He is just a face in the crowd, a background extra. All this supporting character desires is a peaceful existence, a humble dream, right? However, the cruel hand of Destiny had other plans. Specifically, a destiny entangling him with the deadliest female villains around. From the student council president with god tier strength to the lethal assassin girl with beast ears. Who can erase a target faster than a teacher erases a blackboard? Then there's the triple S-class mage with demonic power. But enough exposition. Let the chaos commence. It was only the prologue. As the butterfly effect dictates, the entire fate of humanity can shift on a single axis. All it takes is one tiny insignificant choice. Or to put it another way, this is a complete and utter disaster. At least that is my perspective. Because up until this moment, I have made quite a few questionable decisions. Decisions I deeply regret. Suddenly, a heavy pounding echoed against the door. A rockous commotion and shouting drew near. Honey, oh honey, are you ignoring me? Do you dare deny me? I marched here knowing for a fact you are inside. You better open this door right now. I had even interrogated Oilia, the dorm manager. She said, "You moved into the dorms. No classes today, remember. You can't hide from me. She was determined to drag me out. Is she really going to break in?" My stress levels were skyrocketing. That shrill voice was piercing my eardrums. Ugh. She is like a relentless parasite. But then the entity outside shifted from shouting to a low predatory growl. Asterisk thwack times. A steel blade pierced right through the terrified wooden door. Fine, have it your way. I'll let myself in. She was about to storm the castle. I stared in absolute horror. Cold sweat drenched my back. This woman is completely unhinged. The poor door was already crying out, tortured by a series of vicious horizontal slashes. Dot froze his survival instincts, screaming, "Stop! This is a violation of school regulations." But the intruder was none other than the student council president herself, the one who owns the rules. I am here to impose penalties on rulebreakers, she declared while actively carving the door into kindling with terrifying threats. How utterly unfortunate. Unfortunate for him that is. As the president, she felt entitled to everything. Finally, she sliced her way through. She stepped inside with a dark aura. You have been avoiding me lately, haven't you? Did you think you could run forever? Dot collapsed onto the floor, his legs turning to jelly. Shall we count your crimes? Underneath her cap, a breathtakingly beautiful face was revealed. Her stunning figure was barely contained. I have a simple question for you, AA. The gleaming silver tip of her boot pressed firmly against the floorboards right next to him. It was Camello. Will you marry me or do you choose death? He scrambled backward in a panic. But wait. Just then, another voice shattered the tension. Dot broke out in a fresh layer of cold sweat. He turned his head. Who is it now? It was the Princess Chi son hanging effortlessly outside the window. She perched on the windowsill like a cat speaking in a deeply provocative tone going after a taken man. My my is that how the noble president's family operates. Dot recognized her instantly and whispered her name in fear. Chi son ignored him, focused on her rival. Camelo shot a sharp glance at the intruder. Her gaze was like a dagger. Isn't it a bit early for an assassin to be lurking about? Aren't there too many witnesses for your line of work? Chi-isan showed zero fear. She stuck out her tongue and winked mockingly. "Killing all witnesses is the founding principle of my family's art." Dot's anxiety hit critical mass. He slumped against the wall, head spinning. The girls bickered. "Wait, please. I really, this was too awkward. He hadn't even considered dating, let alone marriage." asterisk boom times. Another thunderous noise shook the room. A voluuptuous figure with striking blue hair crashed through the ceiling. Debris scattered as she landed perfectly. The entire room fell into stunned silence. Only Dot remained conscious enough to turn pale as death. Leelu, she shouted his name. "I found you," she beamed with a blindingly bright smile. "I have a suggestion. Let's live together." The more Leelu spoke, the wider Dot's eyes bulged in shock. "I've already prepared for the wedding. Everything is finished. We just need to go." She was insane. Suddenly, a dark shadow loomed. It was Dudia. A menacing aura flooded the hallway. She dragged heavy chains behind her. Isk clank clank asterisk how rude of you all. She walked toward him with terrifying calmness. Cheeto, what have you been doing? She asked softly, surrounded by these pests, she glared at the others. As your official fiance, I cannot overlook this. Aa belongs to me. Dot couldn't believe his eyes. Dudia was here too, but the shocks kept coming. Before he could breathe, another image burned into his retinas. Fi descended from the sky, riding a magic broom. She looked magnificent, surrounded by swirling, raging flames. just how many people are going to invade this room? Can you lowly commoners be quiet? She sneered. These hateful insects. That fire in his heart is mine. Her arrogance was blinding, but she couldn't stop her own feelings. Dot felt like vomiting. A chill ran down his spine. He glanced around the cramped room. It was undeniable. This had become a catastrophic power struggle. The tension was thick enough to cut. You are all delusional. Leelu didn't wait. What are you standing there for? Hurry up, she grabbed him. Follow me, she urged. Dudia immediately intervened. No, Chido, I have the perfect solution. You should just refuse all of these harlots. The competition was deadly serious. Every pair of eyes locked onto him. If anyone objected, war would break out. The matter had to be decided here and now. There was only one possible outcome. Death. Dot was being harassed by five stubborn, overpowered women. The overwhelming spiritual pressure drained the blood from his face. He had one HP left. The women stopped arguing and started charging up their ultimates. A decisive battle royale was about to explode. Surrounded on all sides, he just wanted to vanish. His vestibular system screamed in vertigo. How long are you going to keep this nonsense up? Ah, that's right. This cursed survival game pushed me into this hell. The game is called Savior Zing, a classic Academy S-class story. A bright, shining institute for talented young heroes where children are full of hope and enthusiasm. It felt a bit awkward at first, but the characters were familiar. It was stable, a typical predictable game. I Vising had beaten it countless times. I played through every route and watched the ending. It was interesting enough, a satisfying completion. Or so I wished. The very next day, I fell ill and times poof times I got sucked right in. Here, ta. Does this make any sense? No. I wasn't the one who swore to protect this world. I cursed the game. I cursed the lazy programmers. Which deity is targeting me? I don't even have feelings for the main heroin. The main items are gone. Anyway, I'm stuck inside. A person who has absolutely nothing. No power. Just the son of a dead man. What kind of start is this? The barreny of Bio was an agricultural backwater ranked third from the bottom in the entire world. It was a place where peace reigned supreme. Dungeons were a myth here. In fact, throughout the empire's history, this territory was mentioned exactly once as a footnote in a geography book. So when the Baron's only son was admitted to the prestigious Royal Academy, it wasn't just news. It was a miracle that shook the continent. Finally, my boy, the Baron, cheered, masking his sorrow. He's really leaving the nest. Yes, father. I am departing now. The Baron wiped away manly tears gripping his son's shoulders. You are the pride of our land. Just stay healthy and for heaven's sake, don't cause trouble. Listen well. Alfante Academy is a gathering of monsters from every tribe in the empire. The best strategy for a minor noble is to remain invisible. Don't attract attention. Do you understand? I understand perfectly. I smiled obediently. Asterisk. Ding. Times. The system interface flashed open. I checked my status window immediately. Strength agility luck. I frantically tapped the icons. Skill information asterisk. Skill list empty. Asterisk. Asterisk. Talent. None. Asterisk. Asterisk. gift non-existent asterisk. I stared at the screen, a helpless frown creeping onto my face. I could feel the despair rising. Every single stat was forcibly locked at the bottom. Even a veteran gamer would rage quit this setup. Who starts a game on hell mode with zero stats? The system mocked me with a new notification. Main quest, complete enrollment, and class assignment. Great. A survival mission right off the bat. If I failed the mission, it was game over. literally. But Alfonte Academy was about to descend into chaos, overrun by future villains. My plan was simple. Avoid anything that could endanger my pitiful life. I needed to be a ghost. Father, don't worry. I'll master the art of being unnoticed, I declared. No. My father suddenly panicked. That's not what I meant, he stammered. I want you to dream big, raise the family name, make our territory legendary under the heavens. But his words fell on deaf ears. I was determined. I would not stand out. I don't need top grades, I muttered. Average is the goal. Strictly average. That is enough for me. The Baron stuttered, trying to interrupt. Wait, son. That's not right. But I was already walking away. Let the main character handle the drama. I'm just an extra asterisk. And so my academy life began. Or so I thought. The world suddenly darkened as I looked at the person sitting opposite me. Why in the name of all things holy was I in the same carriage as times her asterisk? Sitting there was Elo, the future queen of corpses. She wasn't just a student. She was the final boss of the first ark. In the game scenarios, she forces the protagonist into endless battles of wit and violence. Her sanity was a ticking time bomb. The last grey devil slumbered within her soul, waiting to awaken. Eventually, it would devour her mind and body completely. She would become a calamity that not even the protagonist could easily stop. And here I was, trapped in a box with the apocalypse. Elo looked up from her book, her voice soft but sharp. Are you all right? You look dreadfully pale. I I'm fine. I stammered, forcing a polite smile. Fine. My heart is about to explode from terror. asterisk. She seemed concerned about her image. I chose to sit in the common carriage to show that high-ranking nobles are approachable, she explained. It was an intentional decision. I apologize if I've made you uncomfortable. Asterisk. Uncomfortable. I'm sitting next to a nuclear warhead. I gazed at the scenery lost in thought. This girl, she was different from the game lore. The Alo I knew was cold, perfect, and bold. But this girl seemed sensitive, almost fragile. What was with this atmosphere? Slowly, she lifted her head again. Those pale pink eyes sparkled as they bore into mine. "Is there something on my face?" she seemed to ask without words. Is something wrong? I scratched my head awkwardly. No, nothing. I lied. That is surprisingly kind of you, she sighed. I grabbed my water glass to hide my trembling hands. I suspect you've heard the rumors about me, she whispered. Rumors? I choked. Before I could deflect, she leaned in closer. Could it be that we have met before? Met before. Don't trigger a death flag. Asterisk. This was insane. No, I just heard you were very disciplined. I improvised. Disciplined. She tilted her head. You are a strange person. My face darkened. Asterisk. Great. I'm already on the villain's radar. Asterisk. I get that a lot. I sighed. Deep down. I just wanted to be a background character. Don't get involved. Stay silent. Watch from the sidelines. I looked out the window, admiring the magnificent scenery. When suddenly, massive boulders appeared rolling down the mountain. asterisk. Wait, are those aiming at us? Asterisk? What the hell is that? My eyes widened in horror as a massive rock flew through the air. The student council president, I muttered. Huh? Elo looked confused. There was no time to explain. Excuse me, I shouted, diving toward her. The giant rock descended like a meteor. It slammed into the window with the force of a raging fire. Asterisk activate skill. Bone armor asterisk. Asterisk fabricate. Skeleton asterisk. With my stats forced to the bottom, I couldn't survive a direct hit. I had to use my secret necromancy, summoning a skeleton as a shield. Asterisk crash asterisk. The dust settled. Ell's eyes were wide with shock. R. Are you okay? She asked, her voice trembling. I'm alive, I muffled. Then I realized my face was buried deep in her chest. Um, can you move? She whispered. You're heavy. I shot up, my face burning. Ah, I scrambled back awkwardly. I am so sorry, asterisk. I just sexually harassed the final boss asterisk. But she didn't look angry. It's okay, she said softly, a strange light in her eyes. You did that to save me. He turned away, his mind racing. This is the moment. The first time someone has approached us directly. A calculated move indeed. I see exactly what you are doing. There is no need to apologize. He played the part of the shy boy perfectly, but while his mouth stammered, his mind was cold and analytical. I rushed at her on purpose, all to benefit from that high tier armor. I stood up tall and demanded his identity, but he threw the question back unexpectedly. Huh? He looked at her, his eyes clouded with heavy suspicion. I had a premonition our paths would cross again. But how to answer? If I reveal too much, for example, if he asks, "What is your scheme?" However, finally, the name fell from his lips. Dante Campbell. When she heard his name, she paused. Instinctively, I etched it into my memory like a camera capturing a crime scene. Her eyes lost their warmth, returning to ice. "I won't forget this," he stated coldly. "No," she countered her voice firm. "I will be the one to repay this debt. Once the pact was made, the system chimed. Friendship established, but it came with a warning. You have attracted the attention of a villain. The conditions for the special gift were met. Activation complete. You have acquired a new skill. Desperate survival with deadly allure. Someone in the background gasped. What in the world? Smoke billowed from the wreckage. A massive boulder had crushed the carriage like a tin can. A voice rose above the chaos. Is this transport still departing? How did you survive that impact? Whispers of disbelief circulated while wounds were hastily bandaged. He credited his survival to special security measures. Miraculously, casualties were low, but she groaned in agony. The pain it is unbearable. He looked on helpless. Where are we hurt? Then the wheels began to turn. The convoy started to roll. An officer shouted orders. Once the inspection is clear, move out. A sharp response followed immediately. Understood, sir. The carriages raced toward the city gates. But the system wasn't done. Notification gift box received. A reward with a dangerously attractive design. Fate was playing a cruel game. rewards increased significantly. When attracting attention from evil alignments, he finished reading the announcement. A chill ran down his spine. He muttered darkly, "I should have known the activation conditions had been hidden. But now it was active, constantly scanning the territory. No matter what I do, forget camouflage. In this world, true evil characteristics are rare. Even neutral alignments are hard to find. Finding them is as difficult as striking gold. And yet, here is a gift. This passive ability can't just remain on. I need to analyze this further. He slumped back into the seat. Inside the ambulance, the system flickered again, updating user status. Skill: Desperate Survival Level Unknown. Effect. When in mortal danger, your stats will explode. Power scales with the degree of danger. Skill: Deadly Allure. Level question mark. Passive effect. When facing those with evil alignments, you become a beacon to them. The more extreme the situation, the more potent the attraction. He stared intensely at the holographic screen, analyzing the system diagram. Desperate survival is a lifesaver. It guarantees a fighting chance. It is the key to my survival. But deadly allure. Is this a blessing or a curse? The system flashed a reminder. It wants me to farm attention from the most dangerous people alive. He frowned, realizing the implication. Evil characteristics. We aren't talking about petty thieves. This game world harbors monsters. The berserk warrior frenzied by blood lust. The sword god, a lunatic who slashes indiscriminately. Mental instability is their trademark. The three-step killer who murders for coin. The void mage, a genius with no moral compass, legends of pure destruction. They are all deviants, walking disasters, a complex mess of insanity. But perhaps they are far away for now. The priority is clear. I must master the survival skill. But strangely, the skill level is still a question mark. Even for an irregular player like me, as a former S-class member, I've never seen this bug. When will it unlock? What does this mean? The doctor noticed his catatonic state. The medic spoke up gently. Are you all right, son? Do you need a psychological evaluation? No, not that again. He snapped back to reality. I am perfectly fine, doctor. The carriage rolled on. Dante Campbell sat in silence. Suddenly, a man opposite him stood up, sighing heavily. A tragic accident indeed. But we should be grateful to be alive. All thanks to the guards for getting us here safely. Especially you, new student. This year's enrollment is quite the spectacle. Dante was lost in thought. He recalled the conversation with the therapist. The man pressed on. Hey, freshman. I heard a rumor. You shared a carriage with the lady of the Chi family. So tell me, Dante replied coldly. So what? What? the man scoffed. You're just a nobody, the son of a nameless baron with no connections. Back then, he thought little of it. He closed his eyes, recounting the tale calmly. I am a former student of Alfonte Academy, just like you from a no-name noble family. Listen to your senior, Dante feigned surprise. The senior continued his lecture. You think sitting with her was luck, sharing a ride with the ays among so many options. Do you think her choice was a coincidence? She is a magnet for death. She has countless enemies. You must stay away from her from now on. Get involved with the high nobility and you invite ruin upon yourself. Dante turned to face him. I I will keep that in mind. Ping. The system notification appeared again. Favorability increased slightly. Warning. Early game event triggered. The news is already breaking. Impossible. I've been dragged into the plot against my will in this academy full of monsters. This is a classic trope. She is a candidate for the final boss. Just standing in her shadow. It seals my fate as a target. Danger can strike at any moment. Suddenly, a roar cut through his thoughts. Dante Campbell, you bastard. A towering muscle-bound student approached. He smacked a rolledup scroll into his palm. He leaned in aggressively. Why are you just standing there like a statue? Do you think you're special? His lackey chimed in. A sarcastic sneer followed. Look at this country bumpkin. Can't you see the scroll? Everyone has read it. Everyone has already paired up for the practice matches, and you're the only loner left. The initiation ceremony is over. The combat practical test starts now. He grinned maliciously. And your opponent is me. It was selected automatically. Hearing that, he rubbed his weary eyes. Suspicion clouding his voice, he asked, "Then what about my enemy?" Meanwhile, in a creeping sense of dread began to take hold. He forced himself to stay calm, thinking, "If everyone else has already made their choice, am I just being left behind? And in the end, won't it be the strongest star standing above us?" Ilia loomed over him, her gaze piercing as she began to speak. "Ask for hello?" He looked up, heart hammering against his ribs in sheer shock. "Elia, the world's greatest genius, stood there, flashing a brilliant, happy smile. I approached him, voice steady. Do you need assistance?" Just her presence made him tremble, a phantom chill running down his spine. He stammered. I I'm fine. Do you need anything? He realized with a jolt in the future, she is destined to become the savior, the absolute main character of this world. Miss, this girl, the very savior herself, reached out from the stone platform. Dot's face went pale, his eyes shimmering with sudden desperate tears. He shook, trapped in a nightmare. I'm doomed, he thought. Asterisk star times. The voice echoed from inside the room, cold and rhythmic like a solemn roll call. The Count of Diane had just arrived, trailing the marquee. Galante was here too, a new variable in this chaos. A girl rested her chin on her palm, eyes distant, realizing she had been played. What was happening? The college entrance duel was already underway, yet she was late. Impatience nodded at him. Suddenly, a boy approached with a burning question. And as for Miss Chi, so too. asterisk star times. Before the name could even escape his lips, Io stepped forward, her clothes still stained with fresh blood. She marched to the center table and slammed a blood- soaked sword into the wall with a deafening thud. Amidst the carnage, she the girl in the center of the hall looked hauntingly familiar. He raised his eyebrows, staring at her in confusion. He had a mountain of questions, but she just, where did you just come from? Blood still smeared her face. I haven't wiped it yet, she murmured softly. I handled one. There were so many, Io added. Sorry, but we have other matters to attend to. Hearing this, she remained unshakable. A cold, decisive response hung in the air. In the dark night deepened, the full moon hanging like a judging eye. They whispered, "Was anyone watching? Would he die?" "No, only about 12 people." Io crossed her arms, recounting the tale. They tried to assassinate me. They dropped a boulder. Once we cleared the academy train, we made it look like a tragic accident. We investigated and found out who they were. Since we were nearby, we eliminated them all. Elan listened in stunned silence. Afterward, I reminded her that students shouldn't be handling such gruesome affairs. Hearing this, Io turned her head slightly, her gaze turning frigid. It's far too much trouble, she replied, throwing him a sharp glance. Her voice was as cold as stone. What do you expect? Someone perfect. Someone who only knows how to forgive. Forgiveness for those who want to kill me? She challenged. They could only offer a helpless warning. Keeping the slaughter out of the village was one thing, but at least change your clothes first. The hand-to-hand combat enrollment was already in progress. If she went now, she would face Elia, a truly rare genius. Elo and the female lead. What on earth was happening? Ao repeated Dot's name. Bellow Orange's times. The bespectled girl studied her book. Then the file would be sent. Yes, it was him. She knew him. Asterisk star times. At first glance, there was nothing remarkable about him. The chief Ao began to recall images of Dot. She smiled unconsciously, sitting in the car. "That guy is quite strange," she whispered. On the sidelines, the crowd below erupted into thunderous, rockous cheers. He acted provocative and aggressive, a mere country bumpkin, yet his hand trembled on the hilt of his sword. In the ring, people were making reckless jokes, including heavy gambling. Everyone stared at him, pinned to the spot. "How many moves do you have?" Someone jered. Another replied, "What fish? If I took a hit from that, she's practically finished. That was the consensus." Ellia faced him, analyzing him silently. His stats asterisk. She thought times I'd be in a terrible state if I took that hit. It would kill me. But if viewed differently, this was a golden opportunity. The situation was perilous. And yet, I have nothing left to lose. asterisk system notification desperate survival skills activated level question mark asterisk in the face of danger the index of risk rises alongside the level of threat the scene unfolded dot looked down at the screaming mob below whispered I'm sure I'm sure of it I'm sure the villains I must face are right here among them if I don't die I can at least gather something capture their attention with this intel and these indicators I can survive watched him, puzzled by his lack of reaction. If that's the case, then speak up. Asterisk, "Hey, sir," he exclaimed, instinctively startled. "Huh, miss?" She gestured for silence, demanding the truth. His face faded into the distance, revealing a complexity he couldn't grasp. Elliot studied him. "Are you really that weak? Is that right?" He was stunned into silence. Speechless, he hesitated, caught in his own trap. Well, she stepped closer. That's clearly the opposite of what I expected. My guess was right. Right. Initially, I intended to crush him completely, but in this situation, she paused, a terrifying thought sparking in her eyes, making him shudder fearfully. Crush it. Why? She asked softly. He stammered. Are you traveling with Miss Chiso too? Is that it? I hate her. And not just her, the entire Chiso family. They are all devils in human skin. That was what Dot heard. He narrowed his eyes inwardly marveling. The nerve. How dare she say that here times. It was true. According to the plot, she harbored a deep-seated resentment toward the Chiso too family. The Ming family understood this. He lit a mental fire. I was just there by accident, he explained, just sharing a ride, nothing more. She heard him, then boldly pointed her blade toward him. Yet his words still dragged her thoughts back to her. She was so annoyed she wanted to strike him to take her revenge, but she hesitated. Asterisk. Maybe I should just play along and have a fight. Asterisk. He pondered this heart racing. Honestly, it sounded appealing. But what if I don't grow stronger? Within the next 2 days, my network would be utterly destroyed. The only way to survive was to seize the spotlight immediately, right now. With this desperate thought, Dot formulated a wild plan. Just go all out. Since she's provoking me, might as well entertain her. That was the plan. But Ellia's eyes widened in sheer shock. A terrifying aura exploded from him. She stared, daggers gripping her blade until her knuckles turned white. Are you actually serious? Am I sure? He laughed internally. Of course, I'm bluffing, but since you're coming at me with full force, I have no choice. Dot's gaze hardened, resolving himself. No more talk. The air grew heavy with her intense animosity towards him. System alert. Deadly charm skill activated. Targets interest in you has skyrocketed. The interface flashed urgently. New rewards flooded the log. I scoffed with noble arrogance. Fine, then. If that's how it is, I won't hold back. This is your funeral. She lunged, unleashing a devastating strike intended to cleave him in two. The blade slashed through the air fast and lethal. Dot felt a chill run down his spine as he barely leaned back to avoid decapitation. The wind pressure distorted his face. She gasped. "You dodged that. Not bad for trash. He wasn't completely useless after all." "Oh, really? Then let's kick it up a notch." Hearing that Dot's face went pale. Cold sweat poured down his back as terror set in. He looked at his opponent. Red alert. Warning. Mortal danger detected. The system screamed in his mind. Desperate survival skill level one activated. His body moved on its own, bypassing his conscious control entirely. His fist flew straight for her beautiful face. "Oh crap," he thought. The legendary frog hand strike unleashed immense kinetic force. "Bam!" He punched her without a shred of mercy or hesitation. Dot's eyes bulged as blue energy swirled violently around his body. He was flabbergasted. "Wait, isn't this power? Too high rank." The thunderous impact drew the eyes of every single spectator. The arena fell silent as Ilia was launched like a cannonball. She flew across the field and crashed spectacularly into the stands. Dot froze, mirroring the audience, jaws dropped everywhere. No one could comprehend the absurdity they had just witnessed. The crowd watched in horror, gritting their teeth. How did a nobody crush a high-ranking elite? The atmosphere was suffocating. On his first day, Alfanti had shattered everyone's worldview. He truly was the protagonist. Meanwhile, in the faculty room, there are two possibilities, a deep