Prologue – 1230 BC

A blood-red dawn stretched across the battlefield, casting long shadows over fallen warriors. The air was thick with the metallic scent of blood and the acrid sting of burned earth.

Seven warriors stood in a broken circle, their armor cracked, their bodies trembling with exhaustion.

The Devil God loomed before them—an ancient, monstrous entity, its form shifting between solid and shadow. It let out a guttural laugh, the sound vibrating through the ruined land.

“You cannot kill me,” it whispered, voice like rusted metal grinding against stone.

The leader of the warriors, Elder Xiang, tightened his grip on his staff, golden runes flickering weakly along its surface. “Then we will do the next best thing.”

The warriors raised their hands in unison. A chant, ancient and powerful, wove through the air, the very fabric of reality trembling beneath its weight.

The Devil God screamed, thrashing against the magic pulling it into the abyss. Its claws tore into the ground, but the spell held firm.

One by one, the warriors collapsed. Their life force drained into the seal, ensuring its power would last.

As the final words of the incantation fell from Elder Xiang’s lips, the battlefield fell silent. The Devil God was gone, locked away.

But as the last warrior took their final breath, Elder Xiang whispered a prophecy—one that would echo across centuries.

“When the shadows rise again… so too shall the person who can end them.”

Chapter 1 – Present Day, December 10, 2040

The scars of The Bloody War remained, woven into the fabric of history. Humanity had advanced, merging magic with technology to rebuild civilization, yet shadows still lurked in the corners of the world. Devils and demons—remnants of the past—had not been entirely vanquished. The Academy of Magic was established to train warriors, the last line of defense against the growing darkness.

The Academy divided its warriors into four factions, each mastering a unique discipline:

Healers (The Revivors): Guardians of life, their magic mended both flesh and spirit.

Mages (The Spell Crafters): Scholars of arcane energy, bending the elements to their will.

Warriors (The Eradicators): The frontline fighters, swift and unyielding in battle.

Defenders (The Supporters): The shield of the Academy, reinforcing allies and fortifying defenses.

Riverstone High School – 10th Grade, Class A

“Xie Lin, stop talking! Go stand at the back!” Sensei’s sharp voice echoed through the classroom.

The room erupted in laughter as Xie Lin groaned, dragging her feet to the back. She slumped against the wall, glaring at her best friends, Xi Lu and Xi Min, who were struggling to suppress their laughter.

During lunch break, they gathered under the old sakura tree.

“Don’t be mad,” Xi Lu teased. “Sensei just likes you too much.”

“Yeah, like a drill sergeant likes their weakest recruit,” Xie Lin muttered, taking a bite of her sandwich.

Xi Min changed the subject. “Forget that. Did you see the news last night?”

Xi Lu’s eyes lit up. “Sir Xian Li, the S-rank warrior, fought a demon live on air! He was incredible!”

Xie Lin grinned. “Imagine how cool it’ll be when we awaken and join the Academy of Magic!”

Xi Min’s expression darkened. “That’s a dream for nobles and bloodlines tied to ancient warriors. Our families have been ordinary humans for generations. It’d take a miracle.”

Xie Lin sighed, watching the sky. Little did she know, fate had already set its course.

Bastar Academy of Magic – The War Council

In the heart of the Academy, twelve S-rank warriors sat around a grand circular table. Tension crackled in the air like an impending storm.

Ye Lim, the S-rank Defender, sighed dramatically. “Why drag us here during lunch? This better be important.”

Siu Men, the S-rank Mage, shot him a glare. “Maybe because the fate of the world is at stake?”

Gu Min, the S-rank Warrior, rolled his eyes. “Here we go again.”

“Honestly, they act like an old married couple,” Fi Ye, another Defender, whispered to Ru An, the Healer, who chuckled under her breath.

A sudden hush fell over the room as Elder Yin, the head of the Academy, entered. His presence commanded instant respect, his aged face etched with concern.

“History repeats itself,” Elder Yin’s voice was grave. “The Devil God’s seal is weakening.”

