The morning sun rose above the academy, casting a golden glow over the training grounds. But today wasn't like other days. There was something special in the air.
Every student knew why.
Today was the Sky Simulator Test — a large dome that created fake battlefields to train students in real demon combat. It was said that once you step inside, you never come out the same. That's why students called it, the day the sky breaks.
Inside the dorm, Kael was tying his boots tightly. He didn't speak much, but his mind was racing.
Mikaho was standing beside him, fixing her gloves. She looked at Kael and smiled slightly.
"You haven't blinked for a minute. Are you alright?"
Kael finally blinked. "Just thinking."
"About what?"
He looked up at her. "About how fake skies might show real dangers."
Suddenly, the door burst open. Zehr rushed in, half-dressed, toast in his mouth.
"Did I miss the test?" he asked, eyes wide.
"Your shirt is backward," Mikaho said with a sigh.
"Perfect! I'll confuse the demons," Zehr replied proudly.
Kael almost smiled.
Outside, all students gathered near the Sky Dome. It was a huge silver ball, glowing with soft light. The instructors stood near the entrance, holding lists. One of them called out:
"Kael, Mikaho, Zehr, Lian, and Yuto. Group three. Step forward."
The five students nodded and walked in.
As they entered, the doors closed behind them.
Inside, the world changed completely.
They were now in a dark forest. Mist covered the ground. The air was cold, and strange growls echoed all around them.
"This… feels real," Mikaho whispered.
Kael nodded. He touched the sword on his back. "Stay close."
Suddenly, creatures began to appear—demon illusions, each shaped by the fears of the students.
One demon stepped out of the shadows. Kael froze.
He had seen this face before.
The same demon that attacked his village years ago.
His hands trembled.
Zehr stood beside him and lit up a protective stone. "Hey… this one looks kinda different."
Kael stepped forward slowly.
The demon looked straight into his eyes.
Then it spoke.
"Still too early… Kael."
Kael's eyes widened. "What did you say?"
But before he could move, the demon vanished.
The fight started.
Mikaho moved fast, using her new twin blades with grace and power. Zehr kept joking as he fought, but his aim was sharp. Lian used long-range arrows, while Yuto created shield barriers.
Kael, however, kept looking around.
Something was wrong.
This wasn't just a simulator test. That demon… it said his name.
After the test, the students stepped out. Everyone was quiet. Some looked scared. Others looked proud.
Kael walked beside Mikaho.
"What happened in there?" she asked him.
Kael shook his head slowly.
"I think… I saw something that wasn't part of the test."
Far away, Ashen stood near a tower, watching the students. His eyes narrowed.
He had felt something too.
The dome had shown something it wasn't supposed to.
Something was coming.
Next Episode Preview:
Strange whispers spread through the academy. A new teacher joins the school, hiding something dangerous beneath his smile. And Kael starts hearing the same voice… even outside the simulator.