voice analyzed. Either this kid is a world-class con artist who fooled us all. Or this is just completely absurd. Jat sat back perplexed. Everyone knew his stats before the match. He had zero combat ability yet that blow. He paused. That was raw power. Atan, what do you think? Aan adjusted his glasses. What do I think? I think no student in Ahan could remain standing after taking a hit like that. He struck with intent. He defeated Elia Kenjit. Either he used a forbidden drug or a hidden artifact. Using external means to temporarily boost his strength is likely, but the second option is that he is a monstrous genius, a talent that defies logic. A tan sides seriously, but it is hard to accept. General Kenzit manages the border. His daughter losing like this, Aaliyah won't let it go. However, ignoring a student with this much potential would be a massive loss for the academy. If he is a villain hiding his strength, the truth will eventually come to light. Let us wait and observe. Another teacher asked confused. Observe what? A tan smiled mysteriously. There are many interesting fledglings this year. Some require special handling. If he is truly special, he will play a pivotal role in the future. Soon enough, rumors about Dot spread like wildfire. Breaking news. The world's attention focused on Dot. Who is he? the hidden descendant of a sword saint or the greatest prodigy to ever step foot in the academy. Beneath his goofy photo, the headline screamed, "New commander Kenjit defeated." Shocking. First day dot held the newspaper, sighing deeply at the unwanted fame. "Damn tabloids," he muttered. "Are they for real?" Suddenly, the system interface materialized before him. "Udate fame calculation complete. Information regarding Elashit recorded. Calculating rewards from primary to secondary sources. Character event. Baron D1's curiosity reached level two. Received 100 points. He tossed the paper aside. Sitting back, he scrolled through the blue screens. The notifications kept pinging. Vic count Luben's curiosity. Level one. 50 points awarded. Vic count's high school interest 100 points. He stared at the screen analyzing. So my development points come from curiosity, interest, and trust from others. And I can use these points in the system shop. He searched the logs. But the one who gave the most is IA. Why did the final boss give me the most interest points? The system displayed a special reward box. Gift from IIA feature unlocked. Swordsman'sqi. Dot blinked, pressing the button. Wait, isn't this the Chris family's ultimate sword technique? Getting a world-class skill for free. He felt conflicted. This definitely involves some devilish karma. But whatever survival comes first. Character info. I Kenjit. Curiosity level rising. System alert. Level four restriction active. Rewards locked. He stared at the holographic screen, bewildered. Why is she on this list? And why is she calling me big brother? A strange notification flashed. The villainess holds a favorable impression of you. But wait, she wasn't supposed to be a villainess in this timeline. I have zero interest in her schemes, he thought. Suddenly, a heavy thud echoed from the door. He spun around his guard, instantly rising. A muffled voice drifted through the wood. Is this dude's room? Are you in there? He paused. That voice. It sent a chill down his spine. It was Elia triggering a romance flag out of nowhere. Can we get a little closer? She asked. D felt a headache coming on. What on earth is she doing here? If I stay quiet, maybe she'll vanish, he hoped. But in his mind's eye, he saw her outside, looking pathetic and bruised, waiting like a kicked puppy. Then came the whisper. I know you're in there. Her tone dropped. Open up or I'll smash this door to splinters. Panic surged through him. She wasn't bluffing. Wait, are you insane? He shouted. Aaliyah smirked on the other side. "Aha, caught you." Her voice turned sweet again. "Open up. We need to have a little chat." "I just have something to say," she insisted. He gritted his teeth, sensing a trap. "Outside!" Elia leaned against the frame, acting all bashful. "We just need to deepen our understanding," she cooed. "Get a little closer, you know." Dot stood frozen. What kind of nonsense is she spouting now? Confused, he ignored her. Meanwhile, down the long amberlit corridor, Ellia glanced around nervously. She finally stomped away, huffing in frustration. "Why is he so stubborn?" "Just open the door so rigid," she muttered, recalling a past memory. In her memories, she was being dragged away, kicking and screaming. "Come on, can't we just be friends?" Back in reality, she pouted her plan, a total failure. He was an enigma, and that made her curious. She sighed, deeply lost in her schemes. How does one make friends with a guy like that? So absorbed in her strategy, she didn't see the figure ahead. Bam! She slammed right into someone. A small pouch slipped from the stranger's grip. She hastily knelt to retrieve it. A cold voice cut through the air. "Watch where you're walking or you'll regret it." Ellia stammered an apology. As she looked up, her blood ran cold. She hadn't realized who was standing there. Her body began to tremble uncontrollably. Silence stretched between them like a taut wire. A tragic memory flashed in Iia's mind. A voice from the past screamed, "Run, I run." The memory of that calamitous night returned. A tornado of fire consuming everything. And someone standing before her, shouldering her debt. "I I didn't mean to," she whispered, voice shaking. Elo stared down, eyes burning with undisguised loathing. Ellia's survival instincts screamed at her, her hand twitched toward her blade. "At my current level, could I even scratch her?" Just the name Elo carried a weight of terror. Elo slowly extended a hand. Her gaze remained locked on Ellia unblinking. Her intentions were unreadable, but the pressure was immense. I stared at the hand paralyzed. Seeing no movement, Elo spoke coldly. Give it back. Realized she was still clutching the bag. She scrambled to stand, realizing she was beneath notice. Elo didn't even consider her a threat. With shaking hands, she surrendered the item. Elo snatched the bag. Leave. Ellia hesitated, her mind racing. Wait, does she know him, too? Ella brushed past her without a second glance. I realized the path I was taking. That turn, it leads straight to Dot's room. Her eyes widened in shock. She spun around and called out, "Hey." Elo paused, looking back with disdain. "Why are you here? And how do you know where he lives?" Elo<unk>'s expression darkened, casting a shadow over her face. "I have been with him from the beginning," she declared. Until this very moment, IA swallowed her fear. Why so hostile? She forced a bright diplomatic smile. We're<unk> all new students here. Shouldn't we get along? Alo<unk>'s eyes narrowed. You must not know the rules. New female students are forbidden from interacting with him. Ilia blinked, dumbfounded. It is a newly added regulation. Elo lied smoothly. Killing intent radiated from her like a blizzard. Interaction is forbidden. Since when is that Allah? IA started. Ella cut her off sharply. The authority has just decreed it. From this moment on, his room is off limits to you. IA scratched her head, sensing a scam. Excuse me, does the chairman make rules just for him? What is his deal anyway? Ilia grumbled. Ella turned to leave, tossing back one last warning. It concerns you not. Just remember my words. Ilia watched her retreating figure, teeth clenched. She remembered the pressure of the war. This wasn't just a rivalry. It was a battlefield. She felt a surge of jealousy. What is their relationship? Anger bubbled in her chest. I don't care. I'll get close to him no matter what. The day of the class classification exam arrived. Alfanti Academy, a place that analyzed a students every worth. Following the brutal one-on-one duels groups were assigned because I crushed the top contender. I was placed in the supreme tier group. While others puffed out their chests in pride, I stood there sweating. Why? Because I have a major problem. That problem was standing right there. I chased her off yesterday, yet here she is in the exact same group. Suddenly, the system pinged. Character info CXer interest level rising. Curiosity is only at level five, I noted. Safe for now. No rewards until she levels up. But the threshold was dangerously close. When the interest state changes, a key event triggers. Critical changes happen at that tipping point. I sighed, feeling helpless. Her ego seems to have inflated since yesterday. What gives? Then I remembered the package from last night. A bundle of snacks and a handwritten letter. Good luck on the exam, it had said. I need to analyze this situation carefully. Is someone stalking me? It feels like history is repeating itself. Me, the call echoed through the hall. Group one, you're up. He let out a heavy sigh. Focus. Forget the noise. It's time to grind. Acing the last exam was child's play. But this this is the main story line. Asterisk ding times. The system window materialized before his eyes. Character Alola trust level two. Status imminent crisis. The proctor stood tall, an aura of absolute authority radiating from him. His voice boomed. Welcome. I am Elo, the administrator of this trial. The protagonist froze, his eyes widening in sheer disbelief. What this is impossible times. Panic flared in his chest. asterisk. The Alola event wasn't supposed to trigger until the finals. asterisk. She was leading the squad personally. If this exam goes smoothly, I'll eat my shoe. The air was thick with the scent of a plot twist. High above the overseers gathered around the glowing sphere, watching, judging, like gods peering down from the heavens. Is he truly a prodigy? One elder mused. Strong enough to crush the competition. The tension in the VIP box spiked. They leaned in closer. Let's see how he handles a real crisis, the proctor signaled. Move out. Questions come later, he waved them forward. We're sitting ducks here, the MC muttered. Suddenly, L gasped. Wo, look at the budget on this place. A massive investment. But the veteran silenced him instantly. Zip it, rookie, follow the lead. Eyes open. Roger that, they ventured into the gloom. Incredible, someone whispered, aruck by the facility. Then total darkness. Asterisk. Click. asterisk. The power died. Silence fell. Alola stood frozen deep in thought. He said nothing, waiting for the chaos to start. They arrived at the checkpoint. Asterisk. Is this the puzzle times? He examined the lever. Asterisk. Wait. I know this mechanism. Asterisk. He smirked. I can solve this. Asterisk. Bam. The exit slammed shut. Lock down initiated. Power severed. Asterisk. Ding. Times. A crimson warning flashed. Emergency quest triggered. He stared at the blue screen. This wasn't a test anymore. It was a death trap. Target Alola. Objective: survive the assassin's purge. The shadows seem to twist with malice. The hunters were here. Protect the VIP. A rookie shouted, trying to play hero. We've got this. Don't panic. It's just a simulation. Another claimed. Fools. They didn't realize they were walking straight into a dragon's m. He paused. Hold on. He scanned the faces around him. These aren't random mobs. They're the main cast. Asterisk. If my memory serves, this is their origin story. The gears of fate were turning right before his eyes. These people were essential to the ending. He couldn't let them die. He raised a hand commanding authority. Listen up. We head to the central hall now. A teammate boalked, confused. Huh? Are you crazy? Why there? Because there's a tactical map. He lied smoothly. And supplies. But the truth was far simpler. A wide open space prevents sneak attacks. Corridors are death traps. The girl shivered. That That sounds scary. Ambush. The skepticism faded. They felt the cold logic in his words. Even the chairman would agree with this tactic. Alola, we're not alone. The silence was deafening. They had no choice but to trust his instincts. Fine, let's move. Wait, the hall is that way? Alola protested, pointing back. Why detour? He didn't explain. He just moved. Answer me, she snapped. This is the opposite direction. His face was grim. Trust me, just walk. I can't explain yet, but this saves us. Sorry, kid. I'm saving myself first. The plot comes second. I can't tell them the truth. Rule number one of survival. Don't die for the story. Self-preservation is the only law. asterisk. Right times footsteps echoed in the void. Fine, he whispered. Keep moving. The trap was set, he clenched his fist. If I have to knock her out to save her, I will asterisk. Determination hardened his gaze like steel. His authority bought them time. Now he just needed to vanish until the event timer ran out. Hide and survive. The assassins want the VIP, not a nobody like me. I just need a dark corner. Then a raspy voice cut the air. Hey you. A figure emerged from the gloom. Tall, sketchy. I'm just the maintenance guy. The stranger lied. Here to fix the lights. Can't see a thing. Right. Times liar. Asterisk. The system screamed. A warning in his mind. Danger. Highle threat detected. Nearby. The girl stomped nervously ignorant of the reaper standing before them. Asterisk. Splash. Asterisk. The water echoed like a gunshot. Alola. She whimpered. Is splitting up safe? What if? Alola's eyes narrowed. She realized it, too. This wasn't random. The protagonist had a plan, but the air tasted of steel. Above them in the rafters, shadows detached themselves from the darkness. An ambush squad ready to strike, but he had already spotted them. Nice try, amateurs. He glanced at the repairmen. Asterisk. This guy killed the scout team. A classic villain disguise, but he wouldn't be fooled. asterisk. He thinks I'm an easy mark. Asterisk. He smirked internally, walking past the killer with zero fear. Equipment room is this way. The killer lied. He followed, eyes cold as ice. Asterisk. Let's dance, assassin. To a true master, a single glance reveals everything. His footwork is clumsy, his stance weak. This punk is nothing but a third rate amateur. Let's toy with him before ending his miserable life. We'll step over his corpse and claim the young miss for ourselves. Die. But the moment he turned silence met him. The prey caught the hunter's gaze. The mask fell away, revealing the face of death. A short sword flashed in the assassin's grip. Time to send you to hell. The target just sighed a sound of pure disappointment. Is that the best you've got? Wait. If he had even a drop of real internal energy, we would be dead. But lucky for us, his movements are still full of openings. You are just the same trash I remember. weak and pathetic. But suddenly, a cold voice cut through his thoughts. In my memories, his grip on the blade tightened. He muttered strange words. "Survival, probability zero. Despair level, class A." A sharp slap echoed through the air. The hesitation was palpable. What is this nonsense? I thought, "Whatever. He is just a bug waiting to be squashed. Time to end this farce." He dropped into a combat stance, knuckles white around his weapon. But somewhere else, a legend was moving. Boom. The man in black was embedded into the concrete wall. Arrows flew, blood sprayed like a fountain, and sparks danced in a violent waltz. Their coordination was flawless, dismantling the ambush squad like cheap toys. One assassin gasped, realizing the impossible situation. It was terrifyingly quiet. Ellia spun around, her voice cracking the air. The enemy froze, paralyzed by sheer killing intent. With a single thought, she stomped the ground, shattering the tiles. Her blade was a blur. One swing and four grown men were sent flying like ragdolls. They crunched against the wall, bones rattling. One guy coughed, painting the floor with fresh crimson blood. He strolled over to the broken assassin. Talk, he demanded coldly. Who else is authorized? Are there reinforcements coming? Silence means I snap your neck. The threat combined with the bandages broke him. Shaking like a leaf, he stammered. The Crescent Society. His name is he. She pressed. Is that bastard in this building right now? The man gritted his teeth. I I can't say. Wrong answer. Rage flared as she delivered a brutal kick to his face, hoisting him upside down, she asked again, her voice freezing the air. Is the assassin here? Yes or no? Her gaze drilled into his soul, sobbing, he finally broke. Yes, he infiltrated with the group. Why? Ilia shouted. Why throw your life away for this? The beaten man whimpered. Because they tried to kill me first. It was Hermes of the Crescent Moon, a master assassin who steals faces. He kills his target and becomes them perfectly. Who is the true threat in this building? Ilia's brow furrowed in deep concentration. There is only one person that fits, she whispered. So he made himself the bait. Was this entire charade just a trap to lure out the ultimate predator? They are coming for you. Why go to such extremes? What is their true connection? The main character replied with ice in his veins. I told you before, we have nothing to lose. Meanwhile, the assassin muttered curses, realizing he was outplayed. Damn it all. a counter assassination. In a raw clash of skill, we lost. The guardian spirit should have been an illusion, a non-physical barrier reacting only to killing intent. It should only block weapons. So why is there a physical mark? Is this the sevenstar sword style? That ancient forbidden sect. It makes sense for a hidden master. His entire body is a weapon, but why rely on a single blade? Could we crush him? No, he countered instantly, stabbing forward. I will pierce your heart. And then the system window popped up. System alert. You have passed the trial. Developing sword art citybreaker. Sword intent proficiency has leveled up. He glanced at a nearby tree, a simple stick in his hand, and exhaled. What a pathetic display of swordsmanship. He scoffed at himself. Ton realized his mistake. We never should have provoked this monster. Slumping against the wall, gasping for air, he wheezed. So you you were the one hunting us all along. Who? Who the hell are you? System skill deadly charm activated. Effect villain entrancement. I'm impressed by my own genius. Thanks to this broken game system, I don't even need to lift a finger. Weapons are detected at the entry point, which is exactly why I lured him to this blind spot. Seeing his confusion, a smirk curled my lips. You'll pay for this. Enough talk. I looked down at him. Relax, brother. I don't intend to take your life today. What? His eyes widened. Why spare me? I ignored the question. I have a message for your masters. And don't mess it up. Stay away from Miss Chiso too. Tell them that even an assassin of your rank barely escaped with his life. Seeing Elo's dark expression, I knew the truth. They don't know who ordered the hit, but they won't stop coming. If they persist, the chance of Elo's gray demon awakening increases. The higher the risk, the more urgent the need to purge them. This danger was destiny. The assassin looked up blood on his teeth and grinned. "And if we return, what then?" "Challenge me," I said flatly. "Try it, because next time I'll protect her again." He looked at me with suspicion. Miss, is Chiso2 really that important to you? I shrugged, keeping my face neutral. Let's just say she is an investment. Silence stretched between us. Suddenly, ping. System alert. Deadly charm effect active. Targets positive favorability is skyrocketing. The affection meter was off the charts. Oh my god. We just stared at each other. Brother, he whispered. I slowly turned my head to look at Elo. She moved toward him with a predator's grace. Meanwhile, in the student council room of the Apha Institute, terror filled the air. A mournful scream echoed through the halls. It was total chaos. The director was absolutely livid, barking orders to hunt down the mastermind behind this mess. Immediately, we control this entire mountain. Yet, this filth needs cleaning now. The academy is compromised. Depending on the route they took, it is a disaster. And looking at the timing of the assassination, it is undeniable. There are rats within our walls. Spies. I know my way around a brawl, but this political strikes against her are nothing new. Usually just a bad meal. But this was a second attempt on her life. These assassins are dangerously determined. Yet in the face of death, he worries about the mundane. He spoke nonsense, barely paying attention to the danger. I wonder, is he foolish or hiding something? The young lady spoke up, her voice steady. This feels different. The mastermind isn't done. They will strike again. The guards who escorted her last time were all commended for their bravery. Miraculously, not a single one of them died. However, there was one man who stood out. A man with a blank record, yet he walked through that hell unscathed. There is no logical reason for it. His survival has been noted. We don't know his motive. Was he suppressing his power on purpose, trying to avoid the student council's gaze? Despite the endless analysis and her teammates panic, Alola remained ice cold. She simply mused, "I wonder." Her aid, however, snapped. He roared with fury. I swear I will punch her if she keeps this up. But Alola showed no fear. Only a calm, terrifying composure. She was provoking him. Go ahead, try it. Exploding with annoyance, the aid grabbed a heavy vase and hurled it across the room. What is wrong with you? But with effortless grace, she caught the vase midair. Her expression didn't change. Is there a problem with the department? The problem is you? The aid shouted impatiently. You've been distracted all day. We need to focus. I don't know what is in her head, but if you don't tell me, I'm done helping you. Suddenly, Alola dropped the bomb. I think I have found someone interesting there. The aid was so shocked, he questioned his own hearing. What did you say? She repeated it clear as day. I said, I am interested in that animal. The question flew out instantly. Don't overthink it. Who should be worried? Don't play shy, she smirked. You just mentioned him. What the aid gasped the realization hitting him like a truck. Cambllo. The room fell into a stunned silence. Time seemed to freeze. His brain finally processed the horror. Wait, hold on. You like that country bumpkin? Panic began to set in. He tried to deny reality. I didn't hear that. He looked at his mistress with pure dread. Miss, please. I don't know how he survived, but if the patriarch hears about this, "If theQ certain family finds out," Alola simply shrugged that old man. He will definitely be furious. She stepped closer, placing the Voss back on the shelf. Then with a gentle smile, she whispered, "I like it, too. Where is this guy anyway?" Her aid looked like he was about to collapse. Probably somewhere useless. He rubbed his head exhausted. Good heavens. Don't deny it. No matter how you look at it, that peasant treated her well, didn't he? Usually, she would be suspicious of anyone instantly. True. But you are the young lady of theQerten family. You must be careful, she replied calmly. That is true. So, we must test him. She glanced at the student file in her hand. If he is truly a gem, if we polish him, he might just shine. The aid was confused. What do you mean? Meanwhile, in a dorm room far away, the man in question was currently sprawled out on his bed. He stared at a letter, his brow furrowed. The academyy's announcement was vague. It was the same old excuse. What is this nonsense? The letter read, "We apologize, but regarding your class assignment, they can't tell him yet. The academic team is still processing data to ensure optimal results. Please wait for good news." Good news? Yeah, right. He felt nothing but annoyance. This notification. Should he even hope? Just throw me into a class already. Then you can forget I exist. According to the rules, shouldn't he be in the special class? Just like I group. Why were they excluding him? Was he being ostracized? Suddenly, a system window popped up. New notification. Main quest updated. Part one is complete. New intel available. Main quest. Determine your fate at the freshman welcome ceremony. The reward. Production of exclusive equipment. His eyes narrowed as he analyzed the task. The welcome ceremony. This is where the class destiny is decided. Archer, warrior, mage, or priest. His future specialization hung in the balance. I need to choose carefully. To match Ilia, he needed the path of the sword. He had to follow suit. The focus must be on pure strength. Once that is set, he would receive the materials to craft his legendary gear. But there was a problem. He clicked on the character tab. New information loaded. Character Alola Chi certain. Her trust level was fluctuating between level two and level five. Status temporary interest due to special influence. The rewards listed were a key figure is approaching special event timer 3 days. 3 days until chaos ensues. And that wasn't all. He checked the next tab. Character IA interest level critical. Perception change imminent. Another special event was about to trigger the timer for this one. Also 3 days. he groaned, burying his face in his hands. The boss character, the protagonist, and the main quest. Everything was converging at once. A massive storm is definitely coming. Reality shattered as a blue system window appeared. A golden notification pulsed skill copy acquired. It allows the user to steal abilities from any item. My jaw hit the floor. I stared at the holographic text, heart racing. Is this a glitch? A panic-inducing cheat code? copying skills that breaks the game balance. This is absolute insanity. The dopamine hit was instant. Overwhelming joy washed over me. I possessed the ultimate wild card. I can copy anything. Should I target the final boss? I hesitated my gamer brain kicking in. No, using it now is a rookie mistake. It would be a waste of potential. Although she stands at the apex of the academyy's food chain like the protagonist IA, she hasn't peaked yet. This is the final time loop. They can still evolve. It's a long game. She will unlock god tier skills later. My power is overwhelming, so I need to be patient. I won't waste the copy skill on low-level abilities. Priority one, survive the upcoming event. It begins in 3 days. Deeply, fortunately, I possess hidden knowledge that will keep me alive. I vanished into the shadows, sprinting toward the academyy's blind spot. An abandoned wasteland housing the old weapons depot. The scent of rust and dust greeted me. I exhaled, relieving the tension. It is truly magnificent to have access to a secret shop before the game even starts. Time to gear up. I raided the shelves. First, the speed elixir to boost my agility stats. Next, the shadow mask. This gear creates a stealth build, silencing my footsteps. I strapped on the feline support boots. My presence dropped to zero. Slipping past the security layers was child's play. Finally, I reached the treasure trove, a hidden farming spot known only to hardcore players. Like a phantom thief, I scaled the walls effortlessly. I landed with the grace of a cat. Soft, silent, perfect. Now for the loot. I found it. The recovery biscuit. It sounds like a scam item, but the stats don't lie. It restores physical stamina instantly. A literal lifesaver. It looks like a cheap snack, but the effects are S tier. I grabbed them all. Rumaging through the dusty shelves, I searched for the main prize. The biscuits were just a bonus. I was here for one specific artifact. My eyes locked onto it. Found you. The game changer. The ancient incense burner. A sacred relic holding a millennium of spiritual power. I lifted it with trembling hands. Jackpot. Inventory full. I have everything I need. I turned to leave, grinning at my success. But in my arrogance, I didn't watch my step. Asterisk crash times. I knocked over a tower of wooden crates. The sound was deafening. I froze, watching in horror as the barrels tumbled. Damn it. Panic spiked in my chest. My luck just ran out. But as the dust settled, something behind the debris caught my eye. The fallen crates revealed a hidden space. A girl was sleeping there. I squinted and recognition hit me like a truck. My blood ran cold. It was her. Dia, the sword goddess, the terrifying boss of chapter 2. Why is a catastrophe class villain sleeping here? The relic belongs to her. Or maybe she's hiding from the world. Suddenly, a crimson warning window blocked my vision. asterisk system alert times mortal danger detected. The threat level skyrocketed. My survival instinct screamed, "Run!" She woke up. Chains rattled like death nails around her arms. The air grew heavy with killing intent. "Uh, sorry for disturbing you," I stammered. "Apologies don't work on bosses." Before I could finish, chains lashed out