The hero academy grounds buzzed with excitement. Flags flew high, golden light shimmered across the arena, and the crowd roared as Serian stood tall in the center of the dueling platform.
His opponent: Cael Varenth, the youngest rising S-rank from the Royal City—a charismatic warrior known for his swordsmanship… and his open affection for Aria, the same girl Serian had begun to grow close to.
"You're nothing but a pretty puppet," Cael sneered, drawing his blade. "Let's see what makes the Hero so special."
Serian's eyes narrowed. He didn't understand why, but something inside him stirred at the insult—an ancient instinct that whispered not to hold back.
The duel began.
Cael lunged forward in a blaze of light magic. Serian parried, moving like a blur—his instincts outpacing his thoughts. He countered with fluid grace, every strike forcing Cael back.
But it wasn't just strength—Serian's movements felt too precise, too… trained.
The crowd gasped as Serian disarmed Cael in a single move, holding his blade to the boy's throat.
"You're strong," Serian said coldly. "But your heart's too loud. That makes you predictable."
Cael stared in disbelief. Serian sheathed his weapon and turned away.
From the stands, Aria watched with wide eyes—not because of Serian's victory, but because for a moment… his shadow flickered, and she saw a glimpse of something darker in him.
Far away, in the demon realm, Malveth paused mid-training. Her chest tightened.
"...Serian?" she whispered, her heart suddenly aching with an emotion she couldn't name.
And watching through both of them, the real MC—hidden deep in a sealed tower—grinned.
> "It's starting."