"NOOO!" Ren screamed at the top of his lungs. A shriveled scream that made my heart drop.

In a dire situation and my naive self, I pushed my dear friend away.

Don't get me wrong, I did it to save him.

...But in exchange for his life, I lost mine....

....

In a mission down south to engage one of the demon lord's army, we fought to the bitter end.

We almost won, but with an unexpected visit of the demon lord's right-hand man, we were destroyed.

A reddish demon as big as 3 men, with spikes all over its body, charged at me and my men and brought hell. The size was manageable since it's the average height for demons of his species. But the spikes riddled around its body were sharp, sharp enough to be compared to a great blacksmith's sword. And with it, the demon general quickly destroyed our shield wall.

In a heartbeat, I ordered my men to escape the moment our lines fell, but it was too late for others as they were quickly cut down by the following demon soldiers.

Despite my orders, Ren came back to help me, but in disagreaance, I conjured up a wind spell and threw him away.

Just as he was hurled beyond the plains into the safety of the forest, I was taken off guard and got my back bashed by the demon general.

Fortunately, I was able to circulate mana on my back, reducing the impact of its strike.

As I was kneeling on the bloody grass, I looked around me and saw what I can only describe as horrendous.

Demons slicing my men, demons biting my men. We were getting destroyed.

The army was in turmoil.

It wasn't so supposed to be like this.

They said this army wasn't that strong

They said, that the demon generals have gathered in the middle of the continent.

So why? WHY?!

Why is that monster here?!

....

Heartbreaking screams were heard throughout the battlefield, echoing even.

The screams soon decreased rapidly.

The amount that died is baffling. An army a million strong lost to a demon army with four hundred thousand soldiers?

While gritting my teeth, I stood up and held my sword high.

In a last-ditch effort to save the remaining soldiers, I enraged the demon general and made him target me, a move that cost me my life.

Leaving the world, my friends, relatives, and loved ones.

As the enraged monster came stomping towards me, I readied my blade and swung as he reached point-blank range.

Miraculously, through thick and thin, I defeated it. After hours of agonizing battle, I conquered it. After grueling wounds, I vanquished it.

....

Sam Lux. Born in a humble town founded by a knight, hence it being called a knight village.

Born on Septober 46, 1112. Found out that he was a prodigy in magic at the age of 6, he was considered the village's hope.

At the age of 12, Sam was able to enroll in the prestigious "Zelen Academy" in Jade Lake City, along with his childhood friend Emily.

That's when he met Ren, the sworn brother he would be with, in battle and life.

It's also where Sam met his "special one".

And to prove that he's worthy of her, he worked hard for years to get where he is now.

Only for it to be in vain when...

While lying down wounded on the cold ground, underneath the bright moon, he closed his eyes and had perished.

In a heated battle, a battle filled with hate and anger,

I, Sam Lux, had died.

The cold air whistles in the dark realm, what seems to be an endless darkness can be deduced from the shivering wind coming from all directions. The dark place that seems to stretch out for miles is completely devoid of light.

In the midst of darkness, a person was seen laying down on an altar. It was around knee-high length, surrounded by 5 pillars.

As he wriggles around the altar, he wraps his hands around himself due to the freezing temperature. It was so cold that the sweat on his cheeks turned into ice.

Despite refusing to wake up, the thin atmosphere slowly crept up to him. Unable to breathe, he opens up his eyes and slowly sat down. Realizing the situation he's in.

'Where am I? It's suffocating... Am I confined? Just what is happening?' He asked whilst holding his head in pain.

As he slowly got down from the altar he woke up to, he experiences a flashback. It reminded him of the grim fact that he's already dead.

'Is this the afterlife?'

Sam who had perished in battle, was now stuck in an unknown place.

He immediately checked all of his belongings, only finding a piece of empty paper in his pocket and a sword beside him.