like vipers. She attacked with zero hesitation. "This wasn't a friendly spar. It was an execution. I barely blocked the strike. The impact rattled my bones. Cold steel grazed me. I analyzed the situation in a millisecond. Fighting her now is suicide. Survival is the only win condition here. Wait, I'm not an enemy, I shouted, trying to deescalate. But she didn't care. She looked at me like I was trash to be incinerated. My body screamed in pain from the impact. She remained silent, her eyes glowing with abyssal contempt and suspicion. She gave me no quarter. Duya clenched her fist and the chains roared, transforming into a steel storm aimed at my throat. Fury radiated from her. I danced on the razor's edge, dodging her strikes by a hair's breath. Her murderous aura thickened with every second. I relied on game knowledge to survive. I moved to the exact spots where her damage was lowest. She looked shocked that I was still breathing. The attacks came faster, a whirlwind of destruction. My heart hammered against my ribs like a war drum. Fear choked me, but I focused. I know her secret mechanic. That's my only hope. She lunged the tip of her blade, thrusting forward with lethal speed. I gritted my teeth and stopped moving. Total stillness. A gamble with my life. The blade flew toward my face and froze. The cold metal hovered exactly one inch from my nose. A perfect stop. She retracted the chains, confusion flickering in her eyes. I let out a shaky breath. Gotcha. Three and a half steps. That is the absolute range of her attack. It's the curse of Duya. She is bound to this location. She physically cannot take a single step beyond that radius. She glared at me, realizing I knew her weakness. Take one step closer, she challenged, her voice, dripping with venom. And let you kill me, I smirked, though my knees were shaking. I'm not suicidal. We stood in a tense standoff. Neither of us could make a move. The silence stretched. Suddenly, a loud times grumble times echoed through the warehouse. I blinked. That wasn't me. It was her stomach. Realization dawned on me. She's been hiding here completely isolated. No one comes here. She's starving. My fear melted into sympathy. "Hey," I said, dropping my guard. "Are you hungry? Want a snack?" I asked softly. I opened my hand, revealing the recovery biscuits. The sword goddess stared at the food, and the tension broke. "Was food the ultimate solution for physical recovery?" "Maybe." But his logic was simple. People tend to lose their minds when they're hangry. It was worth a shot. Duya glared at him, her pride flaring up instantly. Do not mock me. I am a warrior. I will not be seduced by such cheap treats. You really think you can bribe me with sugar. She didn't wait for an answer. With a huff, she tossed the cake into the air. But then, pure instinct took over. Her fork moved at the speed of light, snatching the cake midair like a trained puppy catching a Frisbee. The tension in the room vanished instantly. Munching happily, her attitude did a 180. "Okay, I believe you," she mumbled through a mouthful of cream. Throwing it was just a tactical error. It really is impossible to communicate with an empty stomach. Dot finally exhaled, his soul nearly leaving his body. That was too close. He almost died over a pastry. Do we have finished the snack and stood behind him, obedient for a moment until her eyes narrowed. Wait, who are you and why are you actually here? The question froze him in place. His mind raced. I can't exactly tell her I'm here to loot the place. He needed a lie and fast. He put on his most righteous face and declared, "I came to deliver a meal." A mutual acquaintance asked me to look after you. Duia paused a biscuit hanging from her mouth and looked at him with genuine curiosity. "An acquaintance? This was his chance. If he could build favorability with Duia now, it would pay off massively later in the game. It was an investment in the future." He leaned in, lowering his voice. "That's right. Your sister is doing well in the Holy Empire. But the current emperor, he couldn't care less about the two of you. He doesn't even know where she is. He didn't need to say more. The message was clear. For now, just rest and recover. We will return. Duya had a complicated past. In the Holy Empire, she was forced to live in the shadows, a weapon for the emperor. Her sword wasn't just steel. It was a notorious vessel of calamity. It was a cursed object, a container for evil. To suppress the sword's corruption, she had been bound by three layers of powerful curses. It was a heavy fate to bear. Mentioning her only surviving relative was a gamble, but it worked. After all the tragedy she had endured, that tiny sliver of hope was all she had left. The scene shifts and the morning sun rises on a new day. A crisp authoritative voice echoed across the open plaza, waking the students from their days. Listen up. This is the main academy building. Over there is the grand stadium, and beyond that lies the training grounds. From this vantage point, you can see the entire campus. Understood. Yes, ma'am. The speaker was none other than Principal Oilia herself. She commanded the attention of every student in the courtyard. Soon you will choose your path. Our curriculum covers the five great pillars: origin, arts, scholarship, martial combat, divine magic, and alchemy. I assume you are familiar with the basics. Suddenly, a curious student raised his hand from the crowd. Do we share a teaching system with the other realms? Like the Holy Empire principal, Oilia smiled, amused rather than annoyed. She seemed to enjoy the naivity of the freshmen. Oh, absolutely not. We treat education like war preparation. the Holy Palace. Don't compare us to them. If you prefer their methods, feel free to transfer. As she explained the intermediate specializations, the students listened intently. But Dot stood in silence, his mind drifting far away from the lecture. This is my chance times, he thought. I need to find where I can gather real information about this world. I can't waste time on the basics. This wasn't just school. It was a survival project. Every ounce of strength he had gathered would be needed soon. He was getting impatient, itching to make a move. Suddenly, a young man pointed toward the horizon. Principal who manages that area over there. He was pointing at a structure isolated from the rest of the school. It was an ominous institute completely cut off from the main grounds. A massive area shrouded in a shimmering magical barrier that warped the air around it. The light there was dim, marking the boundary between reality and illusion, between ancient magic and the present day. Ah, the teacher nodded. That is the restricted sector. It is a forbidden zone. Entry is punishable by expulsion. Dot's eyes narrowed. He knew that place, the nothingness, a scar left behind by the great war. It was the graveyard of history where heaven and hell once clashed. It was the very spot where the divine messengers and chosen warriors sealed away the darkness. The demon kings laid dormant there. Centuries had passed, but the aftershocks of divinity and death still battled in the air. The energy there was volatile. This area was the lynch pin. If the demons were to break the seal, it would be the end. That is why the Holy Empire and the Alliance formed the Golden Triangle to monitor this abyss. The Alfanti Academy wasn't just a school. It was a fortress built within that surveillance system. Dot snapped back to reality. The evening sun cast long shadows as the orientation continued. Lucas, a student with a hairstyle that screamed main character energy, raised his hand. Principal Oilia. His voice was a mix of thrill and curiosity. Is it possible for us to go closer? Can we take a look at the barrier? Oilia considered it for a moment. If we stay on the edge of the protective shield, "Yes, our transport vehicles are shielded. It should be safe. We will remain secure." In the crowd, Dot smirked. A wave of relief washed over him. Perfect. Thank you, Lucas. You unwitting pawn. All right, we depart after lunch. Gather your things. Dot clenched his fist. There was something he needed to do there. Something that defied the gods themselves. Gods who could move mountains and drain oceans. They were reality here. But Dot was aiming for something higher than even the angels who wrote the ending. Soon the group stood right before the barrier, staring into the void. Oilia clapped her hands cheerfully. All right, everyone. Picnic time. Let's eat here. Enjoy your lunch with a view. The students laughed, unpacking their food, treating the boundary of hell like a tourist attraction. They were inches from death, protected only by a thin magical film. If the academy fell, this barrier would be the first thing to shatter. Dot seized the moment. He approached Oilia, figning shyness. Principal, do you mind if I move a bit further down? I get anxious in crowds. She frowned slightly, her sharp eyes analyzing him. This student had been the subject of some strange rumors lately. Fine, she warned. But do not wander far, or I won't be able to save you. Understood, Dot replied quickly. From a distance, however, Ryan was watching his every move, he muttered with sthing rage. "That arrogant country bumpkin is getting too big for his breaches." "Just because I let my guard down. But mark my words." In the shadows of a secluded hideout, Dot unveiled his secret weapon. Into the ancient incense burner went the rarest treasures, powdered unicorn horn, phoenix feathers, and a fan crafted from deep sea coral. Everything was prepared. A dark divine miracle was about to unfold. This was a portable artifact possessing god-like power. Right now, at that precise moment, a blinding swirl of magical light erupted from the vessel. It materialized from the void, he stared, unblinking, heart racing. Is it really me? He thought. Did I miss anything? I traveled all this way for this moment. This is the key, he realized. This object allows us to approach entities that mere mortals would never dare to dream of meeting. Suddenly, a massive explosion rocked the area. Yet, amidst the smoke, there was no fear. A mysterious fog rolled in and a booming voice echoed from the abyss. Where are the coalition forces? The voice thundered. Flatten the ground. That's all I asked. Dig the ditches and move out. The protagonist looked up stunned. His eyes fixed straight ahead. They said rental guys were doing this instead of a holy war. He saw construction work. His eyes spotted someone digging the earth. A voice shouted, "Hey, rookie, does leveling the ground mean digging a hole to you?" "Yeah." Another grumbled. "But the problem is this ground is hard as steel. Is your shovel not harder than the dirt?" The superior barked. Wait. As the words fell, everyone froze. The workers turned to look at the intruder. Brother, one whispered. Is that a human? What is he doing here? The superior stared intensely. It has been ages since we had a visitor. At least he is quiet. Quiet is better than loiterers who annoy me while I work. Suddenly, he approached with a terrifying expression, his aura imposing. He immediately questioned, "Why did you stop working?" The rookie froze his shovel motionless. What? He stammered, pointing to the ground. There's a circle. A glowing magic circle shimmerred before his eyes. Meanwhile, the others were still bickering. "It's moving now," Grandfather look spread it out evenly. "Don't dig any deeper," someone shouted in panic. Frightened by the chaos, a frog leaped out of the trench. A moment later, a vehicle arrived with blaring loudspeakers. The driver called out, "Gentlemen, the sacred mud bricks have finally arrived. Hurry up and unload. Unload the cargo." An angel commanded, "How much for the bullion?" As sacks of bricks hit the ground, the female driver was caught snacking. "There are plenty more," she replied. Suddenly, a scream rang out. The girl saw the angel staring at her pastry. "Why are you looking at me like that? He's sitting there eating cloud cookies again," the angel grumbled. So, she retorted. "You think driving is easy? I'm a person, too. You know, you are soldiers. Save your energy for the mission, not arguing." The protagonist stood before the magic circle, observing how the heavens operated. "Other gods. I don't see the seniors," he muttered. Are you working quick? Hearing the shout, the worker ran as fast as his legs could carry him. He stammered. Corporal E. We are getting to work right now. Suddenly, he approached the captain. Captain, have the supplies still not arrived? The captain sighed. Sorry, the transport vehicle is delayed. They are fixing it. Please have patience. Just a little more. A complaining voice drifted from the side. The corporal's rank insignia is broken. Someone giggled. The protagonist thought, "No wonder. Even angels refuse to work without proper uniforms. If you had to describe these angels, it would be simple. They are just like an army. They have a clear hierarchical system and chain of command. A strict series of orders governs them. This world has its own rules. To meet high-ranking angels, one usually needs to wait until chapter 2. Direct contact with high-ranking seraps is rare. It would take an eternity for a normal human, but the protagonist knew them. He knew exactly what they wanted. I need something simple and basic, he thought. In a flash, the spot where he sat was filled with supplies. Edible treasures neatly arranged in cardboard boxes. "Thank you for the meal," he exclaimed loudly. He took a bite, savoring the flavor. So delicious, the heavenly aroma began to waft toward the starving angels. The scent captivated them. "Attention," they whispered. "He's eating. Look at that. What did he bring?" Their stomachs rumbled. "Look how happily he is feasting. Can we have a bite? You are not qualified yet. Get back in line." But they couldn't take their eyes off the food. What? Quick, move the bricks. The protagonist smiled, seeing his plan work. My lords and ladies of heaven, please eat before you continue your labor. Okay. Otherwise, you will all collapse from exhaustion. As he spoke, the food boxes were magically teleported to them. A system notification chimed. Offerings complete. The cakes and socks were delivered to the working angels. They looked at each other, grinning with pure joy. The captain shouted, "This guy is a legend." All right, break time. 10-minute rest, everyone. Does anyone have a baguette? Is that a stake? What a thoughtful human, the protagonist thought. That is the rule. That is the law of this world. This realm operates differently from reality. A single meal for him was a feast for an entire legion here. As the sky brightened, a beam of light shone down, and a satisfied voice echoed. I am full. That was quite a luxury. Since we are still working on this project, is this it? The incense burner? The angel pointed. You came because you needed our help with this artifact, right? Bring it here. I will bless it. Give it to me. The protagonist was stunned. Just like that. It has to be reasonable, but you'll fulfill my request. That's all. You already agreed. He had prepared a dozen complex negotiation plans. Was there ever a road to success as easy as this? Is this the original? The angel seemed to read the artifacts history instantly. A thoughtful look crossed his face. I wonder why is someone as ordinary as this human being treated so well? The protagonist wondered. Does he have the eyes to see through the veil? He can recognize the true essence of things. The angel's gaze fixed on him. Brother, it seems you understand how the world works quite well. He possesses an ability, but it is completely undeveloped. If you invest in this human now, you will reap legendary benefits later. Many. The sheer magnitude of the revelation stunned him. Wait, is he referring to times that time specific gift? He meant his unique trait. Beloved by darkness, the entity continued. This gift holds power far beyond your imagination. How you wield it, that choice is yours alone. It is a double-edged sword. It was the very reason monsters hunted him endlessly. Cruel yet strangely protective. A gaze from the abyss. Understood. He hid his anxiety behind a mask of calm. Clever human. Once I retrieve the incense burner, I will locate. In the heat of battle, optimization is key. I must find a way to survive. no matter the price. In a split second, his entire demeanor shifted, a transformation of spirit, a high compliment. Ordinary souls would crumble in panic hearing those words, but not him. He immediately began analyzing, formulating a strategy with cold logic. I see a legend is slowly being forged right here. It seems my worries were unfounded. Very well, the blessing is complete. The higher being spoke. He bowed his head. Thank you, sir. Ethereal voices echoed in the void. Sir, why go this far? Why waste words on a mere human? The connection was nearly severed. I remained baffled by his composure. He is patient yet bold. A star, and I, a transcendent being, find myself. Perhaps he overestimates his worth. No, a star indeed. Before fading, the entity turned for one last decree. Believe in yourself. I acknowledge your potential. The transmission cut. The magic circle vanished into modes of light. He stood alone in the silence, exhaling deeply. That felt like an eternity. I pushed myself for one simple reason. I refused to die. Survival is my only objective. It was both a gift and a warning from an angel. I need to tread carefully. As the divine scent lingered, the system window materialized. Ultimate divinity. Rank C plus acquired. A special power derived from nature and higher beings. Two aesthetic skills unlocked. Aestheticism converts faith into power. Supplementary attributes added to physical constitution. Consumes a small amount of mana. Recovery time 20 seconds. Evolvable through proof of faith. Guardian shield. Consumes mana to generate a barrier. Creates disposable protective layers based on constitution. Cool down 20 seconds. Proficiency increases through taking damage. A saint class. He closed his eyes, his mind racing. It felt like a cosmic joke. That celestial being truly blessed me with this. Healing is undeniably useful. Since it scales with my constitution, my health is now my greatest weapon. This is the key to survival. Perhaps my desperation was the catalyst. My stats have skyrocketed. These skills are valuable, but there is something more vital. The most critical factor is evolution. In this world, anything capable of growth will inevitably dominate over time. I obtained this far earlier than the original story line. A stroke of incredible luck. Suddenly, a new system notification chimed. It consumes mana, he frowned. That is the catch. For someone with my low aptitude, having enough mana is a pipe dream. I have no mana related traits. If I cannot use magic, I must find a workaround. A temporary substitute. That is exactly why I came here. A voice snapped him back to reality. You're not focusing at all. Well, I'm waiting for an answer. Did you hear me? Excuse me. I heard every word. He looked at the instructor. You said we need to form two man cells. Correct. His expression was innocent. "So you understand the concept? Then tell me where is your partner?" He smiled unwavering. "She will be here." "Coming soon?" the class scoffed. "Who would team up with a nobody like you?" Dot sneered. "I am not lying," he replied calmly. "No, this place is about to get very lively." "What is that nonsense?" He checked his watch, counting down the seconds. "My partner is quite the celebrity. She should be arriving right now." according to the original plot's timeline. As if on Q, IA stepped through the door behind them. Excuse me, is this the monster research department? He cheered internally. Perfect timing. Originally, I planned to avoid the main characters to stay safe, but I changed my mind after that angel's advice. I spotted him, her eyes widening as she whispered a recognition. Dot turned jaws dropping. Wait, do they know each other? Is a top student really pairing with him? The class was in chaos. She hesitated, unsure how to respond. Memories of their past encounter surfaced. She had only meant to express gratitude, but security had dragged her away. Rumors spread like wildfire. First years are banned from dating. The gossip was brutal. What is your relationship? They were interrogated for hours but found nothing. Dot stepped in confused. What are you doing? There is nothing between us. Just a misunderstanding over a handshake. She looked confused. This guy, he's actually amazing. Is this his strategy? He's manipulating the situation perfectly. The rumors painted him as a villain, but reality was different. Enough delusions. Welcome to the Dungeon Simulation Academy. In the darkness, four crimson eyes began to glow. They stepped up. Someone whispered, "Are you sure about teaming with him?" He tried to reassure her with a look. His expression was hard to read. "Trust me, I know you don't want to be friends, but we need to win." She recalled their first meeting. "Are you planning to attack me again?" she teased, voice low. It was awkward. Usually, he looked like the type to get beaten up, but now combat mode engaged. His face went blank. He stood tall, pointing forward with absolute authority. If you want to survive, follow my lead. Listen closely and obey my command. Move enemies. At 9:00, three of them. Look at that monstrosity. It roared in absolute fury. With teeth like daggers, it looked ready to grind us into dust. It raised a massive fist preparing to crush us. Suddenly, a piercing scream ripped through the air. Flash. She didn't hesitate. Her blades sang, severing the beast's head in a heartbeat, but there was no time to breathe. Above you, Dot screamed. Shadows descended from the ceiling. Two more nightmares had arrived. They were bats, but twisted and vile. Long fangs dripped with malice, and their crimson eyes burned with a cruel hunger. My experience kicked in instantly. I saw their flaws. The neck, ignore the flank, strike the neck now. Elia moved like lightning. Slash. Slash. Her steel bit deep, executing my orders with terrifying precision. But she wasn't happy about it. Hey commander, stop barking orders and actually help me. Lend a hand, you useless jerk. I ignored her whining. Focus. Close-range combat. Dual blades incoming from the left and right flank. Discard defense. Just survive for 10 seconds. Spears launched at us with breakneck velocity. She danced through the danger with incredible grace. My guidance was absolute. Next wave. Paralysis missed incoming. She shattered the poison trap instantly, but the dungeon had no mercy. Dodge the next attack is already here. Three arrows ahead. Freeze. 3 2 1. Ambush from 6:00. Behind you. She spun around. Thanks to my rapidfire commands, she parried a blow that would have ended her right there. We survived, but her temper was rising. My micromanaging was driving her insane. She was doing all the work while I just talked. If he knows so much, why doesn't he fight? She seemed to think. We were clearing the gate at record speed, but her patience was thinning. I was just a cheerleader in her eyes. Take the lead, she snapped. I froze. I wished I could help, but it was impossible. Look at me. My stats are trash. I'm bottom tier. This is just a simulation. My cheat skill, desperate survival, only triggers in real danger. These are just holograms. I can't use it. I can't trigger my power against code. It was a versatile skill, but completely useless in a safe zone. Suddenly, I's aura exploded. She turned her blade toward me. Determination burned in her eyes as she charged. "You want danger?" she seemed to scream. My blood ran cold. My pupils dilated in pure terror. "Wait, that's too extreme." She swung with full force. "Whoosh!" The blade whizzed past my ear and decapitated the stealth mob, lurking right behind me. "She wasn't killing me. She was saving the run." The spectators outside dropped their jaws in astonishment. Boom! Confetti cannons exploded. New world record. Even Ellia looked stunned standing amidst the falling paper. What just happened? She gasped. I fought alone in a two-man dungeon and set a record. It didn't make sense. I scratched my head, smiling awkwardly. I may look useless, but I'm actually a world class. Uh, I'm a vocal support man, I bluffed. We got lucky, Ellia, but the next zone is going to be hell. Let's go, I said, completely missing the demonic aura radiating from her. She was vibrating with rage. She squeezed her eyes shut, teeth grinding together. She didn't even turn around to curse me. She was ready to murder. Meanwhile, outside the simulation. Magnificent cheered the observer. They actually did it. The head of the department was ecstatic. The director tapped her lips, eyes gleaming. We need to double the budget for these mock battles immediately. She turned to the VIPs. General, your thoughts. A figure in a green military uniform leaned forward, imposing despite his size. Standing barely over a meter tall, the tactical instructor spoke. Is it because of the warrior? The girl is a beast, the general mused. But we struck gold elsewhere. We got lucky today. You mean the girl? The director asked. That warrior candidate is a prodigy. Certainly. Her growth rate is abnormal. Definitely someone to watch. But the general shook his head. No, he interrupted. Not the blade, the brain. That boy dot. The director scoffed. That's scammer. All he does is talk. Typical mage arrogance. Why are we discussing him? Look closer. The general insisted. That record wasn't just raw power. It was strategy. She couldn't have done that alone. Everyone was surprised. But let me explain the magic trick. She is the weapon. Yes, but he is the hand that wields it. He is the key to the lock. His positioning was absolute. Every command was a lifeline. He cushioned her every mistake. He predicted the ambush before the code even loaded. That isn't luck. That is the instinct of a veteran of a Thousand Wars. The general grinned at the director. I suggest you place your bets on the boy to make her a legend. A sudden hush fell over the arena. The microphone feedback screeched, demanding attention. Testing one, two. All eyes were locked on Dot and Elo. That aura, it was undeniable. The high-ranking mage observed the two rookies with a predatory grin. Interesting. He leaned forward, placing a heavy wager on the table. Let's make this interesting. Can you two truly handle the pressure? Pass your first year trial right here, right now, the mage announced. If you succeed, I'll grant you a special reward. Any request you make, consider it done. Any request? Professor Bosei gasped, his jaw hitting the floor. He looked at the mage in disbelief. Headmaster, isn't that too extreme? Why go this far for freshmen? The mage ignored the faculty's shock. However, he continued smoothly. If the pressure is too much, you can walk away. No force, just an offer. It seemed like a suicide mission, but before the echo faded, "Deal!" The answer came instantly, Dot stood there, radiating absolute confidence. "It's fine. We accept. We can absolutely do this." Dot declared. Ilia, on the other hand, looked like she had seen a ghost. Her face went pale. "Huh, Mr. Dot, what are you saying?" The faculty members frowned at Dot's arrogance. "He's reckless," one muttered. But the headm's grin only widened. "I like that spirit. We're betting on your success, kid. Let the trial begin. Meanwhile, in a distant corridor. Is it really this far? Aphanti groaned, collapsing against the wall. She was utterly spent. "Unbelievable," she huffed, trying to catch her breath. "We came all this way just to A sharp sound cut through her thoughts. Asterisk clang asterisk." The memory of a blade slicing through the air. "Stop complaining," she told herself, though her body refused to move. She lay sprawled on the cold ground, reaching out with a trembling hand. Just need a moment. She grabbed her water bottle, the plastic crunching loudly in the silence. Her mind drifted back to a conversation she desperately wanted to understand. Memories of Ilia flushed through her mind. When I was little, Ilia had whispered, "My mother taught me the family arts." But the memories are fragmented. I'm trying to piece them back together. The curse of the crystal bloodline. The devil that sleeps in the veins. It was a dark rumor known only to a few. a double-edged sword, god-tier talent on one side, and the total loss of humanity on the other. Aren't you overreacting? Aphanti had asked back then. But looking at the madness in those eyes, she knew the truth. Violent outbursts, the collapse of reason, the beast taking the wheel. That was the price of power. That was why every genius of the Cris family, despite their legendary achievements, always