Lucien lay flat on the ground, arms spread out like a dead man, staring at the sky. His whole body ached, and his mana reserves were emptier than his wallet.
Ding!
[You have completed the Combat Test!]
[Would you like a victory fanfare?]
Lucien groaned. "No."
[Would you like a motivational speech about how you have defied the odds and emerged victorious?]
"No."
[Would you like a moment of silence for your dignity after collapsing in front of everyone?]
"…Shut up."
The system, however, was just getting started.
[Your performance has been analyzed:
Strength: 10/10 (You somehow didn't die.)
Endurance: 9/10 (You refused to die.)
Tactics: 8/10 (Big brain moments.)
Stealth: 6/10 (Not bad, but you do glow in the dark sometimes.)
Mana Control: 4/10 (Please, for the love of magic, stop overusing mana like a drunk noble spending gold.)
Overall Grade: A- (Wow! Almost perfect. But let's be real—you winged half of it.)]
Lucien buried his face in his arms. "Why do you even exist?"
[To entertain myself.]
Before Lucien could argue, an instructor approached, clearing his throat.
"Lucien von Zephyr, you have successfully completed the combat test. The final results will be announced tomorrow."
Lucien gave a weak thumbs-up from the ground.
The instructor blinked. "You may want to get some rest."
Lucien gave another weak thumbs-up.
Seeing no further response, the instructor sighed and left.
{Dorm Room – Recovery Mode Activated}
Lucien somehow managed to drag himself back to his dorm. He collapsed onto his bed.
Umbra, now in shadow form, slithered onto the bed beside him. "You okay?"
Lucien groaned. "Mentally, no. Physically, also no."
[Status Effect: Completely Drained – Your body is screaming at you. Please consider sleep before you turn into a living corpse.]
Lucien sighed. "Yeah, yeah…"
And with that—he passed out.
{Meanwhile, in the Demon Realm…}
Demon Minister Darius sat in his dark chamber, his clawed fingers tapping against the stone throne. His mind replayed the reports.
The beast child was still alive.
And more importantly—a human had it.
His glowing crimson eyes narrowed.
"This… is troublesome."
Lucien von Zephyr.
The name would soon be known to every demon in the realm.
And none of them would be coming in peace.
To be continued…