He then stood up and explored the place for a possible exit, but to no avail. Hours became days and days became weeks. The constant darkness made his eyes accustomed to it, though there's not much difference, it's better than when he first opened them.

It seems like he really had died for he cannot feel hunger anymore, but this only saddens him more for this not only confirms his death, but it also means he cannot escape this place through suicide.

Just as he thought all hope was lost, he sees a door in the dark horizons. It was 3 meters high and 2 meters wide.

'That's...a door?!' He thought as his eyes lit up.

The door itself was odd being in the middle of nowhere. Not only that, but it isn't even connected to a wall. But the desperate Sam didn't care as teleporters in the shape of a door were common.

"Yes! I can finally get out!" He yelled out loud in excitement.

His heart was racing, and his mind was exhilarated. After hours of walking, he finally sees the light at the end of the tunnel. Or so he thought.

"I don't know what's out there, but it's better than staying in this dark abyss!" He exclaimed as he ran towards the door and held the doorknob.

But the gleeful man was soon disheartened when he pulled on the door only to find out it was locked.

"Ha? The hell?! Why isn't it opening?!" He shouted with a trembling voice.

"Please! Let me out!' He screamed as he banged on the door. With each strike weakening one after the other as if each punch is symbolizing his faltering hope.

In an instant, his spirit plummeted. He tried his best to avoid negative thoughts, but he knew deep down that there was no hope anymore.

"HA!" Sam grunted as he kicks the door in anger.

'Damnit...Fucking hell...the door isn't even budging...' He sighed.

Refusing to believe that he can't escape, the young man continued hitting the door, in hopes of it breaking.

He continued for hours on end. Because of the dark place, he couldn't tell how much time has passed. But despite this, he continues bashing on the door.

He had even tried using the sword he picked up despite the low quality and the techniques he had acquired throughout his life. But it was still not enough. The sword skills that were deemed "godly", was only able to make a scratch on the door.

'...Just what is this door made of?!'

"Damnit" He cursed as he sat down.

'F*cking hell...stop pretending Sam, the door is at least 2 meters thick, there's no way you can break it open.' He thought in an attempt to discourage himself.

He crosses his legs and sighed.

Whilst sitting in what seems like an eternal prison, he couldn't do anything but reminisce to pass the time.

Haa...how simple were the days before. If only I tried harder...

'I might've, survived and lived for a few more years. Running would have been an option, but I, a commander running? My pride wouldn't allow that, I'll rather just die...'

"Yea...I did."

Dejected, he limply raises his arm and lifts his index finger.

'I can't even use magic here, nor is there mana in the air.'

As he laid down on the cold paved ground and closed his eyes, memories started resurfacing like a violent tsunami. A candles last spark.

"Agh! I can't just give up here! I'll just go ahead and give it another big push!" He yelled at the top of his lungs, hyping himself up.

"Here goes nothing!" Sam exclaimed as he got up and ran at full force.

Just as Sam body slammed the door, dust started coming out of the crevices and the ground started shaking.

'Huh?! Earthquake? No! It's opening?! What the hell is wrong with this-'

"Crap! I've put all my weight on my upper body! I'm going to fall!"

As the door fully opened, the bright sky was revealed. Strong winds and light flooded the desolate darkness.

"Damn what's with this blinding light? Wha? I'm falling?!"

"Ahhh! Why is the door up in the air?! F*ck! I'm going to fall to my death!"

Just as he fell and despair swallowed him whole, a female voice in a robotic tone suddenly uttered. "Conditions met, activation will proceed."

....

*Thud*

Suddenly, a boy in the back seat stood up and slammed his palm on his table, breaking the silence.

"Haa...haa..ha..." Sam panted. 'What's...happening?'

"Sam? What're you doing? Why're you standing up?" Says a red haired boy whilst tapping him.

"H, huh..? Ren..?" Sam breathlessly asked.

"Yes it's me! What's wrong?!" Ren replied.