met a tragic end. The memory faded. Aphanti stopped moving. The weight of the realization hitting her. She unscrewed the cap and chugged the water, washing away the fear. "Serious?" she scoffed, sitting up and wiping her mouth. "Is it really that deep? Don't worry about it," she muttered to the empty hall. "I'm here now. I won't let it happen." But a voice in her head whispered times. "Really? Can you stop fate?" asterisk. "Guess I can't hide it anymore." She set the empty bottle down, her expression hardening. "Why so cautious?" her partner had asked. "Because we have a duty. It's out of our hands now," she realized. the girl with the auburn hair, Ellia. The pieces of the puzzle were clicking into place. The anxiety was eating her alive. We need to report this immediately, Aphanti decided. Intel confirms it. The one currently taking the exam. She is the vessel for the next generation, the next warrior candidate. Elo paused, turning around as the transmission came through. Confirmed. The subject is Elia, the girl fighting alongside Dot. I had a hunch, Afonte whispered. That's why those two were paired up. The academy knows this isn't just a test, a mock battle disguised as an evaluation. It wasn't hard to figure out. She sighed heavy with worry. They are pushing her to the brink to awaken it. The plastic bottle in her hand was crushed flat water dripping onto the floor. Take me to the arena, Ella commanded. Now back at the testing ground, the atmosphere was electric. Dot drew his blade. Elliot trembling whispered. What is the plan, Dot? Do you actually have one? He's talented, the judges murmured. But against this level, is it worth the risk? Dot looked up at the scoreboard. We're going for the all-time record. The answer was short, indifferent. Yes. Ilia looked at him like he was insane. Are you crazy? But Dot just frowned slightly. His confidence wasn't a mask. This wasn't a joke to him. Asterisk. He has a plan. Times Elia realized. But what times dot analyze the enemy? It's an artificial construct times. He thought asterisk just code and patterns. Asterisk asterisk. Artificial monsters have a fixed algorithm. Asterisk asterisk. If I target the glitch in their movement asterisk, he glanced at Elia. I can't explain it yet, but I see the opening, she wouldn't understand the technicalities. Just follow my lead, he said simply. I frowned, her doubt warring with trust. Okay, because you're here, her cheeks flushed red. I I don't totally believe you, but I'll try. The loudspeakers crackled again, interrupting the moment. Attention candidates. Are you two ready to begin? The proctor boomed without a second of hesitation. Dot shouted. Ready? His voice echoed with absolute certainty. The proctor seemed impressed by the sheer gall. Very well. You may adjust the difficulty setting. Higher risk means higher reward points. Set it to maximum. Dot ordered instantly. Highest difficulty. The faculty box erupted. Is he insane? But Dot's voice cut through the noise. "Do it. You can't trust these freshmen." A teacher yelled. "This is suicide. They're just first years. It's a death sentence. They'll lose their lives." But Dot stood firm, unbothered by the panic. I said, "Said it to Max." Even the headmaster paused. He truly believes he can win. Asterisk worth a try. The headmaster smirked, satisfied. Grant the request. Ilia looked like she might throw up. Maximum difficulty us asterisk. She never imagined they would go this far. Relax, Dot whispered, sensing her terror. Highest difficulty just means a bigger prize. Don't worry, he grinned. The die is cast. No taking it back now. asterisk. Besides times, he thought times after we win this, I'm going to enjoy a nice warm drink. asterisk asterisk. And a slice of that delicious cream cake. asterisk. The teachers watched in horror. I can't believe the headmaster allowed this. This is the first one, whispered. Is this really okay? Something feels different this time, the female professor noted, eyes narrowed. Just wait and see, the headmaster said calmly. There's a reason for his confidence. He leaned back, watching the screens. If it gets too dangerous, we intervene and save them. But until then, the system voice announced times slaughter regime initiated. Activate the simulation. Prove your worth. First year student Lord. Damn it. Let's do this. Beside her butter could only sigh helplessly at her recklessness. The head of the tactical department watched in utter despair. Tears streamed down his face as he moaned, "Our club, it's finished." Meanwhile, the young man stood there, radiating absolute confidence. Suddenly, monsters flooded the arena from all directions. In the face of that chaotic scene, a holographic screen flashed before his eyes. The system screamed a warning in bright red text, "Danger." The threat was detected instantly. The danger level was determined to be critical, life-threatening. Yet, he handled his blade with the grace of a master. His expression eerily calm. With laser-sharp focus, he unleashed a strike faster than the eye could follow. In a split second, the ferocious rhino was silenced, its massive head severed cleanly from its neck. The thrill of battle surged through him. He shouted, "I know exactly what we're doing. Just wait. But did you see that?" Rage flared in Ilia's eyes as she witnessed his power. The department head was so shocked, he spat his tea everywhere. His eyes nearly popped out of his skull. Ilia wasn't just watching. She was ready to unleash hell. Her counterattack against the monsters revealed a terrifying truth. The crowd gasped in realization. We knew it all along. Suddenly, a massive wolf broke from the pack, charging aggressively. Senior dot didn't flinch, moving with god-like speed to intercept the beast. Butter watched with a gaping mouth, unable to believe the impossible scene unfolding before him. Is this even possible for a student? Their earlier doubts were completely useless. Now, grandfather would be proud. Dot's sword strikes were surgically precise, wasting zero movement. One strike, one kill. He took down the monster instantly. Elia's fighting spirit ignited like a blazing fire. As if understanding his rhythm, she responded immediately. "He's just pretending to be weak," she realized. "If she hadn't witnessed his true skill firsthand, she would be just as shocked as the foolish audience. That was the truth." But as time ticked by, the monsters evolved, becoming deadlier and stronger. The broadcast captured every moment as both warriors synchronized their breathing. Let's grow stronger together. Ellia channeled her frustration into power. During the chaos of the battle, she successfully decimated two beasts, and a towering giant ant dot wasn't far behind in the kill count either. The arena was littered with the corpses of the beasts they had slain. As they mowed down wave after wave of powerful monsters, Eliia gritted her teeth. She launched a devastating knee strike, and her sword began to glow with a dazzling light. Beautiful yet deadly sharp. After delivering a fatal blow to another ant, she shouted, "Now there's an opening." Dot understood the plan immediately. Got it. Dot dropped into a stance. Alia used him as a launching pad, leaping high into the air toward the main control screen. Her blade primed to strike. Her swordsmanship was magnificent. Like a volleyball spike, she unleashed a barrage of deadly attacks, slamming the giant ant into the ground. They stuck the landing perfectly. The announcer's voice rang out. Incredible. I am delighted. This power is truly amazing. What a performance. Dot Cell and Ilia Cain Nexer had shattered alltime Academy records. But the nightmare wasn't over. The giant ant from earlier. It hadn't been fully defeated yet. Though battered, the creature raised a razor-sharp leg. Its claws aimed directly at Dot's heart. Senior Ilia screamed, sensing the impending doom. An emergency warning blared. "Huh!" Dot felt a searing heat. He spun around, facing the attack at point blank range. Suddenly, a high-pitched sound pierced the air. It rang out and in a blur, he saw a single ray of light. A flash of yellow energy stre across the arena. With a precise sword stroke and the force of a stinger, the monster was struck. It exploded into hundreds of pieces. It happened so fast. Dot barely processed the moment. That was too close. He managed to stand, but his stamina was draining fast. Target neutralized. The landing was successful. Right in front of the stunned Dot, the results appeared. Congratulations. It seems this record won't be easily broken by anyone. The crowd was left bewildered, chattering excitedly. "Who would have thought such a catastrophe was handled by mere freshmen? Those artificial monsters were nothing." Dot thought, "Easy as cutting grass." Beside him, Ellia panted, heavily exhausted, but buzzing with adrenaline. The instructor's voice was from screaming, but dripped with satisfaction. "Thank you candidates. I commend your incredible efforts." Ilia's spirit was still burning bright. Dot sheathed his sword, a triumphant grin spreading across his face. "We won by." Aaliyah's lips curved into a small smile, though she tried to act tough. Unbelievable results. They reviewed the resolution together. The academy decided on a massive reward, full access to the warehouse, and the right to request assistance. Even from the head of the magic department, Ellia pumped her fist, shouting, "That is amazing. Finally, wonderful." Dot, who was peering at the rewards list, was also pleased. No freshman had ever received such privilege. Truly generous rewards, right? She turned to him, her expression shifting. But Dot, I've noticed something. Why are you always so unsettlingly calm, so quiet? Dot asked innocently. What do you mean? Ellia smirked. Even when chaos erupts, you act with total certainty. It's like you knew the situation beforehand, or as if everything happened exactly according to your plan. There was a sharp nuance to her words. Really? Dot laughed it off, but internally his heart raced. She was sharper than she looked. Asterisk. Of course, times, he thought. Times because I know the script. asterisk because we already knew everything obviously. Okay, genius idiot. Elia held out her fist. She wanted a high five. Wait. The conversation took a turn. Her face lit up as she replied. I don't do this for just anyone you know. What is this? A high- five dummy? She laughed. Dot remained outwardly indifferent as their palms slapped together. Asterisk. Ding times. The system window popped up. Elia's curiosity level has increased. It was approaching the reliable alley stage. Are you all right? He asked. Ellia's cheeks flushed a deep red. Yes, she squeaked, then abruptly turned her back. She ran off, leaving him standing there. Let's meet tomorrow, she called back, her voice full of joy. Suddenly, a new voice cut through the air. We don't know what kind of person she is, the voice mused. Friendly or simply quirky? Dot shook his head. Yeah, I wonder too. That's what I thought. Then realization hit. Dot. This voice. It was incredibly familiar. Wait a minute. Student council president. The president remained calm, his expression a mask of perfection. He asked a single-pointed question. So does he. Like the first year student seeing Dot's silence, she cleared her throat, the sound hitting him like a thunderclap. He stammered, his mind racing to find the words. What was she trying to say? Was this a trap? I frantically calculated my odds of survival. Just then, the system flickered to life. She didn't seem to have killing intent. But wait, what exactly was she planning to do to me? Was I being too obvious? Could I really be the chosen one? We weren't lovers. Yet, the tension was thick enough to cut steel. Neither of us was willing to back down just yet. His voice dropped an octave, suddenly deadly serious. Listen closely because I will only ask this once. That freshman girl, do you have feelings for her? He froze. The answer stuck in his throat. Suddenly, the system screamed inside his head. Warning, danger detected. The alarm blared like a siren. The color drained from his face instantly. An ominous chill shot down his spine. The pressure was crushing him. He had to speak now or he was dead meat. The system continued its relentless warning. High danger level. Amidst the chaos, Dot forced himself to remain calm. He masked his fear with a steady voice. So what if I do? The student council president narrowed her eyes. Is that all you have to say? How long until that mask of yours cracks again? His mind was a chaotic mess, but Dot stealed his resolve. He squeezed his eyes shut and took a leap of faith. "We may have rehearsed this," he declared firmly. "I have been with Ia all this time, but the one I really wanted to see was you." The president froze, completely stunned by his words. "Why? Why say that now?" Dot mentally collapsed in relief. He had narrowly escaped a death flag. It was a battlefield, but psychological warfare was still war. The tension in the air was suffocating. "What on earth am I doing?" he screamed internally. Even the great Dot Campbell was at a loss for words, had his desperate gambit failed. Ah, hesitation. And then the corners of her lips curled up. A rare smile graced her features. "So that is how it is," she murmured. "You missed me all this time." Before his brain could process it, his survival instinct took over. "Exactly," he blurted out. Elo crossed her arms, trying to hide her delight. She puffed out her chest and interrogated him further. He had not expected this reaction. Stop stuttering," she demanded. But he was rendered completely mute. Truth be told, he did not know what was happening either. "Why was his heart pounding like this?" Deep down, a question began to form. "What is wrong with me today?" But Elo noticed his flustered state. She gently tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. Her cheeks flushed a crimson red as she looked away. It was a legendary sight, the ice queen showing shyness. "Never mind," she murmured. "I suppose we are close friends after all. We did survive that incident on the train together. Don't you remember the priority list? The ferry. Her words left him completely bewildered. A vague, intense memory flickered in the back of his mind. That list never existed in the original novel. What list is she talking about? What is going on in this timeline here? Before he could question her, she shoved an envelope into his hands. Don't get the wrong idea. I only came here to deliver this. Take it already. Dot stared at the object in his hands. What in the world is this? His mind raced, but he could not guess its contents. Was it a love letter? A challenge to a duel? This event definitely was not in the original script. And why was she acting so shy about it? She refused to meet his eyes. I was going to give it to you tomorrow, but just promise me you will open it when you are alone. Uh, okay, he replied, scratching his head in confusion. She hurried away, leaving him standing there. The afternoon sun cast long dramatic shadows across the room. As he read the contents, a wave of regret washed over him. I should not have opened this. It was a formal request to become her teammate. Right. The freshman welcome party is tomorrow. He had completely forgotten. And she wanted him to join her party. Joining her team was not inherently bad. It just meant spending the party with her. But there was a massive problem looming. The system penalties for refusing were severe. Not only would her affection points drop drastically, but she might actually turn into a hostile villainous. Suddenly, a sharp knock echoed from the door. Dot hid the letter and swung the door open. He recognized that energy instantly. It was Ilia. "I knew it was you," he sighed. Without wasting a second, Elia thrust an envelope toward him. Dot's jaw dropped. "Not this again." Elia tilted her head, confused. "What do you mean again? Did someone else already give you one?" "No, I mean." Dot stammered, sweating bullets. "What is this for?" He mentally slapped himself. "One wrong word and he would be dead right here. I am here to recruit you obviously. Elia pointed a finger at him and winked playfully. We are destined to be together, aren't we? Since the simulation match ended, I have been so busy. The chairman was furious, and the students were calling for a medic, so I just jumped off the balcony to get here. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. Come on, open it already. Dot took the envelope with a trembling hand. It was too late to stop this train wreck. Why do I attract all the crazy ones? He lamented. He stared at the seal. What was inside this one? It was undoubtedly another request to form a party or knowing I could be a challenge to a fight to the death. It is a surprise, she chirped, and his worst fears were confirmed. In his mind's eye, he saw the matchmaking screen. Lo versus IA. Only one could be the winner. Dot wanted to scream into the void. It was indeed another teammate request form. This scenario was completely absent from the original novel. Why can't I ever have an easy choice? If I choose Elo, I will be branded a villain by the protagonist. But if I choose Elia, Elo will turn hostile and hunt me down. I am going to die because of this stupid priority list. What if I just reject them both? No. The risks were too high. What is the correct answer here? They were just teenagers, but the stakes were life and death. It was a fascinating, terrifying mess. Suddenly, his phone buzzed. A crazy suicidal idea popped into his head. Is it possible to accept both of them? And with that dangerous thought, the freshman welcome party began. The arrival was nothing short of spectacular. The party venue screamed aristocratic splendor, a masterpiece of intellect and design. Above chandeliers blazed like miniature suns, bathing the hall in a shimmering golden haze. A cocktail of expensive perfumes filled the air, but beneath the glamour, it was a battlefield. "Class B, move it," someone barked. "And where's the final stray from class C? Get them inside. The main hall was a sea of fresh faces. Welcome new students. Forget your studies for tonight. The whispers began to circulate immediately. Is that him? The elite from class A. All eyes drifted toward a certain young man. A brunette beauty brushed her hair back. Her voice cutting through the noise. The instructors have arrived. Everywhere you looked, the welcome party was packed to the brim. A suffocating ocean of eager students. People. People. And more people. It was absolute chaos. IA stood amidst the crowd, radiating beauty. But her expression told a different story. She absolutely hated this. She sighed, utterly bored by the suffocating atmosphere. Disappointing, she muttered. This place is just another noisy pigsty. Disinterested, she turned to leave, but the man beside her was beaming like the sun. "Thank you for accompanying me," he said with a warm smile. He looked completely transformed, his hair styled to perfection. As the two of them entered the venue, we cut back to a crucial flashback. the shop. He had dropped a massive 1,000 points on a legendary item, the doppelganger. It had the ability to create a perfect physical copy of the user. All his stats and buffs were mirrored. He was betting everything on this firewood to keep the fire burning. He had drained his entire score for this one item. Even if the clone was just a glorified mannequin capable of standing still, it was the only way to make his plan work. Suddenly, the system chimed with a notification. A new quest, the double date event. He had made up his mind. He was going to date both of them simultaneously. The condition, don't get caught until the grand finale. Failure meant a severe penalty. But with this massive crowd as his cover, the impossible plan seemed feasible. However, one slip up would mean disaster. If anyone saw him and his clone in the same place the game was over, immediate exposure. He decided to play the role of the cold, aloof gentleman to keep people away. But just as he settled into character, a deafening sound shattered the atmosphere. A monstrous roar echoed through the grounds. A beast was growling nearby, bearing razor-sharp fangs as its wild eyes scanned for prey. The creature was furious, thrashing against the bars of an iron cage on a transport carriage. "Warning!" Clear the way! The guards shouted. "Dangerous cargo coming through." He breathed a sigh of relief, regaining his composure. "It was just a captured beast, likely another one of the academyy's twisted experiments being moved. But if that thing escaped, the real party would begin. For now, his mission was survival. He had to juggle Elo on one side, and I was dangerously close nearby. Could he pull this off? Suddenly, a status window popped up. The pheromone effect had been activated. He was no longer just an ordinary student. The premium item he purchased kicked in, and his body began to radiate an irresistibly attractive scent. A slender waist came into view. It was her, the student council president. Elo. She flinched, her nose twitching as the scent hit her. "Huh? What is this fragrance? What is it?" She tried to rationalize it. Was it cologne? No, that was just an excuse. It wasn't flowers. It was something far more potent. Her sense of smell was sharp, but this aroma was making her dizzy. It was driving her crazy. Dot tried to play dumb, waving it off as nothing. "Is the smell too strong?" he asked, sweating. The pherommones were relentless. "Please stop," she whispered, squeezing her eyes shut to maintain her composure. She was definitely hiding her reaction. "Ikisk ping times." The system confirmed charm effect applied. She was setting goals, fighting a losing battle against her own heart. She used every ounce of willpower to resist him. Lost in thought, Dot heard her sweet voice break the silence. He glanced over, acting shy, their eyes locked. Why was her heart racing like this? Suddenly, the realization hit her. He looked far more masculine than she remembered. Panic set in. Dot was stunned by the intensity of her gaze, screaming internally. He forced a calm smile. Shall we? He quickly changed the subject to save the moment. "Why don't we explore the venue?" he suggested. "Take a walk." As they moved, he noticed her drifting closer, her body gravitating toward his like a magnet. He led the way through the sea of new students, anxiety bubbling in his gut. Asterisk now, perhaps asterisk. By now, his clone should have successfully met up with Ellia. He had to avoid a collision at all costs. Meanwhile, Ella was fighting the pheromone haze, trying desperately to reassure herself. Isk stay alert time she told herself asterisk calm down asterisk dot on the other hand was praying to every god that they wouldn't run into his double asterisk please let this go smoothly times he thought asterisk if we just keep moving maybe just maybe I can pull this off asterisk as long as the clone kept Aaliyah occupied he was safe ay he pointed why don't we stop by that snack counter grab a bite her cheeks flushed a soft pink as she nodded okay they approached the barbecue station where skewers of golden brown meat sizzled over the fire. He picked one up. How about this wild boar skewers? Deep down, he was testing her. He was certain this was the wrong choice. It was the worst possible option for the elegant Elo. Surely she was on a strict diet, but to his shock, the response was immediate. Elo ducked her head shily, completely defying his calculations. "How did you know I loved wild boar?" she whispered. "Is this fate?" Her confession hit him like a truck. He stammered. Yes, of course. But inside he was as shocked as if he'd discovered a new continent. asterisk. Oh my god, she actually likes it times. He watched her delicately hold the skewer. Worried but relieved, he turned to ask her another question, but his train of thought derailed. She was already eating with gusto. He didn't know how to react, so he just awkwardly glanced away. He needed a distraction. He had to keep Ilo happy while maintaining a safe distance from the rest of the party. He had to be sure. He had to ensure Ilia wasn't anywhere near them. Suddenly, Elo walked toward a display. "Oh," she exclaimed, eyes lighting up. "Look what they're selling." "It was an accessory stand for the new students." "Do you see anything you like?" Dot asked. The trinkets were small and glittering. Exactly the kind of thing girls loved. "Let me buy one for you," he offered smoothly. A classic gentleman move. But inside, his thoughts were screaming in panic. Conversely, I found myself fretting over E's gift. There was no mistake. I needed to crush the mood. Her affection points had to drop and fast. That was the strategy. A plain yellow button. Absolute trash tier. Yet, the ELO rating system flared to life. This button actually looks quite nice. Wait, seriously, what was going through his head? I intended to hand over the worst garbage imaginable, but Elo's reaction betrayed my expectations completely. The hope in her eyes was blinding. She blushed, kicking her feet in delight. Actually, I I needed a button to replace the missing one on my cuff. Her innocent words made him grind his teeth in frustration. My own teeth were practically cursing my existence. And then following that disaster, we decided to sit, rest, and grab a bite. A little drink to ease the tension. Oh, right. That reminds me of something I was wondering. Have you decided on your major yet? Do and Elo selected a table in a discrete private corner. Several exquisite dishes were already spread before them. Truly delicious. In response to her earlier inquiry, he replied calmly, "I intend to pursue theology." The answer caught her off guard, prompting her to ask again, "Theology truly? Why don't you reconsider? Your talents would be completely wasted there, unless you plan to join the Holy Order of Knights." But Dot remained firm, explaining his choice. "We each have our own burdens and reasons for this path. This isn't a whim. It was in the plan from the very beginning, and it certainly wasn't a spur-of-the- moment decision." Elo placed her hands on the table, her gaze turning serious. Why really? Therefore, the only truth he could offer was to protect. We simply need to protect what is precious to us. There are essential truths I must learn within those walls. Her curiosity only grew, he continued. You ask what it is I wish to protect. What? Looking deep into her eyes, he knew the answer was simply, "There is only one priority. Avoiding my own destruction, or rather, her downfall. Sacred skills are the absolute key, the key to my very survival. This general knowledge is crucial, crucial to achieving the desired ending. And of course, I see you're worried I might dodge the question. So, here is the answer. From a young age, we have carried a burden. What we must protect against is the event. Something tied to the shadows of secret societies. A calamity that will. It will inevitably occur in the future. Name redacted. That entity is particularly weak against sacred attributes. divine technique is its undoing. She frowned slightly, piercing together the clues. This story, is it related to why you keep your distance? Does this concern us directly? It wasn't likely to be a heated topic yet. The only response was a mumbled affirmation. That story is in the past. Let's speak frankly now. We know this reality very well because the curse of the Chisson family line, a word curse that infects every member of the bloodline. The tribe went mad. or so the rumors say, but not entirely. The only method to halt the madness is through mental forging. How do you train the mind to resist? Do you know the way? Can such a curse ever truly be broken? Unexpectedly. Yours, she replied softly. A blessing. The grace of the angel. A miracle where two great beings align. When an angel bestows a blessing upon a mortal soul. At least that is what the legends claim. Great. Io maintained a piercing seriousness in her gaze. He said, "Exactly." And you know how difficult that is to achieve. He understands the stakes, doesn't he? That is why even though the Chiso clan once established a legacy of greatness. Despite our many achievements, we are forever scorned, terrified of our power. So why keep him nearby? Is that simply our nature? Why is there always a blade in the dark? Both of us. We barely arrived in time. The roof. What is your true intention? That question could not be dodged. Stopping the evasion, he looked her dead in the eye and affirmed. He said, "What I want to protect is, you miss. She doesn't seem to grasp what I am to her, and yet you want to protect me." He replied, "If I don't protect her, I will face death. That is the cold truth. I have no other excuse. Not anymore." At this