Academy First Day

In an unknown area, a group of Astral Magi, led by a Silent Blade Commander are all running through the woods. They arrive at the end of the woods and they see two people in black cloaks. Under their cloaks is a : (Male) A long black trench coat with reinforced shoulders and a slight flare at the hemline. Crimson accents trace the edges, and glowing runes crawl along the sleeves and lapel. Spiked shoulder guards of black steel add intimidation, and clasps shaped like talons secure the coat. A form-fitted dark tunic with leather straps crossing the chest diagonally, holding small pouches and charms. The tunic incorporates an asymmetrical cut that gives a sharp, sleek silhouette. Tailored, fitted dark trousers reinforced with ribbed sections around the knees and thighs for mobility in combat. Heavy black boots with steel-capped toes and glowing crimson soles. A subtle vine-and-thorn design is etched on the side. Black gloves with plated knuckles. A black steel pendant featuring the crescent moon and thorny vine insignia. (Female) A sleek, fitted long coat with a slightly flared bottom for movement. Crimson runes glow faintly along the hem and cuffs. The coat features a high spiked collar, with slim, sharper shoulder guards compared to the men’s version, evoking elegance and menace. A waist cinch emphasizes the silhouette, with thorn-like detailing along the seams. A fitted corset-style tunic with leather panels running diagonally across the torso. This layer adds a sense of dark mystique and highlights the figure while remaining functional. ○ The corset is reinforced with subtle black steel boning, with small thorn motifs etched into its surface. Form-fitting leggings or leather pants with reinforced thigh guards, combining mobility and style. High-heeled combat boots with glowing red soles. The heels have a pointed, blade-like design, serving as both fashion and weaponry. Fingerless black gloves with thorn engravings. A choker or necklace featuring the crescent moon and vine insignia, glowing faintly when activated by magic.

"End of the line you Hazard scum," the Silent Blade Commander said as he drew out his blade.

The other Astral Magi draw out their blades and surround the two cloaked individuals.

"Wow, you Astral Magi sure are relentless. All we did was steal some magic stones," the cloaked female said.

"We know who you are, which is why we'll stop you here and now," the Silent Blade Commander said while pointing his blade at the two individuals.

"Are you sure about that? How are you going to kill someone you can't see," the female taunted.

"What are you--"

The Silent Blade Commander feels pain in his head and drops to one knee, holding his head. He looks around and he sees the world around him twisting.

"What's this? What sort of sick trickery have you committed?"

He looks behind him and sees his comrades like the cloaked individuals. He begins glaring at them.

"Commander?"

The Commander gets up and decapitates the first Astral Magi before him.

"Commander!"

He proceeds to cut down every single ally, splitting the trees and rocks and dropping everything around him.

"The Commander has lost it!"

"Where is the sedative!"

"It's on your--!"

The Silent Blades Commander cuts down the remaining two allies of his. The female-cloaked individual chuckles and she says, "I can't believe you cut down your own allies with no hesitation. What happened to the Astral Magi honor?"

"You damn--"

The male cloaked individual grabs the Silent Blades Commander by the face and crushes his skull. He then tosses his body to the side.

"Was there any need to run if we were going to do this, Xyrenthia?" the male-cloaked individual questioned.

"You're such a wet blanket, Grolvath. Don't you want to see their pathetic faces when they struggle to live? It's so funny and it brings me the greatest pleasure," Xyrenthia said.

"Let's not delay any further. We've been keeping Nyxis waiting with our project," Grolvath said as he swung his hand and a swirling red vortex portal appeared before them.

"Well if we want our project to succeed, he has to be patient," Xyrenthia said, and the two walked through the portal.

"Bastards..." One of the Astral Magi passes out after typing something on a phone.

Meanwhile, in the Asta Academy, Kael is walking down the hallway of the Combat Wing and every student present keeps glaring at him.

"Jeez, everywhere you go there's eyes on you. You've become quite the attraction," Alastair said.

"No, I've experienced worse," Kael said.

Kael walks into the male locker room of the Astral Arena and all the boys there keep staring at him. He heads for his locker and swipes his card, opening the locker. Kael takes out his sports tracksuit. He removes his uniform and dresses in the sports tracksuit. He starts stretching as he's done changing.

* Asta Academy sports tracksuit (Both genders): Black tracksuits with white stripes and the academy emblem on the back.

Kael locks his locker and as he heads out, the people keep stealing glances.