Sam holds his head in pain. 'What's happening? my minds blurry, and I can't think straight-'

"SAM!" Yelled a white haired person infront of the class, a young and soft man with a strict aura.

"Y, yes sir!" Sam answered instinctively.

"What do you think you're doing? We're still in class!" Yelled the person again.

"I, I, I-I'm..." Sam stuttered.

The teacher took a closer look at him and sighed, "Take him to the infirmary Ren."

"Yes sir Oliver!" He replied.

Ugh! What's with this headache! Just what is happening to me?

"What's wrong Sam? Did a spell go wrong or something?" He looked at him worriedly.

"Uh, I, I-" Before Sam could finish his stuttering sentence, Ren covers Sam's mouth.

"Nevermind, don't talk for now." He said in a soft concerning tone.

He then wrapped his hand around Sam's shoulders and walked him to the infirmary. Looking at the scenery, rooms, and buildings, Sam can't help but feel nostalgic.

Everything felt fine earlier, why did I suddenly go out of control? Is this the karma I get from sleeping during class?

Haa... nevermind. My mind is still hazy, it would be best to try and recall some memories to refresh my mind.

Sam takes a deep breath and starts recalling his memories, he felt relieved when it was all coming back smoothly, and is slowly becoming himself again.

...But what's with this heavy feeling on my chest? Like I'm forgetting something?

...

Haa...Nevermind.

"We're here Sam." Ren said as he opens the door.

The birds chirped and the morning wind passes by, the tranquil feeling of leaving class early was felt by the two boys.

After making sure Sam was okay, Ren suggested to run as to reach the clinic faster as it was located at the other side of the school. He thought of it for a while, but as to not miss the next class, and because he's already feeling a lot better than before, he agrees. They then ran through campus, walking only after they were halfway there. Whilst Sam was in deep thought, Ren was busy jotting something down. It was an assignment in one of his classes.

As they walked through the campus, passing by multiple classes and a couple of arenas, they finally reached the clinic. A gigantic building four storey tall and 20 meters wide, though this was a normal everyday sight in the academy, they were still astonished by the sheer size of it.

"No matter how many times I see this, I still wonder how they can call it a clinic." Ren said. "It's more of a hospital at this point!"

"Come on." Sam replied.

Both of them entered the building. On first glance it looked like it had an old feeling to it, but upon closer inspection, you can see the expensive building materials used. Marble floors and startling redwood. The quality was obvious, just the thought of scratching it would scare anyone. They were once again reminded just what kind of school this is.

Students were being sent in and out rapidly. With fights and duels being a normal thing in the school, it was as expected. After a quick admiration and appreciation, they rushed through the halls to the "minor injuries" section and knocked on a door to the far left.

"Come on in..." An old man called.

Ren opens the door and they both entered, closing the door behind them before taking a seat.

"What seems to be...the problem?" The man said as he looks at them head to toe.

"Ah you see, my friend here..." Just before he could finish, the old man immediately answered.

"Oh he's..fine..it's just a good ol' mana strain...A mana flow interruption of you will..." He said.

"Phew, that's a relief." Ren sighed.

"Wow, that was quick." Added Sam.

"We gotta go now, thanks uncle!" He said as he grabs Sam's arm and pulls him out of the room.

They suddenly stormed out of the room, startling a nurse walking by. Because of the amount of injured students, it's been made a rule that every minor injury will have a visit time maximum of 5 minutes to avoid overcrowding. It was inevitable for a prestigious school which functions just like a military one.

"No problem boy, come back when you feel something is wrong..." The kind uncle muttered whilst he closed the door.

"What's the rush?" Sam exclaimed as they exit the clinic and ran.

"It's time for the next class! The teacher there is strict remember?" Ren answered whilst speeding up.

"Oh, I see." Sam answered.

Strict teacher? From what I remembered he wasn't that strict? Well, at least to me. Some may say otherwise.