moment, she calmly and gently straightened her posture. A lock of hair fell back as she responded. I already knew that. This was the dynamic from the very beginning. But he really is. What a strange fellow you are," he sighed as if this were just another Tuesday. This I've been told that many times already. He felt a weight lift the moment he confessed. I'll be completely frank with you. I told you the whole truth without any confusion. Hopefully, this is enough to satisfy her endless curiosity. The scene shifts to a grim location. It appears to be a tunnel or perhaps a prison. The woman is lost in thought. He's a strange guy indeed. It turned out to be Ilia and Dot's clone in the shadows surrounding them right now. They were ferocious, snarling monsters, equally terrifying and grotesque. Ilia walked ahead in silence. I wondered, is he angry with me? Why are you silent? So quiet. Chu Kuang spoke up once again. His mind was full of questions. Wait, we're here. When was this basement even built? She turned around. Looking at him, she thought to herself, "I need to get closer to him to uncover the truth about his family, the Chiso Tuan Clan. I really don't know. What should we do with people like him?" He said, or more accurately, he didn't know. "What's the point of playing games with men? It's driving me absolutely crazy." Meanwhile, this clone focused entirely on observing the surroundings. What the hell is this place? All of them. They are all living, breathing monsters. I just walked on. She just spoke casually. It seems they are used for academy experiments. The professors here. This is completely irresponsible. How did they even acquire them? You can't just leave these things in the basement. Is this really okay? A monster lurked nearby. He growled furiously, attracting their attention. This surprised her, causing her to whip around. Huh? Ellyia observed the beast and then felt a sigh escaping her lips. Even the high tier monsters are down here. Out of curiosity, I approached the holding cage. Inside was a ferocious monstrosity, she murmured strangely. Wait a minute. They aren't even injured. The chain. Suddenly, the sensor triggered. The cage lock clicked ominously. The monster snarled, its ferocity spiking. Elia startled, he snapped his eyes open, scanning in surprise. I couldn't react in time. One second. A deafening explosion erupted, and Dot quickly grabbed hold of her. She shielded herself behind his back trying to escape. Away from the blast zone, the scene shifts back to the restaurant. While having a meal with Elo, he suddenly felt it. These were caused by the symbiotic tremors of the explosion. The miss. They also sensed that something was terribly wrong. It's happening. Everyone at the party paused. Chaos erupted as the shock wave hit. The tranquility of the party shattered instantly. Many people screamed in sheer terror. She was being shielded by that clone. Unable to contain her shock at the sudden impact, she asked, "Why?" He looked at her with a gentle gaze. He replied, "This is simply my job." L was taken aback by Dot's cryptic answer. She looked at him with a mix of awe and confusion. She sat up puzzled. Huh? What on earth are you talking about? So boom, that explosion just tore the dungeon apart. Flames roared like a beast, shattering the seals. The cage was broken, and the nightmares within were unleashed. Now they stalked toward the survivors, fangs dripping with hunger. He sprang into action. A feral growl escaping his throat as he prepared to intercept. Look alive. Debris from the shattered cages littered the ground. Perfect improvised weapons. He grabbed an iron bar. He glanced at her. Her eyes weren't filled with fear, but with steel hard resolve. Thanks for shielding us, she breathed. Now let me return the favor, brother. Asterisk ding times. The system suddenly interrupted. A blue window flashed. Main quest, suppress the outbreak. If the monster escapes, game over. But there was a catch. If the casalty count rose too high, he would face a penalty worse than death. But the reward, legendary grade exclusive gear. He had to listen closely to the prompt. System alert emergency deployment required. We can't do this alone, he realized. They needed backup. He turned to the student council president with desperation. We need a high priest right now. The formidable woman looked puzzled, but Dot's expression left no room for argument. It was a plea for survival. Prioritize the trainees. Save the weak first, he gasped, his lungs burning with exhaustion. Suddenly, the blue window flickered again with an update. Clone recall complete. With his full power restored, Dot sprinted toward the girl. Ilia, the monsters, are they handled? Only a single target remained. Is that the last of them? Ilia crouched low, gripping her weapon tight. She looked up, her voice trembling slightly. You're finally awake. Thank the heavens. As she spoke, the system pinged. Affection meter rising. Her trust in him was skyrocketing. Main scenario updated. But there was no time to celebrate. It's been a while, she whispered ominously. But we missed one crucial detail. The boss monster. The massive bear from earlier. It wasn't just a beast. It was him. Ilia's face pald as the realization hit her like a truck. It's lurking on the first floor, she rasped. We have to intercept it before it breaches the perimeter. But she swayed dangerously close to collapsing. I I need a moment. Seeing her condition, panic gripped him. Aaliyah, are you all right? His mind raced, torn between duty and concern. But the main scenario took priority. Failure meant a penalty. He couldn't survive. He had to stop that Titan no matter the cost to his own body. A shadow fell over the group. He looked up. Terror clutching his heart. There it was, a towering monstrosity with eyes glowing like blood. Hold the line, a voice roared. Keep the barrier intact until the faculty and knights arrive. Do not let it fall. The beast bellowed, slamming against the magical shield. Asterisk cracked times. Spiderwebs of light fractured across the barrier's surface. Doom was knocking. Where is the principal? Where are the professors? They're unavailable. The students held firm, but their mana was fading fast. Use the angel's blessing, someone screamed. But Io scoffed, looking at the cowardly official. You call yourself a priest. There are children dying here. Watch your tongue. The official snapped, hiding behind protocol. That is a highlevel spell. A mere student has no right to demand it. An angel's blessing isn't a party trick, girl. It requires divine favor. Just wait for the knights. He was abandoning them to their fate. This is exactly why we warned you, he spat. You shouldn't have dabbled with monster experimentation. This disaster is on your hands. Giving power to that family was a mistake. Hearing the blame game, Dot's patience snapped. Rage boiled in his gut like molten lava. We don't have time for politics. He broke formation, stepping beyond the safety line. His desperation was palpable, terrifying the others. Stop him. Is he suicidal? Ignoring their cries, he charged straight at the behemoth. The monster didn't even deem him a threat. "Hey, you ugly bastard," he screamed, trembling with adrenaline. The priest sneered. "A student?" attempting a blessing absurd. "Dot, don't," she cried out. But his gaze was blazing with fire. Despite the fear gnawing at him, he didn't falter. System alert. Divine nature integrated. Class preceded activated. Deep within his soul, a golden vessel shattered. Blinding radiance exploded from his body. Skill unlocked. Shepherd's holy light. The system confirmed his awakening. Warning mortal danger detected. Passive skill. Desperate survival has been triggered. Time seemed to slow down to a crawl. He slid beneath the monster's snapping jaws by a hair's breath. He's insane. The priest shrieked. Get back here. I'm not running. Dot gritted out. I'm the bait. Buy me time and get the students out of here now. The beast lunged a mountain of muscle and malice. Ding. Skill aesthetics. Sacrifice activated. He was betting everything on this one move, converting mana to physical strength. He raised his hands to the heavens, and a staff of pure light materialized in his grasp. Golden light erupted like angel wings. A celestial guardian manifested, shielding him from the monster's devastating blow. The ground quakd. He gritted his teeth, his bones creaking under the pressure. The onlookers watched, jaws dropped. Is Is that a divine blessing? How can a failing student cast a high tier spell? The official priest tore at his hair in jealous rage. That's impossible. Even high priests need thousands of prayers to summon that he wailed. But Ilia remained silent, her eyes locked on Dot's back. She wasn't shocked. She had seen the glimpses before. The way he hid his true power, waiting for the perfect moment, the priest rubbed his eyes, refusing to accept reality. That monster, that unqualified brat, he blocked it. You asked about the barrier. Dot's voice cut through the dust, calm and commanding. Skill sacred voice. The students built this defense while the real professors did nothing. He turned his glowing eyes to the priest. So tell me, who is the real teacher now? Ilia struck him with a brutal slap, her face twisted in disgust. he replied with stone cold composure, the student council president. But to them, he was trash, born without a shred of talent. Let's<unk> overlook it for now. But the question still hung in the air. Why were you late, trembling like a leaf? He stammered out a desperate excuse. I I passed out in the basement. I just woke up. Fine, forget it. But that name, it invoked a power. He could grant blessings instantly. Right here, impossible. He wasn't a high priest. The ancient texts say it takes at least 10 years of grueling agony to master that art. Only then should it manifest. How was this happening? Io watched stunned. She realized the sacred energy was far too pure. Purity like that demands a decade of discipline. Io recalled his earlier words. We must study the science he'd said. If we if I don't shield her, I'm dead meat. What other choice was there? She drifted into deep contemplation, her gaze losing focus. I looked on a spark of admiration in her eyes. She evaluated him. Even if it was stockpiled divine power, there had to be a limit. Yet, he controlled it with terrifying precision. Her eyes bored into him. Silent questions screaming for answers. Her chest heaved with exertion. Ilia closed her eyes, trying to rationalize the impossible. He did it all alone. It was the family poison, the emotional shackles. Otherwise, why would he go this far? There was no other logic to his actions. I suspected it, but certainty eluded me until now. That gut feeling was right. She sat curled in the darkness, hugging her knees, her eyes. He stared into the void with chilling indifference. A blinding light erupted from that very spot. Look closely. In that instant, she raised it high. Her blade pointed toward the chaos. Her mind fixated on him. He was truly an anomaly. Meanwhile, the enemy's assault grew more ferocious, too strong. Facing it head-on was suicide. I gasped in pure shock. President. The crowd watched their eyes wide with disbelief. Shock turned to resolve in her trembling gaze. She wouldn't back down. After a split second of hesitation, she drove her sharp blade forward straight at the beast. Aim for the nape of the neck. The strike landed true. Agony surged through the monster, forcing a deafening roar from its throat. The impact slammed the beast into the earth. He watched, shouting a warning, but the creature screamed, its aura exploding with berserk rage. It scrambled up and lunged at her with lightning speed. She parried decisively, but the sheer force radiating from it was suffocating. Overwhelmed, he froze. That footwork, it was the authentic shadowstep technique. She didn't let up, unleashing a flurry of rapid stabs. The curse locked onto him. Radiant energy surged from the source. A beam of destruction aimed directly at the targets core. Io's face remained a mask of ice. The barrier flickered under the assault. They couldn't counter. They could only grit their teeth and endure the onslaught. Stance too wide. Your flank is open. In a blink, the enemy was right in front of him. One fleeting mistake and her blade would have claimed its neck. Her swords slaying path detonated. A massive shockwave blasted him backward, sending him flying with catastrophic force. Boom. As the dust settled, she gracefully smoothed her hair. But he was already chanting, "Father Montana." A spell that triggered an earthshattering explosion. He gazed calmly at the stunned MC. Such power. I have to marvel at it. It was on a completely different dimension compared to the cheap imitation I used. Wait, is this right? In the original story line, Eio never got involved in these events. Asterisk ding times. The system acknowledged the task. Main objective. Slay monster. Casualties zero. This generation wasn't supposed to achieve anything this legendary. Another notification. Wait for the knight's arrival. 30 seconds. His eyes darted to the right, a silent calculation forming in his mind. It was just a theory, but all the professors supporting live monster experiments were backed by the Chryson family. If Elo is here, by participating, she's implicating herself. Is she trying to atone for her family's sins? Io stood before the sea of flames, unblinking and stoic. She looked terrified, yet radiated a noble pride. But Elo never cared for politics before. So why step in now? Why help us? I don't get it. Whatever. Just finish the mission first. We'll discuss this later. Outside, the fire raged on. Screams erupted from the chaos. Everyone evacuate now. Is anyone still inside? A system chime rang out, confirming the worst. Not everyone made it out. He said nothing, eyes cold as the void and sheathed his sword with terrifying elegance. Io sighed, relieved. It's over. But his brow furrowed. He sensed something critical. Suddenly, behind them, the monster rose again. A claw reached out from the inferno. The president screamed a warning from behind. His danger sense screamed. She spun around. He was already there. Angel's blessing activated. He intercepted the ambush, shielding her with his own body. The beast's fur was incinerated, revealing a horrific skeletal skull. It roared, launching a frenzied assault. Io gasped at his intervention. He was spent, eyes glazing over, mouth gaping for air, blood pouring from his wounds. Darkness took him. Much later, Dot jolted awake. A voice pulled him from the void. Hung, he blinked, mumbling. The the monster, Anne smiled. The monster has been obliterated. He focused his blurry vision. That man on auntie the leader. The man closed his book and announced with a cheerful grin. All clear. Every student is safe. You look shocked to see me here. I suppose we never got a proper chat, did we? The freshman tournament. Dot composed himself. I'm fine really, but internally his mind raced. Asterisk on auntie. That treacherous snake asterisk. The man has lived for over a thousand years. Why visit a nobody like me unless did he see me use the angel's blessing? She didn't waste time. I'm here to deliver news, he said, his smile fading. Bad news or perhaps catastrophic news, even worse. Or just the regular bad. Which doom do you prefer first? Dot didn't hesitate. Give me the bad news. Very well, she began. He was receiving attention unprecedented in the academyy's entire history. No student had ever been so entangled in every single catastrophe and calamity. And given your legendary misfortune, his curse wasn't over. This saga would continue. Proceed. Dot frowned deep in thought. I never asked for this chaos, he sighed. But then came the kicker. The times worse times news, she whispered. Her eyes narrowed like a hawks. What do you know about the evil spirits? The lamp flickered, casting ominous shadows across the room. Autonante smiled, a chilling amused expression. Interesting reaction. There he sat completely unfazed despite being a mere student. The institute had just suppressed the information. A full blackout. She sat perched above him, commanding the room. We cannot reveal our entire hand just yet. If they did, the enemy would vanish. What was their grand design? Atante was curious. The scheme, huh? He replied calmly. I stand alone. Unassigned to any class, essentially a rogue element. You have access to everything. Does this reality upset you? Recent chaos proves one thing. Dealing with this mess was unavoidable. Did you even realize the ruling powers are losing their grip? Society is fracturing, and in these desperate dark times, they will resort to any means to recruit talent, even if it means dragging them from the deepest dungeons. Dot averted his gaze uncomfortable. The battalion coup, the restructuring of the Holy Empire, the bloody war for succession. Do you think them coincidental? No. There is a single root cause. She glanced at him, muttering. Observe. See this? He nodded. The golden triangle seems stable. A facade of peace painted over a rotting foundation. Deep within a fierce war for human resources rages. Monsters are emerging. Yet most students remain blissfully ignorant. Ignorant of the shock wave spreading across the continent, impacting Alfante, the tribal council, and shaking the very pillars of the Holy Empire, a shadow force is plotting rebellion, preparing for total war. Since you were at the center of these events, he was definitely under their microscope. Yet, they still lacked one thing, the next move. Why? Because someone is manipulating the flow of information. She fell silent, simply folding her arms with a satisfied smirk. She was a master of politics. He frowned, voice dropping. So, is there a threat? If we remain passive, it's fatal. Attenant's eyes gleamed. Yes. The world will be destroyed. Those words again. Panic seized him instantly. His mind conjured the nightmare hellfire engulfing the continent. Humanity reduced to ash. A true apocalypse in raging flames. "Is that terrible enough?" she slid a stamped document across the table. Pointing to the sigil, she asked. "Recognize this seal?" Her voice turned cold. This is why I asked about the demons. Dot froze horror washing over him. The mark of the false purification. She gauged his shock. So you times do times know it. The false purification. A devil worshipping cult operating in the shadows. Their sole objective. Summon high-ranking demons. Obliterate the world. The failed assassination and the monster breakout. They're doing both targeting the Chisado family line. And there is absolutely no guarantee there won't be a third strike. Silence hung heavy. Why? He rasped. Why tell times me times? She summoned a black card spiderweb with glowing cracks. I cannot explain the logic, she replied. I need you to times feel times it. This he took the card, his eyes widened. An interpace key, an item of catastrophic potential, a tool to shatter the balance and tear open gateways to other worlds. Seeing his pale face, Autonante understood immediately. I see you recognize its value. Keep it. Guard it with your life. Show me your worth if you please me. Another gift awaits. Asterisk boom times. A blast echoed from above. The intense atmosphere vanished. Returning to a quiet room. Atante poured tea calmly. This conversation never happened. Understood. Top secret. He agreed instantly. Then she pivoted. And how are things with the hero and the saint as candidate? How is the progress dot soul left his body? His heart screamed asterisk. Why ask that now? Times we are maintaining. Good. She sipped her tea, a meaningful smile playing on her lips. I hope things continue. Times exactly times as they are. Why was she so obsessed? He pushed back. Is it truly an obligation to stay close to them? Her smile didn't waver. Yes. Otherwise, the world will be destroyed. He clutched his head, shouting before she could finish. The visions of fire returned. Dot groaned internally. Why is this world made of glass? Is destruction so cheap? asterisk. That is your burden to bear. Adonante laughed. I am deadly serious. asterisk. And besides, the grand plan asterisk asterisk relies entirely on that trio. The scene shifted instantly. Back at the academy outskirts, a voice called out. A heavy sigh escaped him. Clutching the inner space key dot stood there. A man holding a catalyst that could end the world. The hallway felt suffocatingly gloomy. I tried to push the thought away, but my mind was racing. I still can't believe she actually handed this over to me, an item a mere player should never possess. There is definitely a glitch in the script. Suddenly, a voice sliced through the silence. You're here. I jumped to my feet in sheer panic. That voice belonged to Professor Digger. The chief knight Conat laughed heartily as he approached. I've been looking for you, Camello. I frantically shoved the key behind my back. He asked calmly even though I was acting suspicious. The instructor has been searching for you. My heart stopped. Star. He replied instantly. Regardless of your class, we can't let this slide. Since you enjoy skipping school, you've earned a reward. He grinned. A special temporary training session. Starting tomorrow, you join a new group. I froze. The names on the list were absolute nightmares. The Academyy's top ranker, Elohister, and the fierce IA. Just imagining those two villainesses made me break out in a cold sweat. I screamed internally. My doomsday has officially arrived. Meanwhile, outside the academy, golden sunlight bathed the walls in peace. Inside, however, the drone of a lecture filled the air. The sword is an extension of the soul. That is the fundamental principle. But what happens when external factors interfere? What if there are obstacles? Suddenly, a sharp voice cut him off. Professor, I have an objection. All eyes turned to the speaker. The room went silent. Speak, young lady. Her tone was dripping with arrogance. I believe you are obsessing over useless theory. Is this actually practical? I doubt any of this textbook knowledge will save our lives in the blood and mud of real combat. The professor spun around, flabbergasted. Excuse me. Sitting among the sea of students, her presence was overwhelming. She scoffed. On the battlefield, even a master knight can be instantly killed by a single long-range snipe. Her words stunned the room. That is theoretically possible. Elo pressed on relentless. Unless Unless one masters archery or throwing techniques to cover their weakness. Pure swordsmanship is obsolete without ranged support. Is that so? Alia opened one eye, glancing sideways with a bored expression. I think the professor is right. As long as as long as a swordsman uses the terrain, arrows are useless. But tell me if the enemy closes the distance. Will you fight with your bare hands? If there is no cover, how will you survive the gap in your defense? That is exactly why we study close combat. You clearly don't understand the gap between fantasy and reality. Understood. If you hate this lecture so much, just leave. Otherwise, shut your mouth. I sat frozen between them, utterly trapped. Sandwiched in the middle, I sat in terrified silence. It was a war without bullets, but the killing intent between these two women was suffocating. Elo raised an elegant eyebrow. Did you just tell me to leave? Sparks flew as their gazes clashed violently. Her voice turned icy. As student council president, it is my duty to ensure the quality of our education isn't garbage. She refused to back down. Aaliyah gritted her teeth hissing like a viper. Then why do you keep interrupting the lesson with your nonsense? Why do you keep butting in? The tension was explosive. The poor professor, sensing a disaster, spoke weakly. Shall we end class early? Absolutely not. Ilo frowned with disdain. Don't tell me you actually believe this trash theory works. It works in real combat. Ilia snapped back, irritated. It's better than your whining. I truly believe in his teachings. Unbelievable. A warrior candidate who can't tell the difference between advice and insults. The air crackled with hostility. The professor cleared his throat nervously. Can we continue? Aaliyah clenched her fist in a victory pose. See, we agree. I won this round. Even the professor is on my side. Elo sighed, brushing her hair back. How childish. It's just one trivial loss. The professor, seeing a chance to survive, quickly reorganize the chaotic class. Fine, I will demonstrate myself. As the lesson resumed, I, Ryan, turned to observe the two disasters beside me. I pulled up the system window while muttering. They're always at each other's throats. Thanks to them, the entire class was glaring at me. Their eyes were filled with jealousy and pity. I was the meat in a sandwich between a warrior candidate and a noble heir. Focus Ryan. I looked at the hologram. Character Elo Shist. Trust level low. Curiosity 5. Favorability one. Rewards available. I smirked. Excellent. Time to check the new skills. First, muscle memory swordsmanship 58% proficiency. And the mystical sword style of the Grand Duke's family. This skill amplifies the effect of any weapon, a legendary passive. And the second one, breath of the roaring dragon, a breathing technique that maximizes endurance and stamina. The compatibility with my build is insane. I rubbed my chin thoughtfully. These skills are a perfect match. They synergize with my base physical strength perfectly. This is the ultimate combo. The only person who mastered this was Elo herself. That's why she's the final boss. The screen flickered, shifting to the next target. Character: Elia Kain. Curiosity 5. Interest one. Reward unlocked. Suddenly, the system issued a new rule for the game. The law of evil had awakened. It was time to wield his influence. His dark power was now tethered to the righteous souls around him. The targets were clear. This path required a specific sacrifice. He had to accept the quest. The old saying goes, "Keep your friends close, but your enemies. You keep them right under your nose." High affinity with honest individuals was the key. But the real jackpot lay elsewhere. If he could manage to corrupt those shining beacons of morality, the more villainous his actions, the more legendary the rewards. He stared at the holographic screen, utterly baffled. What in the world was this nonsense? Rewards for being a saint or power for becoming a monster. He debated becoming the bad guy. But there was no time to hesitate. The crowd began to move. The academy students marched into the vast towering forest. The instructor, looking like a manic rat, screeched at the top of his lungs. Welcome you little hatchlings. This is survival tactics 101. We are here to drill survival instincts into your skulls. Unless of course you prefer dying in a dungeon or rotting in a wasteland. If you want an advantage in this cruel world, learn to survive now. The daily mission was deceptively simple. Go into the woods. Bring back something that will please us instructors. You have exactly 10 minutes. Panic set in. The students scrambled minds racing with confusion and zero direction. Why rely on scoring? The instructor smirked calmly. Because I like it, he declared. And remember, judgment belongs to us. Me and the student council president. The seniors will be grading you, so try not to embarrass yourselves. Good luck. Hearing this, the MC remained silent, letting out only a soft, cynical grunt. This criteria is too vague, professor, someone whed. But time was ticking. The instructor let out a wicked cackle as the children screamed in panic. Life is an experience, brats. Begin, little chicks. 