,” she said. “My husband? How childish is that? I meant it as a joke just to tease him at first, but-“

“Now it means something more, doesn’t it?”

Lily nodded. “Years ago, he said he didn’t want me to change. Now he’s acting like he’s sick of me. What a liar.”

Maki smiled, tapping her head to console her. “They all are, come on. You know what? Give him a piece of your mind tomorrow.”

“A piece?” Lily raised an eyebrow. “What are you trying to say?”

“Teach him a lesson!” Maki yelled, her adorable face red with fury. “Beat him up! Throw him off a cliff”

Lily’s smile faded, her face suddenly serious. “Seriously? Of all times?”

Two cloaked swordsmen appeared in the air, their blades aimed straight at Maki.

“Can’t you see?” Maki said, her fingers moving to her swords. “We’re in the middle of girl talk!”

She drew her blades. But was too late, their attacks struck her.

“That easy,” one said.

“This is the power of the strongest group? How disappointing”

Maki moved swiftly, the world flickering in faded grey and colour. She dodged their attacks while simultaneously cutting them down, sending them crashing off the roof.

She breathed out the cold air and returned her blades, turning to Lily, who sat frozen in shock. Weak, my foot, she thought.

“So… you like Hades?” Maki squealed, grabbing Lily’s hand.

“Huh? I don’t know?!”

“Who’s causing all this ruckus?” a voice called from below.

Lily and Maki went silent for a moment before bursting into laughter.

“We were so caught up, we didn’t even notice you, Krissy,” Lily said, wiping tears from her eyes.

Krissy sat by the window, a book in hand, adjusting her glasses. “You two really need to be more aware of your surroundings, for crying out loud you're now seniors. And Lily... don’t stress about that excuse of a man. If Hades rejects you, we’ll beat him to a pulp.”

Maki threw her fist in the air. “Yeah! We’ll take him down easy!”

Lily sighed. “Krissy, you were listening?”

Krissy flipped a page nonchalantly. “You were sitting on top of my room, making a racket. It’s like you wanted me to listen, don’t you think? Also, you have a larger audience than you think,” she said, turning to the group of girls who had been listening all along.

The other girls shushed her and hurried out of the room. Their secret had been exposed.

Lily couldn’t contain her embarrassment. It felt like her soul was about to burst out and bury her body before it went to hell and hanged itself.

Krissy closed her book with a smile and adjusted her glasses. “If you’re not ready to continue, I can always take over. I haven’t even told you what Harold did the other day.”

“Goodnight!” Maki shouted, rushing off the roof, already having heard her fill of Harold's stories.

Lily remained behind, still in shock. So stunned that Krissy’s loving words went in one ear and out the other. What a way to spend their last night as students of the sanctuary.

*

The group of boys huddled in a circle, flicking the marked wooden tiles they were using as cards. Harold who wasn't participating, sat behind, still talking about Krissy.

Hades sat, his thoughts far from the game as he stared at the pile before him. Lily’s not in her room... nor on the rooftops. He had run into Maki earlier, and after explaining, she had offered to help find her.

He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. Focus. Just leave it to Maki. Damn you, Lily. Making me feel like this... It’s not right.

Bon observed Hades. “If you’re thinking about Lily during boys’ night," he warned, crossing his arms, "I swear, Hades, I’ll kill you. Right now, I'm seconds away from ending Harold's life don't add yourself to my list"

Hades smirked, laying down a tile. “Adorable. Looks like I got the win.”

Jin slapped his piece down. “I win.”

With a sigh, Hades threw his remaining cards into the pile, leaning back against the wall. Meanwhile, Bon’s face contorted in disbelief as he stared at his hand. "Pretty boys and their dumb luck," he muttered, rubbing his temples. “How am I last again?!”

Levi, who had been quietly observing, stared at his tiles. He wasn’t even sure what the rules were, but somehow he had avoided last place. His eyes remained still as he kept his gaze on the tiles.

Bon collapsed onto the floor, pounding his fist. “I always lose every time; what’s with my luck? Am I cursed?”

Jin patted Bon’s shoulder. “Did you, perhaps, turn down a witch's proposal?"

Bon scoffed. “Please. I wouldn’t dream of rejecting a witch. That’s a classic tale, man. What do you take me for? Stupid?”

Jin leaned back, shaking his head. “You spend all your time reading those fantasy novels from the Housemaster’s secret stash instead of studying. You know those witches in the books aren’t real, right?”

Hades shook his head. “It's embarrassing to waste your time on such nonsense.”

Jin released his grip on Bon and turned to Hades with a feigned smile. “Who said you aren’t involved? You read about blades, true, but you only focus on war books and how to get stronger. What’s your endgame, Hades? It's unnerving. Ever heard of balance? Maybe throw in some history or science. The only one here who seems to have a good grasp is Levi.”

