---
**[Scene - Ironwood Royal Magic Academy – Reopening Morning]**
After reconstruction and enhanced defensive upgrades were completed, the Ironwood Royal Magic Academy was ready to reopen. The atmosphere was tense, but hope had resurfaced.
Students returned to their routines, yet whispers still quietly circulated about the Shadow Lord's appearance and the failed Eastern Demon invasion.
---
**[Scene - Student Council Office]**
Inside the student council room, Princess Alisa, wearing the royal crest and a sleek black uniform, was busy organizing documents.
> "Safety protocols, upgraded barriers, medical teams… all done," she recited.
Ryuto, now fully integrated into academy life, brought in a large stack of documents.
> "I didn't expect Ryuto-kun to help with this," she said with a slight smile.
> "We can count on Ryuto-kun," Alisa said smiley. "And the Academy needs all the help it can get."
Outside, Kuro and Rei also helped, quietly and unnoticed, just as Kuro preferred.
---
**[Scene - Classroom B – A New Perspective]**
That day in Class B, a top student girl named Saria Elcrest sat near Kuro. She had long Chestnut colour hair, sharp eyes, and an intensely curious nature.
Unlike others, Saria wasn't fooled by Kuro's act of weakness.
> *"His Mana... feels wrong. It's as if he's pretending to be weak."*
She watched subtly but firmly.
At that moment, she noticed some jealous classmates staring at Kuro.
> "What's so special about him?"
> "Is she interested in him?"
Their jealousy quickly turned to hostility.
During sword practice, they "accidentally" shoved Kuro hard into a corner. Then they cornered him in the hallway.
> "Hey, you. weakling. Do you think you can attract Saria with your pale face?"
> "Want a magic explosion to match your personality?"
Kuro said nothing. He didn't resist. He could have erased them silently, but he chose silence.
Then—
Saria appeared behind them.
> "Are you going to leave, or should I report all of you to the instructor?"
The boys trembled. One said, "S- Saria-san, are you taking his side?"
> "I'm taking the side of the truth," she said coldly.
They scattered.
Saria turned to Kuro.
> "Why do you let them treat you like that?"
Kuro gave a faint smile.
> "Because some masks fall off on their own sooner or later, Saria-san."
She narrowed her eyes—now even more suspicious—but didn't press further.
---
**[Scene - Hallway]**
Having witnessed this, Ryuto walked down the corridor below. He paused briefly upon seeing the scene, ready to intervene, but noticed Saria standing protectively near Kuro.
Ryuto smiled quietly.
> "It seems he has someone looking out for him after all."
He left unnoticed.
---
**[Scene - Later - Princess Alisa's Office]**
Through the academy's internal informants, Princess Alisa received word of the bullying incident. She placed her hand on the desk.
> "This is the second time..."
Her voice was firm.
> "Tomorrow, I'll summon these boys. No one gets away with harassing a student under my council."
But in her heart, it ached.
> *Why do you always hide, Kuro...*
---
**[Scene - Evening - The Dormitory]**
That night, Kuro didn't wear his mask. He didn't become Shujin. For the first time in a while, he simply lay down on his bed.
Rei noticed his stillness and visited him briefly.
> "Kuro-sama... are you alright?"
He gave a tired smile.
> "I'm fine... just resting."
She nodded, not wanting to pressure him.
> "Then I'll train tonight. Don't hesitate to contact me, Kuro-sama."
She disappeared into the shadows.
---
**[Scene - Dreamscape – Unknown Ruins]**
That night, Kuro dreamed.
He drifted in an endless void, stars swirling like dust.
Before him... a black hole—no, something larger.
A void darker than any darkness.
> *Larger than TON 618...*
A heartbeat throbbed. Then… a voice echoed from ancient truths.
> *"Kuro… your real task is…"*
> *"Kuro... you don't have time to play justice..."*
Silence. Pressure surged.
> *"Kuro… your role isn't to destroy either… but…"*
Quiet.
Then—
> *"...the key to salvation... might become extinction"*
He couldn't clearly understand the final words.
---
**[Scene - Morning - The Dormitory]**
Kuro woke with a start — drenched in sweat.
Sunlight streamed through the window. His hands trembled.
*Knock.*
Rei entered with a soft smile.
> "Good morning, Kuro-sama"
He looked at her, the person who never looked at his shadow.
> "Yes, good morning, Rei," he replied, his voice softer than usual.
But he didn't tell her about the dream.
Something inside him said it wasn't time yet.
---
✦ **To be continued...**