"I am Killan Mesdenova, Commander of the Seven Holy Legion, the one who leads the Royal Army of Lumerious."
Kyran looked up at Killan, an exceptional figure worthy of his title.
With the bearing of the kingdom's strongest swordsman, he radiated both majesty and intimidation.
"I heard he's the disciple of the Holy Warrior chosen to replace the Hero back then…" Lyra whispered beside him: "… and that he could wipe out Danger-Class monsters when he was only ten…"
Kyran froze for a moment. If that was true, then this man was overwhelmingly strong. Just the pressure in his gaze alone made Kyran's entire body tighten.
The mana radiating from Killan's form surged like a suffocating force.
At the same time, voices of admiration echoed right next to Kyran.
"Wow… he's so handsome…"
Soren nearly panicked as he covered Mira's eyes.
"Mira! Don't look at him anymore!"
Every pair of eyes was drawn toward Killan. His beauty was almost angelic noble, commanding, magnetic.
Killan raised his voice, firm and resonant.
"Now then, I shall select the twelve new recruits among you. Robert, read the list."
Robert, the event's host, stepped forward and began the announcement.
"I will now read the names of the twelve chosen candidates. First…"
"Now then, I shall select the twelve new recruits among you. Robert, read the list."
Robert once again stepped forward and read aloud: "I will now read the names of the twelve chosen candidates. First, Mike Lilton is the captain of the leading team Luminous Star.
Second, Everen Fredrick. Although his team lost, his overwhelming performance and audience votes grant him qualification to join the Royal Army."
Hearing that, everyone's expression darkened.
Even in defeat, Everen's sky-high scores from previous rounds and his massive audience support practically guaranteed his place.
Kyran trembled with frustration. And yet… this was his chance to settle the score.
"Third, Kyran is the captain of Shooting Star, who cleared all three rounds with safe qualification. He is hereby accepted as a new royal recruit."
Kyran brightened with joy, nodding as he accepted the result.
Soren, Aria, Lyra, and Mira all looked at him with sparkling admiration. It made Kyran unusually embarrassed…
"Fourth and fifth, Kaelino and Haras Kylaston of Radiant Star. You both performed excellently throughout the selection and are qualified to join."
Kaelino immediately became someone Soren, Kyran, Lyra, Aria and… Mira would have to keep an eye on.
"So that's Kaelino, huh? He really is handsome…" Lyra whispered in awe.
"He's… fine, I guess." Soren clicked his tongue, pretending to be unimpressed.
"Next, Aria Ice Lumerious famous for her Four-Star Sacred Beast, a feat that astonished even the Holy Warriors. She is hereby qualified to join the Royal Army."
Aria stepped forward, happiness glowing in her eyes.
Mira and Lyra clapped in unison: "Congratulations!"
Aria smiled warmly: "Thank you."
"Next, Mira Caster, who defeated one of the strongest candidates, Everen Fredrick himself, and is well-known for her extraordinary speed. She, too, is fully qualified."
Mira blinked in surprise, awkwardly smiling as she stepped forward.
"Pff… someone like her? Qualified? As if…"
Damian muttered with contempt.
Lyra Helvar, Soren Novad, Michael Hal Starbard Lumerious, Damian Von Rozen, and lastly Sharian Lethial.
These final five names closed the list of new royal recruits.
But then, someone suddenly raised a hand refusing to accept the results.
"No way! I clearly defeated that green-haired freak! How is he accepted but I am not!? This is absurd!"
The host calmly replied: "You did win, yes. But your team lost. And your accumulated points from previous rounds were far too low. Even Lisha considered the weakest of your team, scored higher than you."
The words struck Meverdet like a blade to his pride. He collapsed to his knees, completely defeated.
Everything seemed like it would end peacefully. The recruits were preparing to receive their insignias when…
A deafening explosion tore through the arena.
The protective barrier shattered. The air itself trembled.
From within the drifting ash, a figure emerged exuding a thick, suffocating miasma.
A swarm of black bats spiraled around him, and two twisted horns dripped with a horrifying crimson fluid.
Screams erupted across the grandstands.
"Aaaaah! A demon! A demon has appeared!"
The Commander of the Holy Legion stepped forward instantly, his eyes darkening.
"Impossible… Is that truly a Demon? The very one said to have been slain sixteen years ago?"
A chilling laugh echoed throughout the arena.
"Hahaha… foolish humans. All of you gathering here like this… is it not simply perfect for my feast?"
His sinister laughter reverberated across the sky seeping into the hearts of everyone present and dragging them into terror and despair.
Above them, the sky dimmed.
A massive shadow emerged.
Tattered wings spread wide, blotting out the heavens.
Its breath poured down like the flames of hell.
An Ancient Demon had descended.
A single glance from him made thousands below tremble. Moments ago they were proud contestants… now nothing more than prey in his eyes.
And that only thrilled the demon further.
"HAHAHAHA! My prey look at all of you scatter! What a magnificent sight! Truly, visiting the human realm was the best decision I've made!"
His laughter thundered across the arena like the toll of death itself, as chaos erupted everywhere.
"Now then… let the fun begin! HAHAHA!"