Harold, who had been murmuring to them about Krissy, looked up. “Hey, you should include me also”

Jin snorted. “You? Good? I’ve never seen you even look at a book, much less open one. The only thing you’ve got memorised is the Krissy Encyclopedia.”

The air grew tense as Hades stood, his eyes burning a deep red. “You think you can talk to me like that?”

Bon rose too, cracking his knuckles. “You’ve been getting too cocky, Jin. Maybe it’s time someone taught you a lesson.”

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

Harold joined in, looming over Jin with his bulk. “Krissy’s not some research topic for you to joke about.”

Jin remained unphased, a blade flicking into his hand. “I can take all of you on.”

Hades shoved Bon and Harold aside, stepping forward. “No need. I’ll deal with him myself.”

Bon and Harold exchanged annoyed glances. “Hey, who do you think you are, pushing us like that?” Bon snapped.

The group’s glares glared at each other, tension rising quickly. Then suddenly— A crash echoed through the room as the roof buckled, leaving behind a huge hole.

Silence hung for a beat, until Levi, still counting his cards, blinked and quietly asked, “So... whose turn is it?”

Bon landed in the open field, his feet barely touching the ground before he straightened up, catching the eyes of a few girls who had gathered after the earlier commotion. Great. Just what I need... an audience, he thought, trying to shake off the nerves. I’m up against powerful opponents, need to keep my guard up.

He pulled his cloak back, feeling a rush of energy surge through him as his muscles tensed. The cold was perfect for him, a perfect way to reduce fatigue. Years of rigorous training had honed his body, and countless scars to prove it

The girls watched his body in awe. They had no idea his body was that toned. Because of the way he acted, they always assumed he was a weakling.

Focus, Bon reminded himself, just as Harold came barreling toward him, swinging his massive blade with an animalistic force. The cold wind tossed Harold's scarf as he glared at Jin.

“What did I do to you?” Bon whispered, blocking the strike. The impact sent him skidding backwards, but he managed to keep his footing. One hit and I’m almost out... I can’t let him get in another.

Suddenly, blades whistled through the air, raining down from above.

“Wait a minute,” he muttered.

Hades appeared behind him, drawing his blade.

Bon eyes widened. “Why do I get the feeling everyone’s ganging up on me?”

The blades vanished from Bon's vision. *They’ve shifted the fight into a parallel space *A technique I can’t master.*

Hades was already in position, and Harold was preparing to charge again. Bon clenched his fists. *They see me as the weakest link... always take out the weak first, huh?*

These years I’ve had the worst stroke of luck. Not anymore, waiting around for a change wasn’t working anymore. If I wanted to be better, I needed to do my best. Even when I’m up against monsters.

The air distorted as Bon dodged just in time, a blade grazing his cheek. Twirling his sword between his fingers, he parried Hades' next strike, gritting his teeth as Harold came charging from behind. *I can’t hold both of them...*

Bon flipped over, narrowly dodging Harold’s claymore as it crashed into Hades, sending him flying back across the field.

He panted, barely believing what had just happened. “I... I can’t believe that actually worked.”

The snow cloud around them settled as Hades pulled himself back up, a smirk creeping onto his face. “I was saving you for later, but I guess now’s the best time,” he said, drawing his blade at Harold.

Bon remained focused. There was still one more threat. in stood high on the roof, a smug look plastered on his face as if victory was already his. Three swords came hurling toward Bon out of nowhere. He managed to deflect two with rapid strikes, but the third came too fast.

He stared right at the blade preparing for the pain to come. But the sword hung in the air, a few inches from his face.

“You really thought I’d impale you?” Jin said. “You’re out, Bon. I thought I’d finish this in one move, but you’ve improved.”

Bon chuckled, laying back on the snow. Maybe it’s time to stop reading all those fantasy books... focus on real life for a change. He sighed, watching the clouds drift by. Another time, then.

Jin turned his gaze to the battlefield below. “Alright, Hades. Let’s get this over with.”

But before Hades could respond, Harold roared and hurled him across the sanctuary, knocking him out of sight. Jin stared, out of words. What just happened?

Hades crossed his arms midair, lost in thought. I didn’t realize how much this was weighing on me. I need to make things right with her... I can’t keep going like this.

He crashed into the garden, tumbling through a bed of flowers. Dusting himself off, Hades straightened his clothes.

"I need to leave before the instructors get here-"

He noticed Levi holding a girl's hand and sneaking around the sanctuary grounds. They locked eyes together...

They went their separate ways like nothing happened. To them, they saw nothing that night.

*

They ventured into the outskirts of the forest, along a secluded path hidden from ordinary sight. The Supreme Being guards protected the entrance and forbade anyone from passing through.

Beyond them lay a frozen forest, where a colossal door loomed — the very door those guards protected. At its base were offerings: flowers, food, clothing, jewellery, letters, and more.