Lucas Thorn, 34 years old. A practical skills teacher, teaches a class of 300 students, two of which is Sam and Ren. A black haired man with broad shoulders, tall and has a big build. Not too big to look macho, but just enough to be well toned.

I guess this year he's going to start teaching us for real. Physical training is starting to get old, the same routine everyday for 2 years.

"You must be excited for the next class right?" Ren suddenly uttered.

Sam confused by the question, hesitantly answers. "...No...Why?"

"You're joking right?" Ren stares at Sam with a puzzled face. "Have you forgotten?"

"No..?" Sam replied with a troubled face.

It's right there at my head, but I just can't get a hold of it, just what is it that he's talking about?

"This week is supposed to be our swordsmanship class." Ren said. "Yea...and?"

"You're the best swordsman in class!" He exclaimed in an admiring tone.

I, I see...Is that what I'm forgetting here?

Y, yea, that's right! I'm a swordsman! Before I dabbed into magic, I was practicing the way of the sword! How can I forget something as important as that?! Haa...I've always had a bad memory, but I didn't think it would be this bad. Well, it might've also been because of the mana interruption earlier.

Whilst running, Sam scratched his head and sighed. He had decided to refresh his knowledge, he took a deep breath and started, just like what he had done earlier.

First, magic. There are two types of mages in this world. Which are Corporeal and...Discharger? What a weird name...

Anyways, Corporeals are those who are born without the ability to absorb the mana in the air, and Dischargers are those that can.

Because Corporeals aren't able to use the mana in the air, they use the mana generated by their core to use spells. While Dischargers focus solely on the mana around them than developing their own cores, which in my opinion, is pretty bad, as they're going to be screwed if the place they're in has no mana.

With that, my knowledge on magic is refreshed, let's start with the geography.

He then again took a deep breath and started recollecting himself.

We live in a continent called the Icera Continent, despite the name, the continent has a hot climate. From the knowledge of our ancestors and till the knowledge we have now, it has been concluded that the Icera Continent is the one and only continent in the whole world.

There are over 12 kingdoms in the continent, with me living in the western southern corner of the continent, the Aula Kingdom. As for the other 11, the only ones I know is the Avery Kingdom directly north of Aula Kingdom and the Beasts Confederation, which is also right next to Aula Kingdom, directly east of it.

I've also heard of my parents talking about the Ember Dynasty north east of Avery Kingdom once during dinner.

Ren then suddenly stopped, reaching out his hand to the side to stop Sam. "We're here."

'Already? I was only able to refresh on a couple of topics...I guess the others can wait.' Sam said under his breath.

"Thanks." He replied as he was too deep in thought to realize.

"Good thing we were running in a straight line or else you would have definitely bumped into someone." Ren jokingly said.

Sam laughs awkwardly as they both enter the classroom. Since it was a practical class, which focuses in physical abilities and this one being a weapon focused one, particularly the sword, the classroom is situated in a small arena. two storey's tall and 20 meters wide.

As they both set foot inside the arena, they saw students lining up, making 5 long rows from the blackboard all the way to the entrance. With an elevated field to the left.

"Woah, that's a lot of students." Ren said. "I wonder what's the occasion?"

It looks like there are over 500 students here, that's more than usual! Well, it's not like 300 students is a small number... But still, the place is completely packed!

"Hey you two!" A tall black haired man called.

Woah, look at his broad shoulders. That's teacher Lucas right?

"What're you doing there day dreaming, line up! We're starting!" He shouted.

"Ah, yes sir!" They replied.

Why are we lining up though? Can't we sit down on our seats?

Sam looks infront of the line, seeing Lucas tend to the students with a clip board on his left hand and a pen on the other. Upon the sight, he stops complaining.

...It looks like teacher Lucas is still handling the other students, it's best to not add anymore problems-

"What're you-", A girl suddenly cuts and lines up infront of Ren and taps Sam's back, "Hello!".

"Huh?" He turns around.

"You!"

She's!