Deep in the lowest level of the Prison of Judgment, a man was chained, his body suspended in mid-air, his feet unable to touch the ground. He clenched his jaw, eyes burning with vengeance.
"Just you wait, Zareth... I will have my revenge."
---
Somewhere else, in the Academy of Sandy, Zareth walked through the second-year students' corridor. His presence alone turned heads—his sharp features, his commanding aura, and his well-earned reputation as a charismatic warrior.
"That's Zareth! He's so handsome," a girl whispered excitedly to her friend.
The hallway buzzed with admiration, but Zareth barely paid attention. He was used to it.
A muscular man with short black hair, dressed in a white martial arts uniform with a black belt, stepped in front of him.
"What can I do for you, sir?" the man, Donbei, asked respectfully.
Zareth handed him a poorly drawn sketch. "Have you seen this guy?"
Donbei squinted at the picture, then turned it around as if that would help. "Sorry, but... this drawing is terrible. I don't recognize him."
"He's about this tall, black hair, serious-looking," Zareth tried again.
"Why are you looking for this guy?" Donbei raised an eyebrow.
Zareth hesitated, glancing around at the students still watching. "Let's talk somewhere private."
---
Inside a clean, well-lit room, Donbei leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "Alright, spill it. What's so special about this guy?"
"His swordsmanship... I recognize it."
"Wait, you mean the sword technique you've been obsessed with?"
Zareth nodded. "It's been a long time since I've seen someone fight like that."
"You think he trained under the Legend?"
A brief silence.
"I can't be sure," Zareth admitted, "but his technique is eerily similar."
"I see. But I've observed almost every fighter in this school, and none match that style. Maybe you're mistaken?"
"Maybe... but I need to confirm it myself."
"So you're giving up?"
"Not a chance. I'll search for him again—once I'm done with my current mission."
Donbei's expression darkened. "The Cursed situation still ongoing?"
"Yeah. This time, they're operating in the shadows, making it harder to track them."
"Meaning... someone on our side might be helping them?"
"It's just a possibility."
Donbei sighed. "Don't worry about the academy. We've got strong people here. Focus on your mission."
"Thanks, Donbei. And take care of my little sister."
"I will. You have my word."
---
It had been two days since Elysia started keeping a close eye on me. Though we barely talked, I was beginning to see that, in her own weird way, she wasn't all that bad.
"Morning, Nao." She greeted me as she sat down.
"Elysia, aren't you tired of babysitting me?" I asked.
"Honestly, it's exhausting. You're the most boring person I've ever met."
I smirked. That's the nicest thing she's said to me so far.
"Did you ask Sir Arsene to let you stop?"
"Stop? No chance. He wants me to watch you until the 'War of Class' is over."
I blinked. "War of Class? What's that?"
"A competition. And everyone in this class is required to participate."
Damn, I hate the word "required." What is this, a cult?
Sir Arsene entered, and the room fell silent.
"Alright, students. The 'War of Class' will begin soon. Each of you will be paired up in teams of two."
He started announcing the pairs.
"Nao will team up with Elysia, and Tetsu with Theo."
The room erupted. The strongest duo was paired with the weakest.
Sir Arsene slammed his hand on the desk, instantly silencing the class. "This is to balance the competition. I expect all of you to take this seriously. The winning pair will receive five gold coins."
I froze.
Five gold coins?
That's 5000 silver.
I kept my face neutral, but internally, I was screaming with joy. If I win, I'll be rich!
Screw fighting—I'll find a way to win without lifting a finger.
---
Prison of Judgment
Footsteps echoed through the dimly lit dungeon. A shadowy figure stopped in front of a cell.
"Zepr..." the voice called softly.
A long-haired man inside the cell lifted his head, eyes filled with malice. "What do you want?"
"I'll set you free. But in return, you must join my organization."
Zepr narrowed his eyes. But then he recognized her face.
"A royal agent... betraying her own kingdom? Now that's unexpected."
"We have no time for debates, Zepr. We've gathered enough Cursed to awaken our King."
Zepr smirked. "Not interested. I have my own plans."
The woman leaned in and whispered something.
Zepr's smirk vanished.
"You manipulative brat... Fine. But don't think I'll follow orders."
She tossed a key into the cell. "We'll meet again."
And then, she vanished.
Zepr laughed darkly, his voice echoing in the empty dungeon.
"Brace yourselves, world. Zepr is back!"
---
"NAO!!"
Before I could react, Tetsu jumped on me, hugging me like a lost puppy.
"Dude, what's your problem?" I grumbled.
"I can finally live in peace!" he said, grinning ear to ear.
Oh. Right. No more bullying.
"So... how's life with Elysia?" he whispered, sneaking a glance at her.
"Honestly? A little boring. What about you?"
His face lit up as he leaned in. "I awakened!" he whispered excitedly.
I froze. "What? How?!"
Tetsu pointed at Theo—the blond-haired, blue-eyed guy standing behind him. "He helped me! Haha!"
Huh. So Theo's a decent mentor.
"What's your element?" I asked.
"Aqa. Water."
Damn. That's solid. I thought it would take longer for him to awaken.
"Congrats, man!" I patted his back.
But he suddenly looked guilty. "Sorry, Nao. I awakened before you..."
I chuckled. "Don't be. I'm already strong enough."
"Strong? You're just trying to comfort yourself, aren't you?" he sighed.
I didn't answer. I was already on a different level from most students here. But still, knowing Tetsu had awakened was a relief.
"Then you better protect me, Tetsu." I teased.
"No need."
Elysia suddenly stepped in close.
"I'll protect Nao."
Tetsu flinched, stepping back instantly.
"Nao, I'll catch you later!" he said quickly before disappearing.
I sighed. "Elysia, you just scared him off."
"Scared? I was just stating a fact." she replied casually.
I gave up.
"Anyway, let's go eat. You're paying." I said, walking ahead.
"I always pay for you."
"Yeah, but only until the tournament ends."
If I take too much advantage of her, her family might come after me. And that would be the end of my life.