The academy training grounds were still under repair.
Large sections of the battlefield had been destroyed during Ren's fight with the Storm Hunter.
Workers and instructors spent the entire morning rebuilding the cracked stone and damaged structures.
But the students were not paying attention to the repairs.
They were watching Ren.
Everywhere he walked, whispers followed him.
"That's the guy who fought the Storm Hunter."
"They said he survived Thunderfall."
"I heard he controls shadow monsters."
Ren ignored the rumors.
He walked calmly through the academy courtyard.
Lyra walked beside him, clearly irritated.
"I swear the entire academy is staring at you."
Ren answered simply.
"They were already staring before."
Lyra sighed.
"That's not the point."
Before she could continue, a loud voice called out.
"Ren."
Captain Kael approached them with his usual serious expression.
Behind him stood two other instructors.
"Headmaster Aldren wants to see you."
Lyra blinked.
"The headmaster?"
Kael nodded.
"Immediately."
A few minutes later—
Ren and Lyra entered the main tower of the academy.
At the top floor was the headmaster's office.
The room was large and filled with ancient books, maps, and magical artifacts.
Headmaster Aldren stood near the window, looking toward the distant mountains.
He turned when they entered.
"Ren."
Ren nodded slightly.
"You wanted to see me."
Aldren walked toward the large table in the center of the room.
A glowing map of the continent appeared on its surface.
Several areas were marked with red symbols.
Lyra frowned.
"What are those?"
Kael answered.
"Demon outbreaks."
Aldren pointed to one of the red marks.
"This happened last night."
The mark flashed.
"A village near the northern forest."
Lyra's expression became serious.
"Demons?"
Aldren nodded.
"An entire pack."
Ren looked at the map.
"How strong?"
Kael answered.
"Rank C demons."
Lyra looked relieved.
"That's not too bad."
Kael shook his head.
"There are over fifty of them."
Her expression changed again.
"Fifty?"
Aldren looked at Ren.
"This is why I called you."
Ren understood immediately.
"You want me to go."
Aldren nodded.
"It will be your first official mission."
Lyra crossed her arms.
"So we're sending a student to fight fifty demons?"
Kael answered calmly.
"He won't be alone."
Lyra raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
Kael looked toward the door.
"Come in."
The door opened slowly.
A tall boy walked into the room.
He had short silver hair and sharp green eyes.
A long sword rested on his back.
Lyra recognized him immediately.
"Arlen?"
The boy nodded calmly.
Arlen Veyron.
Rank A student.
One of the strongest fighters in the academy.
Arlen looked at Ren for a moment.
"So you're the Shadow King."
Ren did not react.
Arlen shrugged slightly.
"I've heard the rumors."
Lyra looked confused.
"Wait, you're sending both of them?"
Kael nodded.
"Yes."
Aldren explained.
"This mission will test teamwork."
Lyra muttered.
"This is going to be a disaster."
Arlen ignored the comment.
He walked toward the glowing map.
"When do we leave?"
Kael answered.
"In one hour."
Lyra turned toward Ren.
"You're seriously okay with this?"
Ren looked at the map again.
The red mark pulsed slowly.
Fifty demons in one forest.
He nodded.
"Yes."
Arlen smirked slightly.
"Good."
He turned toward the door.
"Try to keep up."
Lyra shook her head.
"This guy…"
Kael looked at Ren one last time.
"This mission is simple."
"Eliminate the demons."
Ren asked calmly.
"And if something stronger appears?"
Aldren's expression became serious.
"Then survive."
One hour later—
The academy gates opened.
Ren and Arlen stood outside, preparing to leave.
Lyra crossed her arms.
"I still think this is a bad idea."
Arlen stepped forward.
"Relax."
He glanced at Ren.
"If the rumors are true…"
A confident smile appeared on his face.
"This mission will be easy."
The two fighters began walking toward the northern forest.
Far away in that forest—
Dozens of glowing red eyes watched from the darkness.
And something far stronger than Rank C demons waited silently among them.