5 minutes left. While the rest of the herd frantically huddled together to form temporary alliances, our protagonist sat alone on a rock staring at his system window. He needed to stop overthinking. Keep friends close and enemies closer. He had to exploit that rule. But how? How does one take a pure soul and diet black? Suddenly, Ellia approached. A shadow loomed behind him. She crouched down to his eye level. Hey Dot, do you want to team up? He didn't even look. No. She blinked. You really should work with your friends, she insisted, maintaining that blindingly friendly smile. Come on, don't be like that. We are friends, aren't we? She muttered to herself when he ignored her. Ideally, you should stick to the main cast. I wasn't giving up. Why was she so persistent? Why don't we work together? She asked again. He internalized the situation. If she stayed, he would just be a hindrance. Just the two of them. She seemed too nice. She leaned in with genuine concern. What's wrong? Are you sick? Do you feel unwell? He turned his face away, dodging her gaze. Nothing. We just aren't that close. The words hung in the air. Alia froze. He wanted to say something else, but his throat tightened. Had he chosen the wrong words, her expression hardened. He looked away, pouting slightly. Ilia felt the burn of rejection, her dignity crumbling. He immediately turned and walked off. "Really? That is a shame." "Fine, then," she whispered, her voice laced with worry. He glanced back at her. A pang of guilt struck him. Was that too cold? Was it? She looked genuinely annoyed now. Meanwhile, Talianne had been observing this entire interaction like a hawk. Suddenly, the top student spoke up. His voice made the MC look up in curiosity. Who was approaching now? Talion stroked his chin, asking a probing question. What was the relationship between this nobody and the elite warrior? He was astonished. We are hidden in the AMD, the strongest faction. two geniuses in the class, second only to IA, and later he would even become the right-hand man of the boss. But something was off. Why him? Outwardly, the MC just shrugged. I only met her by chance, he replied gloomily. A powerhouse like Elia has no reason to associate with me. But at that exact moment, the system interface flashed a notification. The law of evil was active. A morally good individual had been angered by his influence. It was his friend. Talion grabbed his collar threateningly. Rumors were swirling about his exam results. Everyone was suspicious of that duel. Why do you keep trying to get close to her? Tailay and demanded. The MC realized something and checked the status. Ah, it seems he had triggered a hidden condition. Alter a personality by inducing rage. He gritted his teeth and hissed back. Tell me the truth. Get lost. That match was just a staged act, wasn't it? No. The MC didn't care about the accusations. He could feel the hatred radiating from him. He told himself, "Later, this guy will probably become a mid-tier boss. I can exploit him to activate the system." The law of evil was ready to be utilized. To lie, Anne yelled, "You can't hide it forever. Be honest with me." The MC remained calm, offering no objection. Instead, he leaned in closer, invading his personal space to whisper. "That match wasn't fake, but perhaps you desperately want it to be. Watching your goal get crushed with a single blow. Could you feel it? The massive gap between us, Ilia watched. It seemed they had drifted apart a moment ago, but here she was silently observing the confrontation. She had been watching from the start. Talai stood frozen. The target had been psychologically dismantled with one sentence. He could sense the insurmountable distance. What about us? Hearing those provocative words, fury contorted his face. He bit his lip until it nearly bled. So, why don't we settle this? Let's make a bet. Who will get a higher score on this exercise? This one. The teacher watched. Although it looked like bullying on the surface, everything was proceeding according to plan. The tension was burning hot. Perfect. Meanwhile, another student called out to the supervisor. Hey, student council president. The teacher asked me to help with grading the students, but I don't see myself doing it. This feels a bit arbitrary. She immediately shot back. Be serious from the start. The assistant disagreed, asking sternly again, "Really? Then explain this. Why did he get the maximum score before he even submitted his post? She didn't even bother to look up because he deserves it. When the assistant heard that, he was utterly shocked. What did you just say? She closed her eyes. Then opening one eye, she said, "It seems the teacher doesn't understand. I am far from satisfied with this assessment. The man known as the rat roared in indignation. How dare you? Have you no shame? Try living a single day in my miserable reality. Use your head for once." She snapped back, her patience wearing thin. If it mattered, the instructor would have intervened by now. Stop whining and handle it yourself if you want it done right. Why does he deserve a perfect score? Disgusted, I turned my heel to storm off. I am leaving. But before I could escape this farce, a hand clamped onto her shoulder. Hold it. I know your game. He accused her of chasing clout despite the warnings. His words struck a nerve, but her pride refused to let it show. Don't be ridiculous, she scoffed. The top candidate stood isolated near the tower. Sensing the tension, IA mumbled a quick excuse to flee the scene. Sparks were flying and not the romantic kind. I need to intervene before blood is spilled. But the stubborn fool refused to yield, firing back a sharp retort. Participation is a privilege, not a right. We could expel her this instant. He turned with a sneer. What say you? Shall we take this elsewhere? She saw anxiety gnawed at my gut. She stood there silently analyzing the battlefield of emotions. Something was wrong with Ilia today. Her aura felt heavy. Suddenly, chaos erupted. With a roar, he smashed his fist into the beast's skull. Simultaneously, he delivered a devastating back kick to a sneak attacker. Luca was a whirlwind of destruction. He hoisted his massive battle axe onto his shoulder. "Is that the best you lot have got? Why were elite monsters gathering here? There had to be a treasure nearby drawing them in." "Something special, you ask?" A scarred blonde man smirked, looking like a rough stick of incense. Sharp instincts. "We are sitting on a gold mine. This zone was rich with rare magical minerals. A student adjusting his monle chimed in. If we harvest these mona stones, his eyes gleamed with greed. We can kiss our failing grades goodbye. The mob mentality took over instantly. Forget the beasts. Grab the loot, brother Lou. Give me a hand with this hall. But amidst the greed, a sudden shout pierced the air. A swirling sphere of pitch black energy manifested. It hovered ominously right over someone's heart. It was clinging to Ilia even as she stood there effortlessly slaughtering monsters. She saw froze terror gripping her heart. Beneath that calm exterior lay a storm. It was the color of pure darkness fueled by volatile emotions. My spirit eyes see all truths. On the surface she was composed, but inside she was a raging inferno. I had to intervene. I approached her as she perched at top a slain beast's corpse. Ellia, how is life treating you? The darkness flickered for a second. Then she turned and plastered on a blindingly fake smile. Mio, just the usual, she chirped too loudly. Nothing special at all. Chesaw wasn't buying it for a second. Listen, if something is eating away at you, I am here to help you know. Ilia insisted she was fine. But that black myasma swirling around her heart. It was screaming the truth loud and clear. What could possibly be wrong? Her denial only deepened the dread. She was trying to shield herself like an umbrella in a hurricane. But the emotional damage was already done. Logic had left the building. Chesaw decided to drop the act. Stop lying to me. I know something is wrong. Is it about him? The mask finally cracked. Aaliyah slumped against the base of a giant tree, letting out a long, heavy sigh. "You got me," she whispered, her voice trembling with exhaustion. "Is it that obvious?" she murmured. "I guess I can't fool you, Chi," Chesaw sat quietly, giving her space. Finally, the dam broke and the truth poured out. It was about him. He keeps pushing me away, she confessed. He builds walls between us and everyone else. All I ever wanted was to stand by his side. Her frustration leaked into her voice. After everything we survived together after all the battles. Why does he think he needs to draw this line? He acts like we are from two different worlds. Jesaw probed gently. Do you think he hates you? What is his true motive? Ellia shook her head violently. No, that's not it at all. Then what? It's because of who he is and who I am. He is from a fallen baron's house. A nobody. But he's a top prospect now under constant scrutiny. He thinks if he is seen with me, the rumors would destroy my reputation. Realization dawned on Chisawa. He is protecting you by hurting you. That idiot thinks he is being noble. He is terrified of dragging me down into his mess. Ilia forced a pain smile, so he runs away to keep me safe. He is waiting until he is strong enough to stand equal to you. Chesaw nodded. It proves one thing, I more important to him than you realize. While Ilia pondered those words, the scene shifted. Deep in the forest, a desperate chase was underway. A figure darted through the trees, hunted by a predator. Legs pumping, lungs burning. He scanned the terrain while sprinting for his life. Asterisk. Ding. Times. The system bombarded his vision with red alerts. Li's wrath is increasing. Stealth skill critical limit. You have triggered a beast's pride. A spear tore through the air with a sonic boom, aiming straight for his head. The system mercilessly chimed again. Permanent aggro locked. You have triggered the villain route. There was no turning back now. Survive the villain and claim your reward. Lie emerged from the brush spear in hand, walking with the terrifying calmness of a reaper. You little rat. I am going to enjoy this. Die. I'll turn you into a human shish kebab. Whoosh. L Yin spear ignited with scorching flames as he thrust forward. A flurry of strikes aimed for the skull. Times swish swish times. He danced on the razor's edge of death, dodging by mere millimeters. The attacks were relentless, but he wasn't hit yet. The misses only fueled lies berserker rage. Stop hopping around like a flea. Stand and fight me like a man. asterisk. Just a little more. I need the perfect opening for a critical hit. asterisk. Suddenly, the runner stopped dead in his tracks. He spun around, palm out. Hold on. Time out. The burning spear halted an inch from his nose. L Yin blinked, confused by the sudden surrender. That's when Dot smiled. It was the grin of a scammer closing a deal. How about we call a truce? Split the loot 50/50. Sound like a fair trade. Liy's face turned purple with rage. Asterisk. Crack times. He smashed a nearby tree in sheer frustration. You shameless beggar. You dare negotiate with me. Go to hell. Lie channeled all his energy into his spear. Lightning crackled around the tip, ready to incinerate the pest. The killing blow was launched, but from the shadows, cla steel blade intercepted the lightning spear. Both men froze in shock. Standing there, radiating a terrifying aura was Elia. With a single swing, she had deflected the attack and sliced the surrounding trees to ribbons. She glared at them, her eyes promising pain. "Playtime is over." A murderous aura filled the air. "Don't you dare touch my friend." Ilia's voice was a low warning growl as she stepped forward. Talai froze his eyes, widening in sheer terror. He recognized that stance instantly. Wait. His heart pounded. Is she a warrior candidate? He stammered, trying to hide his fear. It It's been a long time, hasn't it? This was their first reunion since the incident with the escaped monster. But I didn't waste words on pleasantries. In a flash, she lunged times shing times. Cold steel pressed against Talai's throat. One wrong move, she whispered, and you lose your head. Dot, watching from the side, was stunned. When did she get so fast? It was like a shadow had materialized out of nowhere. With the blade kissing his skin, Tai broke out in a cold sweat. He was furious at the humiliation, but he forced a trembling smile. You You're as kind as ever. I pressed the blade closer. What were you doing just now? Talai's voice cracked. Huh? I We were just trying to squeeze in. Don't misunderstand. He was bothering you, wasn't he? Aaliyah turned to Dot, her eyes softening only slightly. I'm just Dot tried to speak, but I wasn't listening. She turned back to the bully. Asterisk thud times. With a swift kick, she swept Talai's legs, sending him crashing to the hard ground in agony. Her expression was dark. I don't want to hear your pathetic excuses. Talai scrambled backward panic, taking over. I know, I know. Okay, I get it, he cried out. But why do you keep protecting him? Someone as talented as you shouldn't care about a nobody like him. You don't need to worry about who I choose as friends. behind them. Dot tried to intervene. "Hey, I calm down. He's all ready." "Silence!" I snapped. "I despise people who use their status to trample on others." Her anger flared, reminding everyone why she was feared. "Someone in the crowd shouted, "But he's lying. He's just trying to teach us a lesson." "Is that so?" Ilia glared at the crowd, her presence overwhelming. "You call bullying a lesson?" She looked back down at Talai. "Do you want more? Do you want to be knocked out cold like last time?" Talai's face went pale. The memory of that beating flashed through his mind. He remembered being punched so hard he flew through a wall. asterisk. That was her true power. If she hits me again, he thought I might actually die. He immediately dropped to his knees, abandoning all pride. He bowed his head to the dirt. I apologize. I won't come near you without permission. Please just let me go. Ellia huffed, sheathing her sword. She walked past him, treating the trembling man like he was invisible. The crowd whispered in awe. That's a warrior candidate for you. Her teaching methods are brutal but effective. Dot watched conflicted. Are we still considered friends after this? Dot wondered. Well, at least for now she's on my side. He shook his head. Wait, that's not important right now. I need to get my assignment points. Just as Dot turned to leave, a soft voice called out, wait a moment. It was Chesaw. She looked at Dot with a mix of curiosity and concern. So, you really are friends with Ilia? I remember now. Chesaw continued. She wanted to ask more, but seeing Dot's depressed expression, she held back. It was just like the original story. I always dragged out these situations. Chisa hesitated. Well, the thing is, this might be troublesome for you in the future, but before she could finish, dot was already walking away. Just tell me one thing so I can get my points. He just wanted this day to end. Fine, go ahead. Chesaw watched him leave frowning. Ilia is already fighting the hidden lion because of him. Normally, she would talk things out, Chesaw thought. But when it concerns Dot, she draws her sword first and asks questions later. That's the problem. When Dot finally arrived at the collection point, his jaw dropped. Smoke and dust billowed everywhere. What the hell happened here? The scene was chaotic. It looked like a natural disaster had struck. In the middle of the crater lay, beaten and unable to stand. Giat sat nearby, calmly packing up his gear. "That damn chairman," Giat grumbled. "He insisted on fighting in the forest, so I had to oblige. He attacked me first." Giat shrugged. So I crushed him. Simple as that. Dot stared at the devastation. You call this simple. This is insane. Dot thought. However, he had to admit Giat's strength was commendable. Hey, are you trying to fake your death or something? I'm hoping the academy just punishes her and leaves me alone. Dot sighed. Anyway, I'm here for the points. The two of them teacher and student chatted amidst the rubble. Did you bring the items? Giat asked, his eyes lighting up. Why did you bring so much? Giat marveled at the heavy bag. Dot shrugged. It's no big deal. I just wanted to make sure I got the best ingredients. Top tier quality. Giat inspected the minerals with glee. Perfect, my dear student. This is exactly what I needed. I'm sure she will love these. Giat grinned. So, have you reached an agreement with the merchant? Dot nodded. The deal is set. Let's use this opportunity to impress her, shall we? Giat tied the bag shut. Absolutely. Dot replied. Suddenly, Chesaw appeared again. He's rushing me, Chisaw sighed. Are you two finished yet? She gave Dot a serious look. Class is over, but listen to me. Please take care of Ellia from now on. Dot nodded. I know I will. She saw turned to leave, but stopped for one last warning. Take care of her, but be careful. Be kind to her. Her voice dropped to a whisper. Every time she mentions you, she loses all reason. I'm worried. Things will only get more chaotic. Hearing that dot fell into deep thought. I appreciate the warning, he muttered. But honestly, I'm starting to feel a little scared. As Chisaw walked away, she waved. "Don't worry too much. Just do your best. I'll try." Dot whispered. Chisaw thought about using her healing powers on the chaotic situation. "If he wants to survive Eliia's love, he's going to need it." My mind drifted to the face of my best friend. A heavy weight settling in my chest. She might be oblivious to the danger, but I see everything. One wrong move and she breaks. It's possible we've already exceeded the limit. The scene shifts to the department of magic where Professor Ba sat casually with her legs crossed sipping tea. Back so soon, she asked, raising an eyebrow. Do you want to use your wish already? Yes, I replied, my voice steady. I need something from the goddess of magic herself. She sighed. You really can't wait any longer. Meanwhile, the others waited on pins and needles. They weren't the only ones working to complete this request. Everyone was anxious. I thought to myself, times, what happens if I don't use this wish now? times. I glanced at them, my mind racing like a supercomput. I began to calculate the odds. The purifier is coming, and to survive the upcoming battle, we must be ready. Anything is possible, but we need power. I received orders from the university to assist you, she said. I'll do the most I can as long as you don't use it for evil. We<unk>ll do it, buddy. So, what do you want? She asked. I pursed my lips, hesitating. Suddenly, the system interface flashed before my eyes. Update. Complete. Reward received asterisk asterisk. You have received 500 points from Ilia. asterisk. That's wickedly generous. I can exchange this for a high tier skill book in the store. The available skill books refreshed instantly. Aaliyah's expression in my mind turned serious. Item Aaliyah's Cane of Nexus seals negativity. Asterisk. It allows the user to command the laws of evil once. Just once. Isk tali amen times seals negativity a single use of absolute dark authority asterisk evil once asterisk I fell into deep contemplation the effect of this special skill is leagues better than any standard item for now it will do it's fine but there are still mountains to climb bell orange is still too weak physically to withstand the diverse attacks of the purgatory that is why I need times at asterisk I cleared my throat knowing the world wasn't ready for this request I need a cannon. A cannon? A weapon capable of blowing up the entire academy. The professor was left speechless. Her expression twisted as she whispered a single sentence. You're crazy. She stood up abruptly, scolding me like a child. Have you lost your mind? Creating it is one thing, but you actually intend to use it. Where would you even fire it? I immediately raised my hand to object. Wait a minute, Professor Bay, I said, pulling out the paper. The agreement leaves you no choice. It is clearly stated in the agreement that the teacher must fulfill Times anytimes request to improve the student. It was a simple binding contract. Surely this isn't a challenge for the head of the magical sciences department. Rage flared in her eyes. You want me to manufacture a weapon of war? That is not a normal request, she yelled. No, I retorted. But a promise is still a promise, right? I softened my tone. I wouldn't use it to harm innocents. There is just one specific thing that needs to be destroyed in a single blow. Otherwise, we are doomed. It's so annoying, she screamed, frustration boiling over. That makes me even more worried, you idiot. But then she sighed, defeated. Okay, fine. I'm sure you have your reasons. And since you helped with the monster crowd earlier, I'll make the cannon for you. Damn it. Thank you, professor, I replied. She continued, muttering vaguely, looking at me with suspicion. I understand, but I can't believe it. You have four people in your herum, and yet you go around making others believe you'll save the world. She questioned my herm situation again. She looked startled and panicked, babbling nonsense. "Wait, what's wrong with my head? Just talking to you makes me lose focus. It's all your fault," she cried out. "This was the town's leader. Please calm down, professor. There was still another requirement in the treaty." I scratched my cheek, ignoring her outburst. "Are there any other requirements?" she asked, trying to regain her dignity. "Yes, the ring. You promised me and Eliia that you would give each of us an item from the Archive of Illusions. I'm here to collect. Will you accept it and leave? She snapped. Yes. Holding the agreement in hand, I turned and walked away. Mission accomplished. I had been reading the situation perfectly. Very good. I have permission to manufacture the cannon. Now all that's left is to collect the materials. Just 10 ingredients are needed to craft it. With the interdimensional keys, I can gather them all easily. It seemed everything was going according to plan. Suddenly, a man with orange hair and a cane walked by. He stopped next to me. Hey kid, what's your name? It's Dot. I lied smoothly. Yes, that's right, he said. I didn't expect to meet you here. What a coincidence. Okay, he introduced himself with a smile. I am Gadverb. I run a charity fund called Purification. I pursed my lips in silence. I cursed under my breath. Asterisk. What a joke. Haha. This devil is just using a charity front for moneyaundering. Asterisk. This was Gadverb the final boss. In this chapter, the purifier is actually the leader of the flames of rage. He handed me a business card. I really did hear the rumors. They say you stopped a monster all by yourself, blocking it from escaping. That's not something an ordinary person would think of. It requires extraordinary courage and skill. He looked at me with interest. Really? And you still show no reaction to my praise. Why? Gadverb smiled slightly. Every time I meet an extraordinary student like you, I always wonder what their future holds. I would really like to have dinner with you. Are you free? We hope to talk to you. I stopped him abruptly. That intention is sufficient right now. We've talked enough. I immediately went on high alert. This feeling, it was exactly like the original novel. In the original story, this guy was supposed to approach Ilia to bother her. But why me? Has he come looking for me instead? Don't tell me. Does this guy consider himself the main character now? Impossible. I scratched my head and gave a vague reply. We will think about it. Meet me in 3 days. At sunset, the ultimatum hung in the air. But as he walked away, the cool facade crumbled. Frustration boiled over. Damn it, I actually said it. He needed a plan. The location. The upscale restaurant. Sunset eyes. He gripped the academy business card until his knuckles turned white. My eyes. They're burning. But there was no backing down now. Fine. I'll do it. His mind raced. Escaping this fate was impossible. It was a binary choice. Yes or no? The gears of destiny were already turning. He analyzed every variable. His knowledge, the unknown factors, the deadly risks involved. It was a gamble with his life on the line. But conquering the purgatory wasn't just a pipe dream. Yet the question remained, why did he take the exam in the first place? He had to assume I's role again. Forget the logic, he decided. Just throw everything at the wall and see what sticks. Calculations could wait. He stealed his nerves and knocked on the door. But even as the echo's faded tension masked his face, the door creaked open, revealing Elo. Her gaze was sharp. Dot. What are you doing here? She blocked the entrance like a guardian. No need for formalities, he replied stiffly. I just have a small matter to discuss. That's enough. Elo sighed, calling back into the room. He cleared his throat, struggling to find his voice under her scrutiny. She waited, her focus intense. Are you free in 3 days? The question hung heavy in the air. Suddenly, a menacing aura appeared behind them. President, the bespectled girl glared. You return the books on time. She hasn't even cracked the spine. She hissed. Did you rent them just for decoration? To look smart. Before the scolding could escalate, Elo raised a finger. Stop. Why should I pay late fees for her laziness? The tension was palpable. Ignoring the chaos, he focused on the girl behind the door. The auditorium. Meet me there. Make time for me. Elo<unk>'s eyes narrowed. Just the two of you. Just us, he confirmed. A voice from inside piped up. Where are we going? The eye of the emperor, he blurted out, interrupted by a gasp. The glasses girl's eyes went wide. The emperor<unk>'s eye. You know what that means? He tried to explain, but she cut him off. That place is legendary as a lover's spot. Really? Elo smirked. Is that your play? So he pressed on, ignoring the teasing. Will you come with me? I'll take that as a yes. See you then. The implication left her stunned. A blush crept up her neck, red as a rose. The scene shifted, dissolving into a memory. Are you inviting me? A faint voice echoed. Ilia under a cerulean sky amidst wild flowers and rolling hills. A voice echoed through time. Found you. The memory was vivid. Ilia, there you are. But the young girl just turned her back, pouting. Shut up. Just go away. Calvin lowered his voice, pleading. Come on. I said I was sorry. Elo frowned at the memory. Calvin stood there covered in dirt and scratches from training. Tears welled in IA's eyes. You liar, she screamed, heartbreak in her voice. You think you can just push me around? Falling down the hill was an accident. Calvin laughed, scratching his head. Next time I'll be ready. But seeing her on the ground only fueled her rage. She's still down. The guilt nodded at him. Stop it. Don't bully my little sister. He burst into laughter, trying to lighten the mood. It was just his way Calvin's clumsy affection. He wanted her to be strong. "Idiot!" he thought. "I just don't want you to get hurt." "I don't need your pity," Ilia yelled. Seeing her distress, he pulled out his peace offering. The burn of the argument hadn't faded, but the hunger remained. A brown bag filled with treats. "Here, Nam's famous cookies. Take them." Their silhouettes stood against the setting sun. She peeked inside the bag. "How many did you steal this time?" Calvin stood tall, hands on his hips like a hero. "Details, details. Don't tell me these are leftovers," Ellia grumbled, stuffing her face. He watched her eat a gentle smile on his face as he spoke. "Thanks to the Baron, I might get promoted to knight apprentice soon." The words hung in the air. "A turning point in destiny. I'm going to the battlefield," he said calmly. The golden hour faded behind the mountain range, casting long shadows. In the vast silence, his voice betrayed a hidden excitement. "A chance to see the world, to experience the unknown. Maybe I'll destroy this world, or maybe I'll save it. Maybe I'll earn the title of guardian, he mused. Ellia chewed aggressively, cheeks puffed like a chipmunk. Keep dreaming, you bully. How could someone like you become a bodyguard? Calvin immediately shot back. Who knows? Who says we can't change? We can't stay stagnant forever. The sky ignited in a vibrant orange blaze. War meant death. Fate was fickle, but his skill was undeniable. It won't happen, he assured himself. But Ilia looked away, sulking. I hope you have terrible luck. It was the cruel language of a sister who didn't know how to say, "Don't go. Just die already. I'll be waiting for it." He only smiled affectionately at her curses. "My silly little sister." All he knew was the sword. But for her, he would smile. "Go on, curse me all you want. I'll be waiting for you," she had said. Calvin and Ilia, two specks of dust against the vast orange horizon. That day, Calvin made a vow under the burning sky. "If I become a guardian, I will always be there to protect you." The memory shattered. She woke up to the sound of her name. Ilia. Ilia. Groggily, she shook off the dreams remnants. She stumbled to the door. What? What is it? And there he stood, the past and present colliding. Standing outside the room, he awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck, unable to meet her gaze. Ah, my bad. Force of habit. I'm just a country bumpkin, so city etiquette escapes me. I still feel out of place in this academy. Look about what I said earlier. Forget it. He offered a peace offering. I swiped some fresh cookies from the kitchen. They're actually top tier, but her reaction wasn't what he expected. Elia flinched, making him recoil. The silence was suffocating. Why apologize. Friends, don't do that. Just be cool about it. We're allies, right? Even