A cold silence followed. The room felt smaller, the air heavier.

Ye Min, a battle-hardened warrior, narrowed her eyes. “That’s impossible. The seal was meant to last forever.”

Ru An’s voice was steady, but laced with unease. “We thought the same centuries ago.”

Elder Yin’s expression darkened. “There have been signs—dark omens, tremors, and an increase in demonic activity. The Dragon Seal cannot hold much longer.”

Siu Men clenched her fists. “Then we must prepare. We cannot allow another Bloody War.”

Elder Yin’s gaze swept across the room. “There is… another matter.”

A new voice cut through the tension. “Are you going to tell them about the person?”

Everyone turned toward Elder Bei, the Academy’s advisor.

Xian Li, the S-rank Warrior, leaned forward. “What person?”

A heavy silence filled the grand chamber as Elder Yin hesitated before speaking. His voice, though steady, carried the weight of something ancient—something foreboding.

“According to legend,” he began, his gaze sweeping across the gathered warriors and scholars, “when the Devil God reawakens, a person with immense power shall be born in the West. The person alone will possess the strength to defeat it.”

The room erupted into murmurs. Some whispered in disbelief, others in cautious intrigue. Prophecies were often riddles wrapped in uncertainty, yet the weight of this one settled upon them like an unshakable truth.

At the center of the gathering, Siu Men’s eyes gleamed with determination. The golden runes faintly etched on her fingertips pulsed as she tightened her grip on her staff. “If this person exists, we must find him/her before the darkness does.”

Fi Ye, ever the skeptic, crossed his arms. “And has the person been identified?”

Elder Bei shook his head, his expression grave. “Not yet.”

Elder Yin turned to two of the most promising warriors in the room—Xian Li and Gu Min. “I want you both to travel West. Find the person before the enemy does.”

Gu Min, who had been leaning lazily against a pillar, straightened with a groan. “The West? You do realize how big that place is, right? It’s mostly humans! We’d be searching for a needle in a haystack.”

Siu Men chuckled softly, an amused glint in her eyes. “Leave that to me.”

She closed her eyes, exhaling slowly. The air shifted. A golden light flickered to life around her, weaving delicate patterns in the air before swirling toward the enchanted map stretched across the table. Energy pulsed through the room—calm yet undeniable, like ripples on the surface of a still lake.

Then, Siu Men’s eyes snapped open. “Rubel City.”

The golden light faded, the energy dissipating into the air. She tapped the map, her voice unwavering. “I sensed an unusual fluctuation in that area. It’s faint, but it’s definitely not ordinary magic. Whatever we’re looking for, it’s there.”

A moment of silence followed as the gathered warriors studied the map. Gu Min exhaled, shaking his head. “Alright, even if we start at Rubel City, where exactly should we begin? That place isn’t small, you know. This could still take forever.”

Elder Bei leaned forward, his fingers tracing a point on the map. His voice was firm. “We don’t have the luxury of time. The weakening of the seal began seventeen years ago—meaning that’s when the child should have been born, as foretold by the legend.”

He paused, letting the realization settle in before continuing. “If she’s around seventeen now, she’s most likely a student. The best place to start… is the city’s only high school.”

Gu Min let out a low whistle. “So we’re basically playing detective at a human school? This is going to be interesting.”

Siu Men gave a knowing smile. “A school may seem like an ordinary place, but don’t underestimate it. Power can awaken anywhere.”

Xian Li, who had remained silent throughout the exchange, finally spoke. His voice was measured, unreadable. “We don’t know who the child is yet. We should be careful.”

Xian Li, his sharp eyes remained fixed on the glowing mark on the map, thoughts already racing ahead.

Far away, in the quiet town of Rubel City, Xie Lin’s heart pounded in her chest as an unfamiliar sensation surged through her veins. It was distant, yet undeniably present—like a whisper at the edge of her consciousness.

She had no idea that her name was already written on the pages of history—waiting to be revealed.

