Inside the classroom, all eyes were on Ketlos and Kairo.
Ketlos patted Kairo's shoulder in front of everyone.
Don't worry, brother.
Anyone who harms you… I'll treat them the same way.
His words sounded protective.
Students around them nodded in approval.
But Kairo slowly lifted his head.
A faint evil smile appeared on his lips.
Thank you, big brother.
You always do so much for me.
His voice sounded grateful.
Yet something about his smile felt strange.
Just then—
The classroom door suddenly opened.
A teacher walked in.
The students immediately became quiet.
The teacher looked around the room and spoke loudly.
Listen carefully, everyone.
Your next practical test is approaching.
You will form groups of five members.
Each group will be sent outside the academy for a monster hunting mission.
Murmurs instantly filled the classroom.
The teacher continued,
Choose your teammates wisely.
Then he turned around and left the classroom without another word.
Immediately, the students began discussing excitedly.
Who should we team up with?
We need strong fighters!
No weak members!
Different groups started forming quickly.
Then suddenly—
Two voices spoke at the same time.
Ketlos will join my group.
It was Amelia.
And the Princess.
Both of them looked at each other again.
The silent rivalry returned instantly.
But before either of them could continue—
The classroom door opened again.
Ketlos' three sisters walked in.
They looked directly at the two girls.
No.
One of them said calmly.
Ketlos is our brother.
He will join our group.
The princess and Amelia fell silent.
Neither of them could argue against that.
A moment later—
The sisters noticed someone else sitting quietly.
Kairo?
One of them smiled slightly.
Brother, you're here too.
Which group will you join?
Kairo slowly looked up.
What group?
I don't think I'll go.
His tone sounded calm.
The sisters frowned.
Why not?
Kairo replied quietly,
I'm just a mortal.
If I go with them… I'll only become a burden.
It's better if I don't participate.
The princess suddenly spoke.
That's not true.
Amelia also nodded.
You can still join.
No one will mind.
But Kairo shook his head again.
I'll only slow everyone down.
I shouldn't go.
Meanwhile…
At the corner of the classroom…
Several bullies were watching him.
Their faces still looked pale from the previous night's terror.
But suddenly—
An idea appeared in one of their minds.
This monster is insanely strong…
If he joins our group… we'll be safe.
One of them suddenly stood up.
Teacher said five members per group, right?
Kairo will join our group.
The classroom became quiet.
Everyone looked surprised.
Ketlos glanced at them for a moment.
Then he nodded.
That's fine.
Inside his heart…
He actually felt happy.
Let those bullies deal with that useless brother.
But the Princess immediately frowned.
What if they bully him again?
Ketlos answered calmly,
If they do…
I'll make their punishment even worse than last time.
The bullies instantly shook their heads.
N-no!
We won't touch him!
Ketlos then turned to Kairo.
You should go with them.
They won't harm you.
Kairo looked at him for a moment.
Then slowly nodded.
…Alright.
I'll go.
But as he lowered his head…
That same evil smile slowly appeared again.
Because the hunt that was about to begin…
Was not for monsters.
It was for people.
To be continued…