if she says that, go get some rest. But as she turned, he hesitated, blocking her path. Wait, I actually need a favor. Can you come with me just for a second? Is he serious right now? It's an emergency. Life or death stuff? Ilia frowned, muttering under her breath. This guy is absolutely insane. Is that a yes? The scene shifted to the student council room. Her slender fingers danced across the documents. The words seemed to float off the page. Sit up straight, please. I paused my writing. A storm of conflicting emotions brewing in my chest, replaying his words in my mind. So, regarding the agenda, we finally finished processing the curriculum. The teaching materials are set. She reviewed the files with deadly seriousness. We also need to audit the club budget again. Her assistant, the brunette student, stepped forward. He adjusted his glasses light, reflecting off the lenses ominously. The rest is up to the transfer students. Rumors were already flying. I received intel that were getting new blood. A VIP from the tribal confederation. She belonged to a sect that was crushed during the coup. There's no mistake. She is the daughter of a warlord, specifically one of the supreme tribal leaders. But now they are essentially royalty in exile. She didn't come alone. She has an entire retinue of guards, but let's call it what it is. They are political refugees seeking asylum. Her name is Lulu Gauda. Have you heard the legends? I certainly have. She's infamous in the Marshall world. Image one, a vision of Leelu unleashing a kick with the force of a cannon blast, striking a shield before it could fully materialize. The impact occurred before the enemy could even blink. She slowly opened her eyes, crimson pupils glowing like rubies in the dark, likely a monster. The notice board was filling up. I've checked four boxes. Only the final slot remains a mystery. Two profiles were just question marks. Then the silhouette of a holy woman clutching a divine scepter, hands clasped in prayer, head held high with noble arrogance. The number of holy assembly members in the report was staggering. And they are all enrolling here. Next on the list, a genuine saints from the empire. The holy maiden is descending, I whispered. What is their objective? The brunette student loosened his tie. He lowered his glasses. is his voice trembling with anxiety. They say an entire diplomatic delegation is escorting her. But considering how the administration operates, knowing the chairman, he's definitely using this for leverage, manipulating their small amount of political power. She sat rigid in her chair, leaning back against the desk. The room was drowning in paperwork. A pensive silence surrounded the daughter of a tribal leader. She slammed her pen down in frustration. The page was dense with ink. Close your eyes and think. This academy is supposed to be neutral. They are plotting something big. First, the azure-haired fighter Leelu, followed by the mysterious saint with hair like the night sky. And then there is Ilia with her icy beauty, cold, calculating, and somehow he is always involved. It's always that guy. The president jolted in her seat. I just realized I completely forgot. She clutched the notebook. Notes in hand. She was bewildered by the sheer scale of the chaos. Why are you stressing over that? Is that it? She's not a rookie here. It's only been 2 days. He remained silent, staring into the void. A soft voice broke the tension. Her words echoed against the canvas of the dark sky. The darkness was pierced by the brilliance of the stars and moon. I'm just not in the best headsp space right now. That's fine. We're back to square one. He looked up, eyes sparkling with excitement. I didn't expect the school to have a high-specs observatory. I was still stunned. The night sky, it's breathtaking. Ilia frowned, glancing sideways. Dot. Focus. We really need to execute the plan now. Huh? He held a remote control, trying to explain his madness. The restoration project. We have no choice. This is the only way to make the timeline fit together perfectly. Okay, just hold on a second. This is big. This master plan is all his idea. Armed with the dimensional stone I looted from the vision warehouse, I can breach the barrier. Even if this area is restricted, it's content meant for advanced players. But I have a cheat code, a secret card the headmaster entrusted to me. She still looked confused. That's his grand strategy. What are you planning at this ungodly hour? He answered Ilia's doubts with two words. Let's roll. No sooner had he spoken than a massive explosion rocked the roof. The sky seemed to shatter like glass. He casually stepped aside. Hold on tight. We're flying. They were launched into the air, screaming in panic. At this moment, his face was twisted in comedic terror. Elia, stop screaming and focus on flying. Open your eyes. The fabric of space tore apart, revealing a bizarre, swirling crimson vortex. They flew straight into the abyss. Inside that vibrant red dimension, he held up his access card. His expression turned dark, a triumphant grin forming. This is the coordinates for the spatial link gateway. We're breaking in. Don't worry, I familiar, confident smile returned to his face. Hey, why are you crying? I'm right here. What? Look at me, Ellia. Her face had drained of all color. She was paralyzed with fear, but the warp was still ongoing. Well, it might get a little bumpy. Two small silhouettes drifted deeper into the unknown. In that alien space, the laws of physics bent and twisted. Everything warped around them. The pink portal vanished, leaving only a single point of light. The red glow faded into the center of the void. Total darkness swallowed them. Absolute silence. Ellia floated in the null space. This room is nauseating. The light is blinding me. Even with my eyes closed, it's too intense. She gritted her teeth, enduring the spatial compression. We're running out of time. Time. I'm just getting fired up. I started scanning the environment. This is a restricted zone. The interdynastic void. Try not to touch anything. Those anomalies, they could be fatal. Dot leaped upward, his body twisting as he navigated the zeroravity debris. She clung desperately to a floating rock fury burning in her eyes. She scolded him. dot. What on earth are you doing? He was relaxed, laughing as he drifted with the current. Just go with the flow. Gravity is merely a suggestion here. This dimension is unstable. We need to get to higher ground immediately. Ellia scowlled, her face twisted in confusion. What are you even looking for? You'll see. He winked with mischievous confidence. Just keep jumping. The platforms will shift under your weight. Stand back. Magic bubbled around them, floating in a psychedelic void. But as she fell, her own screams triggered a dark memory. Brother, are you crazy? Falling means death. Terrified, Elliot huddled behind a floating boulder, eyes darting wildly. His voice rang out like a ringing phone, urging her on. Trust me, you won't die. Jump. They both launched themselves into the abyss. Gravity took hold and she plummeted freely. Panic seized her heart. She squeezed one eye shut, terrified to look. The sensation was unbearable. She lost all control. Her face contorted in pure horror. Am I falling forever? The past began to bleed into the present. Suspended in midair, terror paralyzed her. Her scream merged with the echoes of the past. Ia's consciousness drifted back to that day to the sound of crackling flames. Voices called out. Elia surrounded by an inferno. She stammered trying to answer through the smoke. I'm here. Brother Calvin's voice roared. Through the fire. It's too dangerous. We have to escape through the back to the warehouse right now. Little Elia trembled, her small body shaking violently. Blood soaked his clothes and face. He gripped a sharp ax with white- knuckled intensity. Are we Are we abandoning mother and father? He stepped in front of her. He snapped back, his voice thick with desperation. I have to handle this. I'll take care of mom and dad. The fire raged with hellish intensity behind him, Calvin commanded. If the worst happens, "The heirs of the apocalypse must survive, not just hide." Her tiny hand clutched the hem of his blooded shirt. "But what about you?" Calvin turned nervously to look at Ia. The young man, drenched in blood, could barely hold back his own emotions. Tears streamed down his face like acid rain, but he forced them to stop. "Mom and dad are gone, Ilia. I'm not stupid. It's just the two of us now. Stop it. If you die, what happens to me? What do I do?" That was exactly why he had to make a choice. "We run together," he lied, turning his face away. But in her memory, only his silhouette remained. Elia stood before him, refusing to let go of his shirt. Calvin's voice became firm, resolved to his fate. Foolish girl. If you stay with me, it's even more dangerous. Besides, I am your older brother. I am the head of this house now. I am the guardian. Don't think, don't worry. Just run as far as your legs can carry you. As long as you reach safety, we win. We will meet again on that hill where we used to train. Her small hands tightened their grip, refusing to accept his sacrifice. Calvin shouted, "Answer me, Ellia." Sobbing. She finally released his shirt. Her voice was a broken whisper. "Yes, the blue dress." and Calvin's crimson coat fluttered in the heat. Good. Calm down. Everything will be fine. Now run, little sister. Run. I'll be right behind you. The stream of tragic memories was severed as a hand grabbed her arm in reality. A teasing voice cut through gravity. Where exactly did you think you were going? He held her over the cliff with one hand, laughing at her predicament. Look at you falling in slow motion. She was shaking the terror of the past and present mixing together. You You should have explained the plan. I almost died. But why is he so? He was calm, gentle, reassuring. Go ahead, Alyia. You'll get used to the freef fall. Look up. We found our target. Finally, they sat perched on a floating rock suspended in the interdimensional gap, observing the chaos. Something was hiding in this space. A bizarre rainbow colored entity floated between the layers of reality. The phantom of the abyss. It was trying to escape. He shoved a bag into Ia's hands, leaving her bewildered. He grabbed another for himself, grinning like a child. All right, catch. The phantom was gradually being sucked into the bag. It's scary, she cried. Grab it. What even is this? What do we do with it? He quickly tied the bag shut, sealing the entity inside. We<unk>ll need to run soon. We<unk>ll use this to cover our escape. She didn't understand a thing. Huh? Run away. From what he turned, excitement burning in his eyes. Can't you see it? The sky is changing colors. The fantastical scenery suddenly carried a dark, ominous shadow. He slung the bag over his shoulder, crouching low. Suspended in the air, Ilia hugged her bag tightly. He stood on the rocky outcrop, sensing the shift. Huh? It's just the sky. Suddenly, space itself warped into pitch black darkness, swallowing them both, a dead silence. Then, rows of razor-sharp teeth materialized. The void opened its mouth to devour them. They both flinched in sheer terror. He frowned. Too scared to speak, they froze. Creatures of the void, it seems our time is up. We have to leave now. Ilia was paralyzed with fear. The monster's red eyes glowed in the dark. It lunged like lightning jaws unhinged to snap them in half. No, he shouted. No beginning, no end. We need to ensure, he yelled. Release it. Open the bag, she panicked. I don't understand, Elliot gritted her teeth. The wind ripped the bag open, releasing the rainbow entity inside. Like this. It's too heavy. I can't hold it. Danger was inches away. The teeth. The sharp fangs of the giant monster were right in front of her nose. Suddenly, a shock wave rippled through space. They were pulled through. A wormhole and crashed forcefully onto solid ground. Familiar Earth. He let out a sigh of relief, just as I calculated. It worked perfectly. The timing was impeccable. He looked over with concern. Are you all right? Any injuries? Their hands were still clasping each other tightly. He was drenched in sweat. How was that for an exit? But Elia, shivering in cold sweat, yanked her hand away from his grip. She composed herself with difficulty. Don't tell me. Don't tell me you planned all of this. What? Including the near-death experience. He smiled broadly. Of course, a tactical withdrawal plan is basic for a pro player. It's easy for a veteran like me. But Ilia asked the question that sent a chill down her spine. How? How could you possibly know all that? We are heading to the interdimensional realm. The sudden shift in space startled him. his eyes widening in shock. "Huh? Wait." I never thought she would actually follow me all the way here. I grabbed the bag and set it down beside him, right under his bewildered gaze. "Don't worry," I muttered confidently. "I am absolutely certain I can trap this thing. I can't believe he actually woke me up just for this nonsense." The firefly spirit trailed behind his shadow, hovering near his back before hesitating. "Thank you," it seemed to say. "I apologize for not warning you in advance. My bad." But suddenly, a familiar blue holographic screen materialized in thin air. It was a system notification. System alert. Ilia's favorability rating is skyrocketing. Current status. Level four. Intense interest. He froze completely, dumbfounded, just kneeling there in confusion. He stared at the edge of the underground path, clutching the two bags. Huh? He was totally clueless that in reality she was smiling to herself as she walked away. What a ridiculous laugh. Wait a minute. This is incomprehensible. Why is her affection level rising so fast? But let's rewind to the moment their hands touched. Hand in hand, they soared through the void of space. During that intense court session, Aia found herself unable to look away from his handsome face and radiant smile. In that fleeting moment, she quickly averted her gaze, but it was too late. Her cheekbones burned red. That blush completely betrayed Ellia's hidden emotions. Meanwhile, a tan had just finished her grueling training with sweat dripping down her face. Tiny beads of perspiration clung to her delicate skin, making her look both exhausted and captivating. It got caught on my hair tie, she murmured, glancing at the mess. He looked at her with skepticism. "Are you just staring at the car?" The bag was brought over, and she nodded. "Yes, so what is our next move?" Her answer was vague. He replied with a calm, gentle demeanor. I don't truly know her yet. It's not about thoughts. It is a mental entity, a sacred existence. Etan nimly tied her hair back, still breathless from exertion. She asked out of pure curiosity. So, does this mean it has entered the Interdynasty realm? Unsure of how to explain the complex situation, he simply nodded. Yes. Okay, then. He held up the mysterious black card in his hand. Go ahead, ask her. Isn't that the reason? Did she really gift this to me? Etan stared at the card. The person sitting opposite her wore a worried expression. He asked hesitantly. I honestly didn't think you would use it. Using it this quickly is critical, though. But seriously, what happened to your hair? He pointed at his head. So, his hair was frizzy and spiky, standing up in all directions. He looked like he had suffered a massive electric shock. He frowned, then offered a faint self-deprecating smile. Just imagine I got struck by lightning. Let's ignore this embarrassment and focus. Let's get to the main point. We are currently transporting the switch plasm, which we successfully obtained from the Inter Dynasty realm. Hearing this, she fell into deep thought. He continued, "A spiritual entity. Goodbye to logic. That would indeed be a massive surprise. Even though she is a powerful witch, she can actually be quite timid at times." He pointed to the brown bag that had been delivered and asked, "Is this amount sufficient?" Etan remained silent, but I pressed the question again. Is it enough? You promised you would give it to me. Another reward if I managed to please you. I am very grateful for your generosity. Seeing that the gift was incredibly valuable, she looked at the items. He asked, "Is the magic tower ready? He had spent his entire fortune to secure this, so why give it to me?" Responding to her confusion, he explained, "It is not exactly a gift, but a bridge. Spiritual entities are pure consciousness after all. Great individuals often have extraordinary achievements. I want her to merge with this entity." Into an item, Etan asked, her voice laced with hesitation. If we proceed the consciousness within, it will gradually awaken and grow exponentially stronger. That was a bold, perhaps dangerous decision. You have chosen correct. That proves the request can be accepted. He then spoke up to ask further questions about the item, but before he could finish, Etan cut him off sharply. Question: Before we proceed, let me ask you something. She looked at the young man with burning curiosity. It seemed like she was trying to peer into his very soul. She slowly asked, "What kind of person are you? Really? Why did you do that again? He had defeated the car. We are searching for a single warrior candidate. A strike without weapons. You are the only one left. I held off the monsters. So why are you so focused on becoming that strong?" In response, "That is a somewhat personal question, ma'am." He spoke with hesitation. "Because of the beasts, the same dangerous characters that appear in the main story line. They all belong to the demon lord level. This story will eventually revolve around the Strait and Elia. and I was unintentionally caught up in the middle of it all. Two of them already and deep down he knew it. Of course, I cannot talk about those meta narrative secrets. He hesitated, keeping his silence, changing the subject, he asked. Then I have a question, too. Ask away. Why do you favor me so much? Etan lifted her big, beautiful eyes. She looked straight at the young man and countered. What? Who do you think you are? He replied seriously. She certainly seems to have a lot to say. They want to ask me something. How do we know the location of the interd dynasty realm? How do we know about reality and spiritual bodies? How can we possibly defeat Ilia? Or how can we stop the monster invasion? I know things that an average student would find impossible to know. Not to mention, I am just a firstear student, but lately it feels like the entire academy is revolving around me. We know how this sounds. It might be for show, but we truly feel it. I see things about studying and life in general. Our daily lives are completely dominated by her presence. Miss principal, it feels as if we are being manipulated to do exactly what she wants. You are showing me this much favor. So tell me what exactly is going on. What do you want from me? Etan listened quietly. The conversation and his sharp questions were clearly unpleasant for her. She adopted a cold lecturing tone. That kind of attitude toward the principal. I honestly did not appreciate it. However, it seems you have realized the truth yourself. Right? He asked why I gave him such special treatment. The truth is, maybe it is simply because I find him cute. Stop. That answer was both confusing and perplexing. Given her level of understanding, all he could do was scratch his head. A sense of unease crept into his heart. What? I haven't told her anything real yet. So why would she say that? Anyway, they agreed to help me merge a reality, imbuing a spiritual object with meaning. If I increase the synchronization rate, the spiritual entity will awaken. And if we continue to raise them, cultivating this power will pay massive dividends later. From chapter 2 onward to be precise. But first, the main scenario awaits. Chapter 1, the purification of the false solution. It was time to decide the course of events under the burning sunset. First completion is mandatory. Mission accomplished. He scanned his surroundings. Suddenly, voices erupted from every direction. He headed toward the back. A figure arrived, bathed in the glow of twilight. He turned following the sound. A faded meeting. Madame President, have I kept you waiting? Elo applied lipstick with terrifying calmness. Her reply was cool. No, not long. Just just about 6 hours. She looked up stunningly beautiful, captivating in a crimson dress that hugged her curves. A rose in human form stood before him. He couldn't tear his eyes away. Is she perfect? This was worlds apart from the chaotic welcome ceremony. In his heart, Dot swallowed nervously. This girl was dangerous. Wait 6 hours. That means she's been here since before sunrise. That's dedication bordering on obsession. She gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. A flimsy excuse slipped out as she walked toward him. It's been a while since we just arrived at a venue like this. We should compete to find the best spot. She is way too thoughtful, he thought, sweat forming. Alo looked up gently. Is this your first time venturing outside the school grounds? You've been cooped up all year. That is absolutely correct, he replied, acting shy. Um, yes. She stepped into his personal space, voice dropping to a whisper. I blame you. Why won't you look me in the eye? Us? This was the first time a girl had been this aggressive with him. Dot was too flustered to speak. His mind screamed, but his mouth stayed shut. This was their first solo outing. Just him and a girl from the outside world. Honestly, the atmosphere felt entirely different from a simple patrol. Let's call it a welcome ceremony for the new student. But isn't this basically a date? Is she testing me or does she genuinely not realize the tension? Reply. Before he could think, Elo seized the initiative and grabbed his hand. Aa before Dot could recover from the shock. She was dragging him along. Let's go. The line is huge. Huge was an understatement. Ahead of them lay a noisy ocean of humanity. Complaints and groans filled the air. Oh my god, stop pushing. Why isn't this line moving? Position secured. The two stood holding hands at the back of the queue. They exchanged a look. More people than expected. They stared at the endless dragon of people ahead, hesitant. Are we ever getting inside? Someone at the ticket counter roared in anger. Hey, number 27. If I have to call 27 one more time. Going once, going twice. Cancel ticket number 27. Next. Number 28. Enter. Dot. Stepped forward, eyes locking onto the staff member. The blonde ticket checker blinked in surprise. Dot asked naturally. Oh, the Westerner, what are you doing here? The surprise was mutual. Oh well, if it isn't, Mr. Dot. You remember me? Talai and scratched his head. I work part-time here. My family cut off my financial support, you see. So, the student council is moonlighting here. Elo listened silently to their exchange. Talion stared wideeyed at Dot, connecting the dots. Curiosity got the better of him. Sir, may I ask, is it okay to ask about the relationship between you and the chairwoman? Why are you two here? Are you together? Just then, a loud voice bellowed from behind. Number 29. Get in here. Hearing the question, Dot turned his head toward her. Entering the court, he pondered the best answer. The relationship of us. He started twisting his words. I mean, right. Why am I even with her? Is she the chairwoman right now or a date? Elo stayed silent, simply moving forward. The part-timer wouldn't let it go. We can enter with the administrator's authority. Student council privilege. Talion realized quickly. The girl replied sharply. Of course, it was sudden. Then, Dot noticed something on his friend's neck. Wait a minute, Weston. You're wearing a lanyard. Talianne handed over the robe. This? He passed it out. Huh? A necklace? Correct. We're wearing one. It belongs to the club. Purification. You know, the servant sector intended to strip that ghost of its power. At that very moment, the system flashed red. A notification to activate a skill. Authority of the speaker. Here's the deal, he said, pointing to the conveyor belt voice commanding. Yes, exactly. Do not wear that today. Talion frowned, confused. Huh? But Dot continued pressing the issue. Pay attention. Take it off. Do not wear it today. Tion looked puzzled but bowed to the pressure. Hm. I understand. Dot began to calculate. After improving his L rating, and with IA involved, the main story line had shifted axes. Now he had to shift the focus of everyone's affection. Maris Gerbabach, a variable. He just wanted to finish this event and leave peacefully. Probability is zero. The story took a sharp turn. Right this way. Suddenly, a cane tapped rhythmically against the floor, cutting through the noise. It stopped right in front of them. A deep resonant voice rang out. Well, well, Miss Chiso tongue and student dot. He looked at the man right in front of me. Dot thought, mind racing. Then, I need to prepare a counterattack immediately. The system screen flickered. Announcement. Main task of the traitor. They are trying to recruit you. Be tactful. He had to maneuver out of this trap. The butler, Lord Ji, stood leaning on his cane, speaking with solemn gravity. Miss, I wish to borrow a life. Just a moment. I have matters to discuss with him. Hearing that, she looked visibly flustered. Stunned, she asked. What? But a split second later, Elo refused coldly. Who gave you permission? Right. But before she could finish her sentence, the entourage behind intervened. No problem, chairwoman. I agree. The old man continued quickly. Please follow me to the private VIP room. Dot saw the play. He took the opportunity to whisper into Elo<unk>'s ear. His words made her frown in thought. She turned to look at him, expression troubled. Amazing. He reassured her with a smile. Little one, trust me, it will only take a moment. He seemed quite close to the girl. Chiso tongue. Student dot. If the conversation is over, please follow me. The scene shifted instantly. Two men sitting in a dimly lit room facing each other. Dot ordered a gin martini. Marquisgaw leaned forward. Let's<unk> begin the story. Perhaps you know why I summoned you here. You thought students wouldn't notice. He wanted to stall for time, so I'll ask calmly. Ah, I suppose you intend to confess everything. Spouting nonsense about the past. You plan to birth a demon, don't you? Public order meant nothing. You were weakened during the full moon festival. So, you intended to seize that chance for a massacre, using fresh blood to absorb the potent dark energy lingering there. By unleashing monsters everywhere, you'd tie down the knights while your assassins lay in wait. A classic diversion. Your plan is to sew absolute chaos and awaken the demon sleeping within the Chi-S bloodline. From the very beginning, you orchestrated every assassination and horror to create that monster. But tell me, did I leave any part of your scheme out? This evidence is already with the principal. Now, what's your move? G's eyes bulged as he screamed. What? He couldn't comprehend it. How could this brat know his plan so perfectly? Recalling the boy's words, the old man muttered. Now I see why the immortal clan has an interest in him. He looks harmless on the outside, but inside pure cunning, a monster of strategy. He isn't human at all. He underestimated him. Looking at that simple, youthful face, G whispered, "Unbelievable." But your subordinate. We have the young miss under control. That is certain. You didn't account for that, did you? Oh, really? No sooner had he spoken than Elo kicked the door off its hinges and stormed in like a revolution. I beg to differ. Witnessing her blood- soaked figure, he stammered, refusing to believe his eyes. What? How could the Chi-Sung daughter survive that? He recalled the moments prior. While she trailed Gi, a voice called out. Miss Chisung, follow me. She was led elsewhere. In that moment, a whisper triggered her memory. Chairman Dot had warned her a group was coming. The cultists moved to attack. Lately, having trouble controlling your madness. Sometimes violence is the only answer. Get rid of her, the leader ordered coldly. Under imperial law, killing her is justified. Followers of false gods need not be reported. Trouble hardly. Behind the henchmen, a hand gripped her shoulder tightly. He mocked her openly. But what if you can't handle us? Are you capable? Suddenly, the man's face froze. They stiffened as a terrifying aura exploded from Elo's body. A wave of pure killing intent. She whispered. I'll try to hold back. Barely. Elo<unk>'s mental state shifted rapidly. In a split second, her eyes burned. turned a brilliant crimson. In the darkness, she was the predator. They