"Damn, at this rate they should just ask for your autograph," Alastair said.

"You know of autographs?" Kael questioned.

"That family sure had a lot of books," Alastair said.

Kael and Alastair look at each other for a few seconds. Kael lets out a sigh and says, "Though I can already guess what's going to occur, I shouldn't bother because it would be a drag."

A few minutes later, Kael walks into the Astral Arena, and in the Arena, he sees Eris, Ada, Arthur, Lucille, Williams, the Moore brothers, and other Combat wing students.

(Oh yeah, she's in the Astral wing. Saves me the trouble of having to entertain her.)

A broad-shouldered man with a full beard, dressed in a black tank top, grey trousers, and sneakers appears before the students holding a clipboard.

"Greetings to you, new students of the Combat wing. My name is Alden Kraxis, I'm known as the Iron Sentinel in my Astral Magi duties. To kick off your Academy years, we'll begin with a test, to see your weapons proficiency. We've received the intel regarding the new students and have designed weapons tailored for you. We don't discriminate so you don't have to worry about anyone getting maltreated. Weapons are a very important ally for an Astral Magi. Entering a battle with no weapons is foolhardy. This leads us back to what I said, we'll be testing your weapons proficiency. If you can't wield your weapon, points will be deducted. Now choose."

"Gah, I thought he'd never stop speaking," Kael said with his body slouched.

"You really have changed. Before you were all timid. Is it your new body?" Eris questioned.

"You talking to me?" Kael said with a dumb expression on his face.

Every student starts to pick their weapons. Ada picks a claymore and a system window appears before her...

<Item Picked:>

Name: Heavenfall

Type: Claymore

Rank: Epic

Attributes: Attack 200%, Speed 100%

====

'Amazing!'

Eris picks up her weapon and the system window appears before her..,

<Item Picked:>

Name: Solstice Edge

Type: Sword

Rank: Epic

Attributes: Attack 200% Speed: 101%

====

'To think we'd receive free epic items like this. Just how much money is the Association making?' Eris questioned.

Arthur picks his weapon up and a system window appears before him.

<Item Picked:>

Name: Skybreaker

Type: Spear

Rank: Epic

Attributes: Attack 202% Speed 95%

=====

Lucille picks up his weapon and the same happens to him.

<Item Picked:>

Name: Duskfang

Type: Halberd

Rank: Epic

Attributes: Attack 210% Speed 100%

====

A grin emerges on Lucille's face as he wields his weapon. Kael walks up and reaches for his weapon and Alden glares at him.

"..."

Kael picks his weapon up and a system window appears before him.

<Item Picked:>

Name: Eclipse Reaper

Type: Scythe

Rank: Epic

Attributes: Attack 200% Speed 110%

====

(Oh, the perks are better than Black scythe.)

"These will be your weapons even when you become an official Astral Magi. Money was spent on this because the Astral Magus Association believes you'll become a great Magi. Now, to test your weapon proficiency, you'll head to the center of the arena and will be transported to a designated area to test your skills. Your goal will be to kill up to 5 monsters. Bonus points will be awarded for killing more than five. Now let's begin," Alden dictated.

Arthur takes a step forward and hits the spear on the ground. He catches a glance of Kael and it feels like a serpent is coiling around him. He flinches, tightens his grip on the spear, and starts to shudder.

"Prince Arthur, I mean Arthur, you may step in the center of the arena. You'll be randomly transported to either a rugged mountain, forest or the wastelands," Alden said.

"R-right..." Arthur exclaimed.

'What's gotten him so shaken?'

Arthur steps into the center and a bright light appears, temporarily transporting him to another dimension.

<Identification Confirmed>

Name: Arthur Albert Armstrong

Status: Second Prince of the Kingdom of Nevan

Society Rank: Divine Royal

Date of birth: 16/07

Academy Year: 1, A

Bloodline Magic: Light (S Tier)

Passive Skills: Reinforcement Magic, Healing Magic

Class: Lancer and Summoner

====

"What's been troubling you, dear Agent?"

A woman of light dressed in a robe descends upon Arthur.

"Angel of Light, Arya... Where were you in my battle against the outcast?" Arthur questioned.

"Unfortunately the mana he emitted prevented me from descending. I do apologize for that," Arya said.

