The distant sound of carriages and voices echoed through the window as I opened my eyes.
Sunlight filtered through the thin curtains, illuminating the small but cozy room. The smell of fresh bread came from downstairs—probably breakfast being served at the little inn where I had spent the night.
It took me a few seconds to sit up.
The exam... it all felt like a dream. The image of the training mannequin breaking apart was still vivid in my mind, along with the gasps of the people watching.
'Did I really do that?'
I let out a long breath before standing up. On the small dresser beside the bed, I found my clean set of clothes: dark pants, a plain shirt, and a brown jacket. Nothing fancy—just the way I liked it. After dressing, I carefully tied the black band that covered my eyes.
For a brief moment, I looked into the cracked mirror in the corner. The visible part of my face looked calm, but inside, something still pulsed beneath my skin—the lingering trace of the mana I had used the day before. The veins around my eyes were still faintly dark, even with the band hiding most of them.
'Zealot… Vice Director Emma's sword art truly is powerful. But controlling it takes more than brute strength.'
I walked downstairs and found the innkeeper, an old man with a warm smile, greeting me with a nod. I grabbed a plate of eggs and bread, sitting near the window. Outside, the streets were already alive with movement—elves, humans, beastmen… the world seemed to breathe with energy.
I ate quietly, observing the scene. Every face, every voice—it was all so real.
The world that once existed only in the pages of a novel was now right in front of me.
After finishing breakfast, I placed a few coins on the table and stepped outside. The morning air was crisp, and the path to the Academy of Vernencia wasn't far. Along the way, I passed groups of excited students wearing new uniforms, chatting nervously about the announcement that would take place that morning.
'Today they'll reveal the class rankings.'
The thought made me quicken my pace.
By the time I reached the academy gates, a large crowd had already gathered in the central courtyard. Banners fluttered high, bearing the golden symbol of the academy—a blade crossing a circle of mana. At the center, a huge floating board shimmered with a soft blue glow. That's where the names of the accepted students and their assigned classes were displayed.
The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. Some cheered, others cried.
The classes ranged from S to D, with Class S reserved for those with the highest potential.
I stepped closer, scanning the glowing list for my name.
My heart pounded as I read through the endless lines of names—until I saw it.
ARVEN — CLASS S
For a few seconds, I just stared.
I didn't shout or celebrate. I simply exhaled, letting the moment sink in.
'Class S…'
It was a title I never expected to earn, especially while hiding who I truly was.
But it meant something undeniable—my power hadn't gone unnoticed.
Around me, I heard whispers mentioning familiar names—Lucien Temaki, Gabriela Asumi, Kael Fever, Lyra Vesper—all listed among Class S as well.
'So… I'll be studying alongside them.'
A faint smile crossed my lips but vanished quickly as my thoughts drifted elsewhere.
I knew the story. I knew what was coming.
'Elara… you'll be kidnapped in a month or two, won't you?'
The wind blew harder, sending a chill down my spine.
That wasn't just a plotline—it was the beginning of a tragedy.
Her abduction wasn't an ordinary crime. According to the novel, the ones behind it were possessed… by something no one fully understood.
Creatures known as Demons.
Beings without physical form, existing only by taking over human bodies. Most believed they were just myths—ancient stories to scare children. But I knew better. They were real.
Possession was rare and almost invisible, but its consequences were catastrophic. Victims' eyes turned black, their bodies twisted into vessels of pure destruction.
No one had ever seen a demon's true form. Only the aftermath—entire cities erased, families gone, and the Shis—
I stopped myself. That clan no longer existed.
I stared at the academy's crest engraved in the courtyard stone, glinting in the sunlight.
'Will history repeat itself?'
My fists clenched.
I had come into this world to change Elara's fate—and maybe my own.
But as I looked around at all those hopeful faces, I realized my path wouldn't be easy.
The crowd began to disperse. Professors were calling for Class S students to gather for orientation, explaining the dorm assignments and schedules.
I stayed there for a moment longer, watching the floating board fade slowly into nothingness.
'Class S… a new beginning.'
I looked up at the bright blue sky of Vernencia, trying to leave the weight of destiny behind.
But deep down, I already knew—
the real test was only just beginning.