knew nothing, continuing their empty threats. Now then, capture her alive. The fool was still talking when she moved. He was arrogant until a hand suddenly shot out, she crushed his skull in her grip. The room gasped in horror. Seeing Elo use a single hand to deliver a fatal strike, slamming his face into the table. The shock was palpable. At this moment, the other henchmen gritted their teeth in rage. They drew weapons, cursing, ready to charge as one. Damn it. The assassins surrounded the table, fear creeping in from all sides. Scatter. Don't kill her. Remember the plan. Minor injuries are fine. The chief shouted orders as they moved to arrest her. They lunged simultaneously. But in the deep darkness, only glowing red eyes were visible. Elo<unk>'s coldness flashed with lethal danger. She fought the entire group alone. Let them cry for their mothers. As the battle raged, the madness in Elo<unk>'s eyes intensified. Frenzied, the crimson in her gaze was steeped in death. Her sword seemed to conduct a symphony of destruction. She glided past, stealing their lives instantly. The mares lackeyis didn't have time to blink. They could only scream in absolute despair. Kill them all. She was the grim reaper in a small frame. Her message pierced the room, shocking everyone. He drew his sword, cursing, "Damn it!" Steel clashed against Steel, creating a dissonant screech. Anyone confronting her directly found she was vastly stronger. The outcome was inevitable. Their swords cracked and shattered just like the lives of those who dared to play tricks on her. With a scythe, Elo unleashed the dance of the dead. She annihilated the entire group of assassins single-handedly, "Clean! Not a survivor left." Seeing this slaughter, Marquee G, still in shock and denial, exclaimed, "Impossible." Filled with anxiety, the MC asked Chairwoman, "Are you hurt?" She simply wiped the blood from her blade. She nodded, "No, I feel much more refreshed." At that moment, a system notification appeared for Dot. Lo rating reached friend level. Her madness has stabilized thanks to the bond. She glanced at him speaking softly. But given this mess, our date, or rather, our stroll is ruined. He will pay for this. Will you join me again? Another notification popped up. Special case unlocked. You have caught my eye. Gdons's blew. Hearing the prompt instead of joy, he felt dread. This time, the content was truly startling. His heart raced. Huh? What? Elo<unk>'s father is watching me. Stop. We have to finish the mission first. Satisfied. Not yet. Even knowing his plan failed, the marquee had a backup. Facing defeat, he pulled out an item. The gem looked ancient. He growled in fury. I never thought I'd be forced to use this. Hearing that and seeing the stone in his hand, Dot was stunned. Dark essence. Why is that appearing here right now? He immediately retorted. Stop him immediately, he roared, his voice cracking with desperation. Do not let him absorb that artifact. Startled by the sudden outburst, she whipped her head around, eyes wide with confusion at the frantic warning. But the report came a heartbeat too late. Gan had already made his move. With a twisted grin, he tossed the glowing gem into his mouth and whispered, "I gladly accept this divine favor, the mark of the gods." For a fleeting second, the street fell into a deathly silence under the pale moonlight. It was the eerie calm before a catastrophic storm. Suddenly, a terrifying pressure exploded from within the building. A pitch black aura erupted, suffocating everything in a sinister demonic masma that swallowed the light. Boom! The structure was annihilated, reduced to nothing but dust and debris in an instant. From amidst the wreckage, a single hand clawed its way up. Chaos reigned supreme as Dot watched in horror. A battered figure dragged itself from the ruins debris floating around him in defiance of gravity. A maniacal laugh echoed through the night, mocking their feudal resistance. It was real. Dot squinted through the dust, locking eyes with the source of that chilling laughter. It was gone, but he was no longer the man they once knew. His humanity had been completely erased, replaced by the twisted visage of a demon. He smirked. I hadn't planned on consuming this elixir so soon. At least not until the refinement was complete. But no matter, dot grit his teeth. Could they handle a monster of this caliber? Based on his past combat data and his knowledge of the game's lore, the answer was grim. When a human absorbs a demon's essence, they inherit a fraction of that abyssal power. A genuine demon appearing this early in the story. This world had gone stark, raving, mad. Suddenly, the familiar blue window of the system flashed before his eyes. Emergency quest. Defeat the purgatory demon. The penalty for failure. Total annihilation. Above them, the transformed manager roared with ecstasy. Yes, this power, it's intoxicating. He howled at the moon like a rabid wolf calling to its pack. The demonic energy began to resonate with others nearby. Let the great purification begin, Gan declared. Dot scanned the surroundings, his heart sinking at the carnage. He sighed heavily. Damn it. This is going to be messy. It wasn't just Gan. The dark energy was spreading like a plague infecting his fallen subordinates. Their bodies twitched and contorted, rising from the dead. Their eyes rolled back, replaced by the crimson glow of blood lust. They had become mindless puppets of the demons screeching as they charged toward our heroes. Brother, watch out!" Elo cried. But Dot was already moving. With a battle cry, he enveloped himself in blue aura and launched himself like a missile into the horde. Boom! He blasted the front line away with a single strike. His spear pierced through their defenses effortlessly. But amidst the slaughter, Dot frowned. A familiar voice rang out, cutting through the chaos. "Haha!" From the shadows, unscathed by the devastation, Talai, and casually strolled onto the battlefield. "Chief?" he asked, scratching his head, looking utterly bewildered. What in the hell is going on here? And why are those guys looking so ugly? Is this a costume party? And where's Marsh Verba? He was joking, but the tension was palpable. Dot smirked. Did you see my technique just now? Impressive as always, Talai unquipped. Dot's expression darkened as he pointed at the monsters. Don't hold back. Those aren't people anymore. They've turned. That cursed necklace. It warps their very souls, Dot explained grimly. Hearing the truth, Talai shuddered a cold sweat breaking out on his back. You mean Talai? And stammered, trembling uncontrollably. Dot narrowed his eyes, piecing the puzzle together. This entire situation, it was orchestrated by the marquee from the start. Dot confirmed with a sharp nod. Now listen closely. If you want to live through this night, follow my orders to the letter. No questions. Sensing the gravity of Dot's tone, Talleon dropped the jokes and nodded firmly. Understood. But what about the civilians? What's your play? Chief Dot gripped his weapon tighter. I have to cut off the head of the snake. You focus on evacuating the civilians and holding the line. Hearing his selfless command, Alo looked at Dot's back with eyes full of admiration and gratitude. Even in the face of Apocalypse, his judgment was flawless. "Go now!" Dot barked, shoving them toward safety. On it, Talion didn't hesitate. He realized that staying would only make him a liability to Dot's fight against the boss. Move it, everyone run. As the crowd scattered, Elo lingered for a split second, glancing between Dot and the monstrous figure of Gan floating in the distance. Dot wiped blood from his lip and tracked Gan's movement. Where is he going? He didn't need to guess for long. There, look at that maniac. Bathed in moonlight, the demon hovered with terrifying purpose. It was always the same with these chaotic evil types. They existed only to seow despair and bring hell to earth. And right now, there was only one place worthy of such destruction. The sanctuary barrier Gan was flying straight toward the massive golden dome of energy that protected the city. Even with his newfound power shattering, the entire barrier was impossible. But arrogance blinded him. Or perhaps he didn't need to break the whole thing. "I just need to crack the shell," Gans sneered. He raised his hands, compressing pure darkness into a swirling singularity between his palms. The black sphere pulsed and expanded, vibrating with enough energy to level a city block. The sheer pressure of his aura forced bystanders to their knees. Despair washed over the crowd. But then, a voice cold as ice cut through the dread. That's far enough ugly. Gan froze, his concentration broken. He whipped around, shock plastered across his demonic face. Dot, how did you catch up so fast? Dot smirked, leaning casually on his weapon. Fast? No, you're just slow. Your moves are more predictable than a tutorial boss. Even with the devil's power, Gan was simple-minded. He was trying to breach the seal, but Dot had anticipated this. With Elo clinging to his back, Dot landed squarely in Gon's path. Instead of fear, a wild grin spread across Dot's face. This was exactly where he wanted to be. "Thanks for gathering all the trash in one spot," Dot taunted. "Saves me the trouble of hunting you down." He glanced over his shoulder. "Princess," his voice dropped to a serious whisper. "No matter what happens next, don't let go. We're surviving this. Understand?" Elo nodded, holding on for dear life. A reckless gamble began to take shape within her mind. It all hinged on one thing, the absolute trust he placed in her. She had to prove she was worthy of that faith. This was her pride as a warrior. Seeing her resolve, even the enemy paused in hesitation. Realizing her insane plan, he could only gasp. She's actually doing it. Elo drew her blade, charging straight into the jaws of death. She clashed with that devil in the sky. Meanwhile, far below, Dot seized the chaos to make his desperate escape. The villain roared from above, tracking his prey. His killing intent washed over the lesser demons, sending them scattering in fear. Dark energy swirled in his grasp, ready to return fire. He hovered like a god, shouting, "You filth, dare to touch me. Know your place." He unleashed a barrage of void spheres, intending to obliterate them. They tried to counter, but the sheer power forced them into evasive maneuvers. The old monster thought them weak, but their tenacity shocked him. His eyes widened in disbelief as they defied his expectations. How are they still standing? While he stood frozen in shock, Elo<unk>'s blade sliced through the air. He barely halted his own attack, narrowly avoiding a fatal blow. "Got you now, old man." But the situation turned dire in an instant. The enemy recovered his wits and swung his arm in a brutal counter-strike. Two forces collided with a cataclysmic boom, sending them hurling through the air. The sky itself seemed to darken under the villain's overwhelming aura. Fighting head-on was suicide. They had to focus on defense and speed. But the Mars eagle eyes spotted his prey trying to flee below. He pursued them like a predator spitting venomous taunts. Struggle all you want, you insignificant ants close behind him. Elo refused to let go. His irritation boiled over. Stop scurrying away like rats. Gal glared his patience, wearing thinner by the second. How incredibly troublesome, he grumbled. The old monster decided to stop playing games and end this farce right now. To crush these two insects at once, his entire body convulsed with power. A terrifying ancient energy began to radiate from his very core. The pressure alone was enough to bring them to their knees. He concentrated all his malice into a single point, forming a sphere of destruction before his chest. It glowed with a sinister crimson hue, seizing the moment he unleashed the claws of darkness, a beam of pure annihilation. Like a titan's arrow woven from thousands of dark rays. The blast roared towards them. The sheer force threatened to erase their existence. "This is your end," he bellowed. The defensive barrier groaned under the impact. Spiderweb cracks spreading across the surface. He grit his teeth, staring death in the face as the shield shattered. Shards of black magic pierced through, aiming straight for his heart. The golden barrier exploded with a deafening screech. Hearing his agonized cry, Elo whipped her head around in horror. He had taken the full brunt of that catastrophic surge to protect the line. The world around him disintegrated into dust. The pain was absolute. His eyes rolled back as his face twisted in agony as if struck by an invisible sledgehammer. With a scream that tore at the soul, he was blasted out of the sky. Gravity claimed him and he crashed into the unforgiving earth below. He lay there helpless, barely able to groan. High above, Gal witnessed the carnage and burst into maniacal laughter. Is that all you have? Out of tricks are we? But Elo stood firm, shielding his fallen body. She whispered, "Get up. I'll draw his fire. Go now." Seeing her fierce determination, the villain only cackled harder. "Oh, you two are simply precious. Such pathetic stubbornness," he sneered, wearing a mask of smug superiority. But I must admit, in a twisted way, you really are a match made in heaven. Those mocking words struck a chord, freezing her mind for a split second. Time seemed to stop. She realized she had always been the one protected, never the protector. The memory of him diving in front of the blast played in her mind. Flashbacks flooded in him, fighting off traitors. His fist raised against the odds, always standing as her shield. Always behind that golden barrier. No more, she decided. Just this once, let me be the shield. She turned back, eyes blazing. A system notification chimed in her mind. Activating lifelink protocol. Endurance limit broken. Vitality surged through her veins. Despite her charred skin, she gripped her sword until it crackled with ominous red lightning. I will trust you until the bitter end. Watching this display of devotion, the marquee clapped slowly, figning emotion. How moving. I'm almost in tears. But sadly, your little date night ends here. Yet Elo stood tall, fear completely erased from her eyes. She looked up at the floating tyrant and spoke calmly. "Lord Marque, answer me this." "Looking at us tonight. Do you think we make a good couple?" The sheer absurdity of the question caught him off guard, leaving him stunned in silence. Just as he opened his mouth to retort, "Boom!" A chaotic whirlwind descended from the heavens, striking him with the force of a meteor. The old monster lost his balance and was swatted out of the sky. He smashed into the earth, erupting into a massive cloud of dust and debris. A shadow loomed in the smoke, radiating overwhelming pressure. Each step it took towards the fallen marquee shook the ground like a drum. Gal coughed up a mouthful of crimson blood. "That useless bastard!" he shrieked. "Why didn't he intervene?" ignoring his shattered ribs, he staggered up, cursing. The rats have fled. But then a crimson glow enveloped his vision, triggering a realization. Rage consumed him. He screamed like a banshee and charged straight at her. "You, you hid him away, didn't you? Is that it?" The young master spun around facing the group. The city invaders had been decimated. Giat and the others had completely wiped them out. It was time to bring this chaos under control. Pure bedum. He gazed at the crowd of swordsmen standing tall. Once the enemies are dead, we regroup. It seems the crisis has been averted. A split-second decision. Not far away, Elano stopped chiming in. Thank the heavens the department heads arrived. Everyone was accounted for minus one straggler. Well, they're in serious trouble now. The mage, hovering in midair, frowned slightly at the mess. You were right. Thank God we listened to the master. Those words saved us from a fiery grave. But suddenly, his expression darkened. He began to analyze the battlefield. I just said we were grabbing dinner. If we hadn't arrived, this would be a massacre. The situation has spiraled out of control, hasn't it? Even the air felt heavy. The full moon cast a pale, eerie glow from the heavens. His warning still echoed in the silence. It was too quiet. A truly terrible tragedy was unfolding. Could this really be just a coincidence? He struggled to move his broken body. Every step was a battle against pain. Just recovering yet forced to fight in these desperate times. Fine, let's set the trap. It was the perfect spot. Suddenly, something appeared. A bell chimed in the darkness. It entered his line of sight. Reacting on instinct, he lunged for it, grabbing it like a drowning man clutching a straw. If he failed, death was instant. He reached out. A glimmer of hope. If only Ellen could hold on for one more second. just a second. But as the thought crossed his mind, he saw it. Ellen's body flying past his eyes. She was tossed like a ragd doll. He watched her hit the ground helpless. The earth seemed to spew cruel mockery at their plight. To call it a disaster was an understatement. Don't be so dramatic. The young lady is fragile after all. Then his gaze snapped to the side. Cold sweat drenched his back. Are you students hungry for death? The old man raised his hand, gathering dark energy. A sphere of black magic. You think you have a plan? What else could he do? Silence fell. Asterisk boom times. He unleashed a devastating burst of power. The black man appears through like a spectral sword. It tore through the body he had just healed. It ripped him apart, sending fresh blood spraying into the air. Get lost. The roar of the attack. The sound reverberated in their ears, deafening and cruel. You think you can kill me? The incident happened in a heartbeat. Even though Elen tried to stand, her body failed her. He had no time to react right there. In that terrifying second, she was petrified. The world faded away. Time froze, leaving only two colors in existence, pitch black and stark white. God grinned manically at his victory. Look at the damage I caused. Two massive trees were ripped from the earth by the violent storm. The shock wave was enough to disrupt trade between islands. That attack, although it brought agony, it was the key. It spiked his internal energy. Quantity over quality. The system received the signal times ding asterisk. Notification. Deadly charm activated. His eyes snapped shut in pain. Suddenly, they flew open wide and full of color. The system voice returned. The custom alert echoed in his mind. The target is being marked. The signal is locking onto you. He sensed it immediately. He looked up at the official. Upon closer inspection, Elen's appearance had completely transformed. Everything changed. A dark sprout erupted from her head. Devil's horns. As rage surrounded her, the auntie looked unrecognizable. Could it be the child? The demon residing within her soul had awakened. In the dead of night, birds took flight in panic. Chaos rained, deafening noises. Screams echoed from the depths of the forest. A colossal monster roared, locking its gaze on her. Watching it, he was struck with awe. Back at the apartment, the massive villa was pierced by an unseen force. People scrambled as the system notifications flooded his vision. This was a direct catastrophic threat. Elo rating, "Who cares?" With a devilish smile, he tilted his head. The system displayed a new alert. Partial system evaluation initiated. Status disabled. Skill stripped. This was the entity manifesting through Len O. The Grey Devil's deadly charm. It could easily attract favor from those with dark inclinations. The more evil the soul, the stronger the effect. Ellen drifted closer to him, her presence suffocating. You, her hand reached out. He was a beacon of dark energy. It happened in an instant. They were pulled together by the charm. It enveloped both of them in a sinister embrace. Between his chest and hers, a flash of blinding light. A strange character appeared. System update. Accept the seal. The landslide mark burned into his skin. The effect was astonishing. He stared in amazement. The mark. It was branded on his chest. The tables had turned. A powerful individual. There's an entity with unparalleled power was acting this way. Being this friendly to him, it was bizarre. That's weird. He quickly crawled forward, hands flying over the system screen. I don't know what the future holds, but I have to act. I know, but right now I'm taking this. Everything could be gone in a second. The system flashed. Notice copyrightiting power. He was stealing her ability. Ellen wore that terrifying smile as she looked down at him. Big brother. The pressure was immense. His brain felt like it would explode. His flesh felt like it was melting. Based on connection with Eleno, I will copy this technique right now. A crucial skill. It's vital now, and it will be legendary later. Her body flickered like an illusion. She was fading, but she refused to leave his line of sight. Before vanishing, she didn't forget her manners. Don't forget to say hello. His eyes were wide with astonishment. It's time. See you later, then. At that moment, the monster made its move. Suddenly, lunging forward, it extended a claw to attack with. Dizzying speed. Death approached. From its hands, a bolt of lightning erupted, piercing the heavens. It squinted, trying to find its target. Downwards below, from the source of the blast. The immense power created a massive crater in the middle of the forest. But when the dust settled, the spot they attacked was completely empty. I couldn't help but wonder that bastard. He vanished. He leaned over the edge. I have a bad feeling about this. Is it over? No. Suddenly, a massive dark shadow flashed past. A lightning strike shattered the silence. He was The impact shattered the earth. Smoke and debris choked the forest floor. As the dust settled, he stood there completely disoriented. Confusion swirled in his eyes. What kind of nightmare is this? But before he could process the chaos, death rained down from the heavens. A high velocity threat descended. Blue system screens flashed wildly in his vision. Warning, warning. A mortal threat has been detected. It was a do or die situation. The system assessed the battlefield instantly. Skill activated. The royal pandemonium. For five glorious minutes, he possessed absolute dominance over all creation. the enemy, a high-ranking demon species. The beast glared at him, a low growl rumbling in its throat. You dare stand before me, human filth. The creature looked at him like he was an insect, but Dot's expression turned icy cold. He vanished in a blur of speed. He moved faster than the eye could follow. The monster shrieked in panic. The immortals never mentioned a monster like this, but the time for talking was over. It was time for a fist to the face. Boom! A devastating punch connected. The demon was launched into the distance like a ragd doll. Dot looked toward the horizon. He cracked his knuckles and smirked. Round two has begun. Let's dance. Under the silent moonlight, the battered monster lay twitching on the cold ground. But it wasn't finished yet. A guttural roar tore through the night. Dot's ferocious silhouette approached from the shadows. The monster sat up its eyes, darting frantically. How? How is this possible? It narrowed its gaze, analyzing the human. And then realization struck. That power, it's a superior evolution. Why does this human possess the advanced ability? Jealousy flared within the beast. It slammed its fists down in frustration. Blood gushed from its mouth, staining the earth. But it forced itself to stand. We struggled for centuries to gain this power, it thought. This human is mockery. He didn't earn this. It's theft. It is completely unfair. The injustice drove the beast to madness. Unfair. Unfair. It screamed, stomping the ground. Suddenly, the system pinged a new notification. Dark mist erupted from the creature's body. The demon energy was rising. It was amplifying the dark souls blessing. Muscles bulged and hardened. Its physical resistance skyrocketed to tank-like levels. The boss phase had begun. The monster charged, screaming like a banshee. You damn cheater. Dot. Die for me. But Dot didn't even flinch at the incoming horror. He flared his mana instantly. He charged straight into the jaws of death. Neither side yielded. Two unstoppable forces collided headon. A clash of titanic energies, mana versus demonic aura. Dot frowned, focusing his power. A blinding red light swallowed the battlefield. The explosion tore the ground apart. Reflected in the light was a deadly stalemate. Man and monster locked in a struggle for survival. They broke apart and slid back across the scarred earth. Dot raised a hand taunting the beast. Come on then, die, you brat. The monster howled, unleashing a secret technique. A radiant golden barrier enveloped the creature. It used its own body as a weapon. Take this, it roared, but then it heard a sound that froze its blood. Divine power. Here, the monster's mind raced. How does a human wield the power of gods, but before it could process the shock, Dot la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la launched a counterattack, he delivered a thunderous kick straight to its face. The impact defied physics. The beast became a projectile, flying hundreds of miles backward. Crash. Crash. Its body smashed through boulders like they were made of paper. Screams of terror echoed through the canyon. What a spectacle. The monster was dazed and confused. Where is this infinite power coming from? Fire burned in Dot's eyes. He appeared right in front of the beast instantly. The predator stared down its prey. The monster couldn't hide its alarm. Dot gritted his teeth, his gaze intense, but then resentment flashed in his eyes. Panic set in. The skill timer hit zero. Times up, he thought. The buff was gone. Splash. Something landed in a nearby pool. The monster paused. What is that? Dot let out a breath of relief. Calculated perfectly. I haven't lost yet. He pressed a button on a remote. Click. A strange device launched him high into the sky. Escape maneuver activated. The monster snarled and chased him. You cowardly dog. Come back here. It followed him right up the barrel of a giant gun. Then it saw it. Dot looked down from above with a cold stare. He leveled the massive weapon directly at the beast. No need to deny it, he smirked. You walked right into my trap. Panic exploded in the monster's chest. The barrel glowed with catastrophic energy. It realized too late. This wasn't a retreat. It was an execution. Don't say I didn't warn you. Everything had been part of Dot's master plan. Boom. The system flashed. Mission complete. Main quest rewards demon essence and a hero shard worth 5,000 points. Dot sat down, catching his breath. Silence returned to the forest. His mind raced with the implications. The rewards are getting better, but the risks. Originally, he could only choose one path. Now the rules have changed. I have two items now, he mused. But this could distort the entire plot. Suddenly, footsteps approached. Etan walked up behind him, her face serious. She didn't waste time on pleasantries. I'm calling in that favor right now. Here. Seriously? Dot asked. Yes. The president is safe, but you have explaining to do. I want the truth, she demanded. Tell me about the gray demon. Her eyes bore into his. It wasn't a request. It was an interrogation. The whole story, brother. Dot sighed, realizing there was no escape. What do you mean? He tried to deflect, but she cut him off instantly. Don't play dumb. I know you have the answers. Is this related to the devil? Dot's mind flashed back to a painful memory. A sterile hospital room. A life hanging by a thread. The doctors were shouting. Is the blood transfusion ready? Not yet. We're losing her. BP is dropping below 50. The sounds of chaos filled the memory. Tubes and wires were everywhere. A fragile body fighting to survive. Suddenly, the memory shifted. She was awake looking at him. In the memory, he was screaming. Damn it, doctor. Where is the specialist? Why is this taking so long? Back in reality, Etan waited for his answer. He looked at her with heavy eyes. It's one of the rights. he whispered. The Grey Demon's ability isn't just an attack. It's corrosion. A plague that eats you from the inside out. The scale of this catastrophe is absolutely massive. The Inquisition and the Holy Quac are definitely going to crash this party now, Uncle Grimly declared. We have officially become the epicenter of the storm. They knew the disaster that awaited, yet they tempted fate anyway, Star, he called out in his thoughts. But that question simply echoed in the void of his mind, met with a heavy silence.