"A mere Sanctified noble prevented you an angel from descending? Well, it doesn't matter. Every time I see the outcast, I'm filled with overwhelming fear and I'm not sure why. Maybe I might redeem myself through this test," Arthur said.

<Location: Direhowl mountain>

- Nine Direhowls have been spotted

"That's plenty," Arthur said as he got into stance.

"I bid you good luck," Arya said as she disappeared into the light.

The Direhowls howl loudly and charge in for Arthur as Arthur advances for them. One of the Direhowls leaps in for him.

##Holy Light Blessing: Holy Sanctuary##

Arthur creates a dome around himself and he blocks the Direhowl attack, causing the Direhowl to burn itself. Arthur cloaks his spear in light and slouches down a bit with an emerald glow coming from his eyes. He leaps in for the remaining eight Direhowls.

##Holy Light Blessing: Holy Thrust##

Arthur thrusts his spear at the Direhowls from the air, sending out a beam of light, wiping out the Direhowls. He comes landing on one knee and returns to his feet. He gets transported back to the arena.

"Well done. As expected of the Prince," Alden said.

A grin emerges on Arthur's face and he says, 'That's right. There is now I lost to that damn outcast. There has to be some sort of mistake.'

(He's stronger than before, so he's one of the few capable of leveling up, but... Thanks to fear incarnate, I still have the leverage over this cocky bastard.) Kael thought to himself with his right eye glowing silver and a mirage of a purple serpent behind him.

Meanwhile, in one of the five cities of the State of Eldoria, members of the Shadow Operatives of the Eldoria Astral Magi arrive at the cliff and find the horrific scene.

"How cruel," one of the Shadow Operatives said.

"This is where we got the message. So the enemy has gotten away once more," the leader of the operatives said.

"Even the leader of the Silent Blades was killed. I don't even see a trace of his head," the other member of the operatives said.

"Let's report this to our Regional Overseer. Maybe he'll know what to do," the leader of the operatives said as the Regional Overseer was seated in his office looking out the window.

* The Regional Overseer shown here is a middle-aged man, wearing the Regional Overseer uniform, and golden rings on each finger.

- Astral Magus Regional Overseer uniform (Male): Long tailored midnight blue coat with a high collar and embroidery reflective of their state. Slim-fit midnight blue trousers with silver seams. Ankle or knee-high boots, depending on the state’s culture and terrain.

- This is added in the uniform for both genders (I'm only showing you the Eldoria version, I mean writing.): An open book with a glowing star above it. Design: Elegant and refined, with silver trim and scroll-like embroidery. Cape: Silver lined with intricate rune patterns and flowing script.

At the Astral Magus Bereua Headquarters in the State of Durholde, Maeve is having a holographic call with the Regional Overseer of the State of Eldoria.

"The Silent Blades corps that we sent out to chase after the Hazards were all killed. We don't know what sort of trick they're using but they got us on the ropes."

{Goro Sato: Astral Magi Regional Overseer of the State of Eldoria}

Maeve slams the table with her fists clenched and she says, "Damn it! They got the better of us again! How are they doing that!?"

"The Astral Magus here will keep looking into the matter. We'll alert the families too about the deaths of our proud warriors," Goto said.

"Please do."

The holographic call cuts and Maeve sits back with her hand on her face.

"Just how long will this battle last? I need to end this and go to him," Maeve said.

Back at the Astral Arena, Ada is running down the mountain with her sword cloaked in pink flames. One of the Direhowls tries to attack her and she lands and splits it in half.

<Indentification Confirmed>

Name: Ada Catriona Heiliger

Status: Third Daughter of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Duchess of the State of Durnholde

Society Rank: Divine Royal

Date of Birth: 04/04

Age: 17

Academic Year: 1, A

Bloodline Magic: Flames (Pink flames - S Tier)

Passive Skills: Weapons Proficiency, Speed Enhancement

Class: Swordsman and Archer

====

Two Direhowls come charging for her and she gets into stance placing the claymore before her and radiates the pink flames everywhere. With one swing, Ada slashes and burns away the Direhowls.

*Huff* 'My skills keep improving but I don't have the mana to sustain it. I don't understand why despite being a Divine Royal,' Ada thought to herself.

She gets transported back to the arena and her hair obscures her eyes. She returns the claymore to the inventory as she walks past Kael.

"..."

"Now, last and the least, Kael Voss."

Kael walks up to the center of the arena.

(This bastard. No, this shouldn't be getting you mad, Kael.)

