---
[Scene - Royal Magic Academy – Afternoon]
The sun shone down lazily over the academy grounds as Kuro walked alongside the new transfer student, Ryuto.
They moved under the walkway leading to the training grounds, library, and student garden, passing the central well.
> "So, you've never been to a magic academy before?" Kuro asked.
Ryuto gave a half-smile.
> "No. Where I come from is... different. It's not about swords and sports and spelling runes."
Kuro nodded silently. His gaze intently watched Ryuto's posture, too perfect. His eyes were too trained. Something about him was off.
> *He's hiding something. But then again, so am I.*
---
[Scene - Rooftop Spire - Rei's Watch]
From the rooftop, Rei watched the two boys walking below.
Her crimson eyes narrowed slightly.
> "That boy... Ryuto, his mana is strange."
But she turned away.
> "If he doesn't cross our path, he's not our problem."
She disappeared into the shadows.
---
[Scene - Ironwood Fortress - The Royal Throne Room]
King Arvedis Ironwood, ruler of the Eastern Kingdom, sat upon his throne, silently listening to the words of a trusted Duke.
Beside him was his only daughter and heir, Princess Alisa.
> "Father, Duke Gravion has been unusually courting certain nobles recently... increasing his influence within the court," Alisa whispered.
> "He is loyal. A long-time supporter of the royal line," the King sighed in response.
He did not yet know this Duke was a serpent in noble robes.
---
[Scene - Midnight - The Crime Syndicate's Hidden Base]
Deep beneath the city's ruins, in a place shrouded in shadows, torchlight flickered off the dark carriages holding carts of chained Demi-human slaves.
Men clad in black laughed and gave orders.
In the center, Duke Gravion stood smiling with full confidence, counting gold coins.
> "The Western and Southern lords will pay triple this month…"
> "King Ironwood is too blind. The Sliverwoods are too far away to care."
Suddenly—
> *"—!"*
A black shadow materialized within the space.
A voice cold as ice—
> "You talk too much, Duke."
The guards turned.
Shujin stood there.
Black robes, mask donned. A dark, amber aura flowed like liquid menace.
Behind him, Rei emerged, her purple eyes glowing.
> "Who are you!?" a noble shouted.
> "The ones delivering justice," Rei said softly, drawing her blade.
The slaughter in the dark began.
Chains shattered. Shadows struck like spears. Cries echoed.
Within seconds, only Shujin, Rei, the freed Demi-humans, and the trembling Duke remained.
> "You... they'll hunt you down and eliminate you...!"
Shujin raised his hand steadily.
> "Oh? Then let the fool you served witness your death first."
---
[Scene - Ironwood Royal Hall – That Same Moment]
King Arvedis was in a meeting with Alisa and four other nobles.
Suddenly, a massive magical screen materialized before the court, shocking the entire hall.
> "Wh-what magic is this!?"
Princess Alisa stood up.
> "That magical amber light… It's the same as the masked one who saved me."
On the screen, they saw the chained slaves, the Duke, and the masked figure – Shujin.
> "Your Majesty. Watch closely," Shujin's voice echoed through the room.
> "This man — your trusted Duke Gravion — has been smuggling slaves under your rule. Funding the Devil Guild and colluding with nobles from Mistwood and Flarewood."
Gasps arose.
On the screen, the Duke struggled.
> "I did it for the kingdom—!"
> "Liar," Shujin said.
The screen zoomed in on the Duke's terrified, trembling face.
> "This is the verdict."
Shujin raised his hand, and the Duke crumbled into dark flames.
Silence fell in the royal hall.
Shujin turned to face the screen.
> "I am Shujin, The Darkness Lord. We are not your allies. But we are your judgment."
> "Next time… protect your people your majesty."
The surface shattered.
---
[Scene - Ironwood Fortress - Aftermath]
The King stood in silence.
His face was unreadable.
> "Father...?" Alisa asked.
The hands on the armrests of the throne were clenched tight.
> "His actions are not those of a hero. Far from it. But... he is not a villain either. But he..."
> "He is something worse."
---
[Scene - The Academy - Kuro's Dorm Room, Late Night]
Kuro returned quietly, his mask gone, his hair returning to its silver hue.
Rei was sitting on his bed, waiting for him.
> "Is it done, Kuro-sama?"
> "Yes. I believe that's enough for now."
Rei smiled.
> "You made your mark tonight, Master."
Kuro looked out the window, the moonlight capturing his sharp gaze.
> "This world is built on corrupt laws and blind kings."
> "I will fix it, even if I have to become the Villain to do so."
---
✦ To be continued...