All of the instructors were present, dressed in black attire, while their Sensei wore a white garment. A constant smile danced on his lips as they walked towards the gate. The others followed behind him, their heads bowed.

The gates creaked open, revealing nothing but an endless expanse of deep blue sky and a sea of clouds stretching below.

The students gasped, astonished by the sight. The Land of Heathens rested atop a towering mountain, dwarfing all the other peaks around it. The sky above swirled with violent storms, lightning flashing, and thunder roaring in the distance.

“Yes, the king is present, serve him, adore him, hahaha” Sensei laughed out, getting on his feet and walked.

The instructors trembled. He can walk?

“Yes, yes, yes!”

Sakura approached the students, bowing low before them. “You all have become exceptional swordsmen, giving everything you had to reach this point. Now, the final exam awaits.”

Luca, still visibly shaken by the spectacle of their Sensei’s behaviour, stepped forward. “The most basic of all energy manipulations is coating, which grants us armour. The task is simple: you must jump from the Land of Heathens and survive.”

The students remained on their knees, heads pressed to the ground. They had come too far to turn back now. Forty-seven had begun this journey together, and only eighteen remained. To retreat now would dishonour the fallen.

The task also wasn’t difficult. It requires control to secure a good landing spot while gliding in the air. The average student here had more than enough aura to shield themselves from the fall.

Hades glanced around, searching for any sign of Lily. She’s still not here.

At Sensei’s command, the students rose to their feet. The morning sky had darkened, clouds swirling violently above them.

“My students, my beloved students,” Sensei called out, his arms spread wide. “Satisfy our mighty king, and serve him with all your might. Now, I bid you farewell.”

They all walked towards the edge of the cliff in silence. Each step feeling like they were moments away from being the strongest swordsmen and women that ever existed. The anticipation was high. After they pass, they’ll be immediately recruited by the Supreme Being himself.

Hades clenched his fist. He had some questions for this god, one of which was why old people always got sick. He has to pass the exam, no matter what.

Out of Joy some of the students, leapt off, all laughing.

Hades allowed himself a small smile. At least I’ll have a bit of fun for the final test.

“Come on, traitor!” Bon shouted.

“Stop… calling me that,” Levi whispered and joined along.

Harold and Krissy jumped together, grinning, while Jin approached Hades with a playful smirk. Without warning, Jin pulled him into a tight hug. “See you on the other side, buddy. Don’t you dare die on me?”

Jin summoned his blade, its gleaming edge reflecting the stormy skies, and leapt off without hesitation.

Meanwhile, Maki stood trembling, her hands clasped in prayer over her small flower.

Hades placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “You’ll be fine,” he said softly. “Just focus on coating your feet with energy, that’s all.”

Maki gave a shaky nod. She leaned in and hugged Hades, whispering, “Lily is waiting for you. And… thank you.”

With that, she stepped to the cliff’s edge, took one deep breath, and jumped.

Before, Hades could turn. He saw Lily standing next to him, her hands on her back.

He turned away and back at her, whispering. “ I’m sorry. I didn’t mean any of that…”

She stayed silent, her gaze steady.

Hades lowered his head, struggling to find the right words. “I get it, of course, you’re angry. But… it’s just that—no, I—”

Lily chuckled a bit before she burst into laughter. “You’re the worst, Hades,” she said, wiping a tear from her eye.

He blinked in confusion.

“I can’t even stay mad at you,” she stepped closer. “Your face is just too hilarious, Hady. I forgive you”

Before he could respond, she rested her head on his chest. He hesitated, unsure, but then slowly raised his arms and wrapped them around her in an embrace.

Her eyes widened briefly, surprised, but she softened into the hug, accepting it fully. “Alright then, I guess it’s time to give you a piece of my mind,” she whispered.

“Huh?” Hades had no time to respond before she pulled him in for a kiss.

His eyes widened, stunned, as she suddenly pushed him off the edge.

“Lily!” he shouted, his voice filled with laughter as he plummeted toward the clouds below.

She watched him fall, smiling to herself before turning to the instructors. She gave a final bow, adjusted her hat, and, with a backflip, dove off the cliff after him.

Racing down the cloudy mountainside, her heart pounded in her chest as she scanned the skies. “Oops, looks like I pushed him a little too far,” she muttered, searching for Hades amidst the groups of falling swordsmen.

Hades was engulfed in dark clouds as he watched the other students glide through the sky, dodging the jagged rocks and treacherous terrain with ease.

“Woo hooo!” Hades screamed, drawing his blade and cutting the rocks in his path.

His heart raced. The wind beating against his face made his vision blurry. But nothing compared to the look on his face when he had to go against Lily's speed.

A shiver ran down his spine. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a burnt figure strapped to the mountainside, its skull protruding grotesquely, sword still clenched in its bony hand.