Kael is transported into another dimension, which looks like a rain forest. He lands on one of the tree branches.

(It's time to test this epic rank item.) Kael thought to himself with his bangs obscuring his left eye and his right eye giving off a silver glow.

<Identification Confirmed>

Name: Kael Voss ******

Status: Recent awakened being

Society Rank: Sanctified noble (C)

Date of Birth: 06/12

Age: 17

Bloodline Skill: Dispel (D Tier)

Passive Skills: ????

Class: Reaper

=====

'Reaper? That's interesting. He's just like that sixteen-year-old kid who became the Starlight Warden of the Phantom Reavers after defeating its former Warden in combat. He's the only Reaper, well, that makes Voss the second.' Alden thought to himself.

Kael is looking around as he stands on the tree branch.

(A forest? Wasn't I supposed to be transported to a mountain?)

<Your experience points were too high for a first-year student. Creating a scenario to match your experience>

(Is it because I hunted goblins and other creatures in the gates before I entered the Academy? Then this is...)

An arrow made of web is fired at Kael and Kael slightly moves back, evading the arrow.

(Ah, I will never forget this...)

Kael remembers the Lunaris incident, in which he was stabbed by an arrow made of web when trying to escape. He jumps off the branch and heads for the ground. As he's about to land, he's surrounded by large spider-like creatures.

<11 Chillbanes have been located>

(These fucking bastards that almost got me killed three months ago!)

Kael pulls out the scythe cloaks it in dark energy and stands upright on air.

<Dispel Technique 6 - Shade Cleanse>

Kael swings his scythe, slashing away three Chillbines and five trees in half, leaving Alden shocked. Kael comes landing on one of the corpses of the Chillbanes and is looking down on it with a silver glow coming from his right eye.

<You have used the Dispel Technique on the epic rank item Ecplise Reaver. Dispel has been upgraded to Void Rend>

"Void Rend, not bad."

The Chillbane comes charging in for Kael. Kael extends his arm back, and a silver glow comes from his eyes. He releases a black and grey aura.

<Void Rend Technique 1: Shapw Rift Slash>

Kael infuses the scythe with dark energy causing spatial distortion, and as he swings, he splits the entire forest and kills all of the Chillbane.

(Is this really a first-tier technique? Just how strong is Alastair?)

'I don't really recognize that ability. But it looks so familiar,' Alastair thought to himself.

Kael is transported back to the arena and he places the scythe into his inventory.

(Just by cloaking an epic item in Dispel, It upgraded and strengthened. I feel even more powerful than before even though it's just the first tier.)

"How is that possible? Just what the hell happened?" Alden questioned.

The school bell rings, and Kael is standing at the center with his hands in his pockets. He turns his attention and begins to walk away.

"Class is over teach. Gonna leave," Kael said.

"Wait, explain yourself," Alden commanded as he stopped Kael from moving by grabbing his shoulder.

"That's the wrong move, teach..."

Alden feels an immense aura pressing down on him. Like a wraith places the blade of a scythe around his neck.

"You shouldn't hold back students from their next class," Kael said with a grin, releasing a black and grey aura with a silver spark coming from his left eye.

Alden lets go of Kael and Kael walks out of the Astral Arena.

"Just who the hell is that kid?" Alden questioned.

After the first four classes, lunchtime arrives, and Kael is seated on the Combat Wing's rooftop, eating miso bun bread.

"You never cease to amaze me, human. Even I had my subordinates around me when I was having my meal," Alastair said.

"Shut up. You here to show off?"

"Anyways, what are you eating?" Alastair asked.

"It's called miso bun, food of the lower class. You can't have any since your body is Astral and powered by mana," Kael said.

"How cruel."

"Now let's speak of this Void Rend ability. You really are strong huh, Alastair?"

'I can't tell him that's not my ability.' "You're right. And you're progressing at a fast rate. As it keeps going like this, you might even become the new God of the Shadows," Alastair said.

"... Really? I'm not interested in titles or anything. I just want to get stronger. The world fears those with power, that's why those cocky Divine Royals can decide what's wrong, and what's right. I just want to set things straight where everyone who suffered like me can lead a happy life," Kael said as he was looking into the distance with the wind blowing on him.

"..."

"Looks like you and I really are different. You remind me of someone," Alastair said.

Kael jolts, and he quickly looks back.

"What is it, lad?"

