Minutes later, the cafeteria emptied as students returned to their classes. Ren, however, remained in the north wing, determined to practice his soul step technique. His concentration broke when alarms suddenly blared throughout the building. Lights flashed crimson, casting an eerie glow as panic spread among students. Even staff members exchanged bewildered glances, uncertain about the unfolding situation.
An urgent voice crackled through the intercom: "We are on lockdown. Magical beasts have infiltrated the area. Repeat: we are on lockdown. Magical beasts have infiltrated the area."
The message repeated incessantly, triggering various reactions. Some students fled in terror, while others stood their ground, prepared to fight. Many sought hiding places, hoping to wait until the threat passed. Their assumption that these were ordinary beasts proved dangerously wrong. These creatures had absorbed mana from their surroundings, transforming into magical entities capable of wielding supernatural abilities.
Ren, deeply engrossed in his training regimen of push-ups and sit-ups, remained oblivious to the chaos. He tested whether conventional exercises might enhance his strength before attempting the soul step again. Without a target to practice against, he continued his workout, dismissing the remaining classes as meaningless.
Inside Ren's mind, Solar grew restless. "I'm tired of watching you exercise all day. I need entertainment, boy."
"Can't you just sleep or find something to do instead of distracting me?" Ren replied between push-ups.
"Whatever, host," Solar muttered.
"Stop calling me 'host.' Just call me Ren," he snapped, his annoyance evident.
With nothing else to occupy himself, Solar peered through Ren's eyes. Unlike his distracted host, Solar noticed details—flashes of red light and distant alarms. Alarmed by what he perceived, Solar tried to alert Ren.
"Ren! Listen to me and snap out of it," Solar urged frantically.
Ren broke his rhythm, irritated. "Can you stop? I'm sure everything's fine. You're so annoying—I wish you weren't in my head."
"Soon you'll wish I was," Solar responded gravely. "Something's happening."
"What?" Ren stood up, finally taking in his surroundings. The red flashing lights and blaring alarms registered clearly now. The repeating intercom message filled in the gaps:
"Lockdown. Magical beasts have infiltrated the area."
Ren swallowed hard. Magical beasts possessed greater power than ordinary creatures and could wield magical abilities. "Time to test my skills," he murmured. Entering the hallway, he scanned the area. Initially seeing nothing, he jumped when creatures crashed through the walls—massive werewolf-like beasts alongside giant snakes and lizards.
Seeking escape, Ren realized soul-step was his only option. Without defensive abilities, he relied solely on his physical capabilities.
"I could really use a defensive skill right now," he muttered through clenched teeth as a beast lunged toward him.
"There's an escape route behind you—go!" Solar shouted.
Ren moved with unprecedented grace, gliding across the ground as if his life depended on it—which it did. He sprinted past the training area, a dark stairwell concealing something ominous, numerous classrooms, and the cafeteria until finally reaching the courtyard.
There, he found students who had bravely chosen to fight rather than hide.
"Get out of here," one student commanded, approaching Ren. "Don't try to fight—you'll just endanger everyone. Leave and hide somewhere."
The dismissal stung. They viewed him as weak, a liability. But Ren's determination hardened. When he grew stronger—and he would—he would prove his worth. He would demonstrate abilities beyond their imagination.
The beast raid had begun, and with it, Ren's chance to transform himself.