The dark clouds parted, revealing a field of bones scattered across the ground below.

Hades looked upward, his eyes narrowing. A faint golden light flickered in the stormy sky, and there he saw him—Lucifer. And Luciela standing beside him, turning away from him.

Suddenly, a scream echoed in the air, followed by a deafening crack of thunder. Bolts of lightning rained down in every direction, ravaging the mountainside. Hades dodged the strikes, all while dodging the falling rocks and debris.

“Damn it!” he yelled, staring above. The golden light had vanished.

The supreme being, the demon lord and the Emperor of dragons. Those three possessed enough power to make fire rain from the heavens. Hades shivered. This was all the supreme being doing.

He clenched his sword, gritting his teeth. “So this is the real test,” he whispered.

But then, his heart stopped. Below him, he spotted Bon’s smoking body, his eyes gouged out. Levi clung to him, his own eyes flickering with the last remnants of life.

“No!!” Hades screamed, reaching out. A bolt of lightning obliterated them, the force ripping into Hades and leaving his arm gashed, blood spilling.

Rocks smashed against his skull as he tumbled, his vision fading in and out. He sensed Harold and Krissy’s life forces dimming. “Where are they?!” He searched below, spotting them in the distance. “I need to get there”

Using the mountainside, he propelled himself downward, bouncing off rocks to gain speed. Yet, he couldn't make it.

Harold was hit while he protected Krissy from the onslaught of lightning strikes. But he kept on holding her, refusing to let go.

“Let me go, let me go,” she cried.

Harold screamed, hardening his coating. This was why he trained this ability to protect the ones he cared about to be their shield. A shield doesn’t leave his master no matter the pain even when all that remains is broken wood and iron. His coating prevented the electricity from reaching her.

Hades eyes went red with horror. Isn’t there anything, I can do? Even if I use my gift, it doesn’t mean I could fly. I can’t even control my powers. Am I-Am I really that weak?

“Where’s Lily?” he whispered, scanning the falling bodies. “Mika, Jin”

He saw the face of a girl who had once rejected him—the same girl from the night they got their names. Her lifeless body drifted by him, along with the other students—those who had trained with him, lived with him, laughed with him. One by one, they fell. Then, he saw him—Jin.

“Jin!” Hades yelled. “JIN! JIN!!”

Jin turned at him, a smile on his face and a gaping wound in his arm. “Huh? Hades?” he whispered, just before another bolt of struck him down.

Hades yelled, pulling his bloody hair. His energy surged, a storm of power swirling around him as his heart raced. “Lily, Mika… where are you?” before he could finish.

A hat drifted past him—its bells broken singed beyond recognition. It was Lily’s.

He couldn’t hear anymore. The world around him fell silent. No thunder, no rocks, only a crushing stillness as he fell.

Hades was struck by lightning, his body slamming into the mountain’s walls. In the end, I wasn’t able to protect anyone.

He crashed to the ground, his coating crackling but failing him. "Why… why am I still alive?" he whispered.

“Hades?” a soft voice called out.

He looked up, his vision blurred by tears. It was Mika, lying on the ground, alive.

Hades smiled, cleaning his tears even as more fell and crawled to her, hugging her. “T-The others, Maki, the others are dead,” he cried, looking behind her. Her legs were mangled and torn.

“I’m sorry Hades,” she cried. “I couldn’t do it. I’m a disappointment aren’t I? Just can’t do anything right”

“N-No,” Hades' hands trembled, trying to hold back his tears. “You’re not”

She released Hades, who still held her in his arms. One by one, the other bodies fell, crashing to the ground. Hades turned to Harold and Krissy, whose bodies joined the others, with Harold still holding her tightly.

Hades screamed, his voice echoing through the entire mountain. He threw his hat aside and held Mika. He wished for a cure to this pain; anything would suffice. He didn't want to endure this sorrow.

A storm began, a mixture of rain and blood pouring down upon them.

“Told you I heard something,” a voice said.

Two men approached, one with scruffy red hair and an axe slung over his shoulder and the other a younger boy carrying a huge bag. More of them joined from behind.

“He survived? Just who are these people?”

At that moment, Hades appeared behind him, slicing his throat.

The red-haired man staggered back, clutching his neck as blood gushed through his fingers. The other adventurers froze, their faces drained of colour. They didn’t even see him move.

“G-Garry!” one of them cried. “Why did you kill him?!”

They surrounded Hades, weapons drawn, but none dared to attack. Hades stood silent, his sword humming with a dark, sorrowful cry. His eyes, once filled with pain, were now hollow, devoid of humanity.

A horned monster appeared in the skies, parting like curtains. The adventurers stood their ground and observed Hades.

Their hearts were about to leap out of their chests. A swordsman who fell from heaven, a man who wept yet showed no sympathy as he slew them all. All they could describe him as was “The Weeping Swordsman.”