"Someone is coming. But I've confirmed that no one comes here," Kael said.

Kael gets to his feet, the rooftop door opens and Ada and her attendants walk through.

"There you are. I've been looking for you, Kael Voss. I wondered why you were not in the cafeteria or the garden," Ada said.

"... Who are you?" Kael questioned with a dumb expression on his face.

"Show some respect, you scoundrel. Standing before you is the third daughter of the Heiliger household and One of the Six Heralds of Divine, Ada Catriona Heiliger. So present yourself like a peasant would do in front of Might," Williams said.

"Hm? Heiliger? Herald of Divine?" (I do remember reading something that spoke of the Heralds.) "So, what would such a high and mighty person want with me?"

"I saw the power you used during the test and I can assure you that was not Astral magic. Now tell me, what was that power you used?" Ada questioned.

"And what does it have to do with you?" Kael questioned back.

"Three months ago the City of Lunaris in the State of Ravenshade was engulfed in purple flames and it was confirmed that there is no such Astral magic. The damage done was the work of dark arts," Ada said.

Kael kept silent with a guilty expression - His gaze is downcast, avoiding direct eye contact. His eyebrows slightly pulled together and raised in the center. Lips are pressed together in a tight line, or slightly parted, with the corners turned downward. Cheeks might appear flushed, adding a touch of visible embarrassment. Shoulders are slumped, making them appear smaller or more withdrawn. They might fidget with their hands or wring them together as if trying to alleviate nervous energy.

(Gah! I thought the Astral Magus Association had given up on Lunaris since it hadn't appeared on the news for three months. But...)

Kael stares down Ada with a silver glow coming from his eyes.

"I don't know what you're talking about. The Association themselves has proved that I have awakened," Kael said with a stoic expression.

Ada pulls her claymore out of her inventory and points it at Kael's throat.

"You better watch how you speak to me. I'm being nice here," Ada said.

"..."

"Now you'll answer me well if you value your life. Are you one of those Dark Arts users?" Ada questioned.

(Dark arts... Could she be talking about the Shadow Benediction?)

"Tch! Answer me already!"

"Answer her you damn persant!" Anneliese yelled.

"It's a shame. There are some commoners with fewer blessings but they at least are human. You don't even have an ounce of Astral Benediction," Williams said with folded arms.

"Now answer," Ada pushes the claymore and the edge touches Kael's skin.

Kael lets out small chuckles, he grabs the claymore and says, "Do you guys think I'm just going to bend over and do as you say? You've eventually done that at the wrong time, should've done that three months ago."

"Let go of my claymore!"

"If you want to know what my powers are so bad..."

Kael tightens his grip and cracks appear on the claymore.

'What!? But this was an Epic Rank item!?'

"... Then why don't you find out for yourself."

Kael said with his face shaded dark, both eyes glowing silver, and a purple-black aura leaving his body. Ada is shook and she starts to shudder.

"You bastard!"

Williams pulls a shield out of his inventory but Ada raises her right hand, halting Williams' movement.

"Anneliese, Williams, that's enough," Ada said with her eyes widened, Her gaze downcast, and her body trembling.

<Fear Incarnate has been applied to 1/3 Blessed Children>

"My lady..."

Ada straightens and looks Kael straight in the eyes while Kael looks down on her with a stoic expression.

"You remember this well. As one who aspires to become a great Astral Magus, I will not accept any misconduct. You'll die by my claymore if you try," Ada said.

(She overcame the Fear Incarnate. I see, it doesn't last as long as you're not all brawns. That could explain the same with Eve. Then does that mean the Prince is just an idiot.) A grin emerges on Kael's face and he says, "Go ahead."

'He's just like him. Why do I remember him through Kael?'

Ada and her attendants leave the rooftop, leaving Kael on his own.

"You sure got a lot of fans to deal with," Alastair said.

"I'll get used to it once again."

In the Combat Wing's hallway...

"That cursed scoundrel. He's lucky lady Ada decided to spare him or he would've dropped dead," Williams said.

"That's right," Anneliese agreed.

'What was with him? I felt like there was something more sinister staring back at me in that moment.'

Ada thought to herself as she recalled a large purple serpent with swirling vortex pupils staring down at her.

'Kael Voss, just what are you? This has never happened with outcastss who were exiled, jailed, or executed. But, why did I feel happy at the same time?'

Ada thought to herself as Kael stood on the rooftop with the wind blowing on him.