The First Awakening

Xie Lin’s dreams were filled with strange visions—flashes of crimson skies, a looming dark figure, and an ancient voice whispering her name. She gasped awake, her body drenched in sweat. Something inside her felt… different.

Her hands trembled as she reached for the glass of water on her bedside table. The moment her fingers brushed it, the glass shattered into tiny shards, sending water spilling over the floor.

Her heart pounded. This wasn’t normal.

“What the hell…” she whispered, staring at her shaking hands.

A knock at the door startled her. “Xie Lin?” It was Xi Min’s voice. “Are you okay?”

She hesitated. “Y-Yeah. Just a bad dream.”

Xi Min paused. “Sensei told us there’s an announcement tomorrow at school. Something about new potential recruits for the Academy of Magic.”

Xie Lin frowned. The Academy never scouted students from their town.

“Get some rest,” Xi Min added. “See you tomorrow.”

As Xie Lin lay back down, she felt the whispers return, stronger this time.

Far across the land, Xian Li and Gu Min travel through the night, heading westward.

“The prophecy better be true,” Gu Min muttered. “Or we’re chasing a ghost.”

Xian Li’s eyes remained fixed on the horizon. “If the Devil God returns, we’ll need all the power we can get.”

Unbeknownst to them, something—or someone—was already hunting for the child.

And time was running out.

The journey to Rubel City was long, and by the time Xian Li and Gu Min arrived, night had fallen. They checked into a modest hotel, exhaustion evident in their movements.

As they entered the town, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Riverstone High students gathered in groups, whispering and giggling, hoping to be chosen by the legendary warriors. Girls stole glances at the S-ranks, nudging each other and whispering about how handsome Xian Li and Gu Min looked.

“I swear, if I get chosen, I might just faint on the spot,” one girl giggled.

“Forget that! Just imagine training under Xian Li!” another sighed dreamily.

Gu Min smirked, overhearing their chatter. “Seems like we have fans.”

Xian Li rolled his eyes. “We start the search tomorrow,” he muttered.

Gu Min sighed. “Let’s just hope this child actually exists.”

Morning arrived swiftly. The two warriors made their way to the only high school in town—Riverstone High. With keen eyes, they observed the students, testing for any signs of power.

Among them was Ming Ke, the school’s top student and a striking beauty. Smart, skilled, and admired by many, she was often the center of attention. She had long been considered the perfect candidate for the Academy, a title she wore with pride. Yet, her biggest irritation was Xie Lin—a quiet girl who, despite her ordinary nature, seemed to attract attention in ways Ming Ke could never understand.

Two days passed, but the search yielded nothing.

“Was it all a lie?” Gu Min muttered, frustrated.

Meanwhile, Xie Lin had been feeling increasingly unwell. A strange fever wracked her body, and her dreams became more vivid—visions of an ancient battlefield, a monstrous figure, and whispers calling her name.

Xi Min looked at her worriedly. “Xie Lin, you don’t look so good. You should go home.”

“I’m fine,” Xie Lin mumbled, though her head was spinning.

But something deep within her had awakened, and she was about to discover that she was anything but ordinary.

Just as they were about to give up, Ming Ke unexpectedly awakened her powers. The Academy immediately recruited her, believing she could be the one. Ming Ke basked in the attention, her usual confidence swelling. She threw a smug glance at Xie Lin, as if silently declaring victory.

That night, however, devils attacked the girls’ dormitory. Their monstrous howls shattered the silence, drawing terrified students outside. Xie Lin and Ming Ke were among them. Fear gripped the air.

Xian Li and the other S-rank warriors arrived swiftly, dispatching the devils with ease. But one managed to slip past them, lunging toward Xie Lin and Ming Ke.

Then, something strange happened.

The devil froze mid-attack, its glowing red eyes widening in terror—not at Ming Ke, but at Xie Lin.

For a split second, confusion flickered in its monstrous gaze, its sharp claws trembling mid-strike. But before anyone could process why, Xian Li struck, his blade cutting through the beast with deadly precision.

The monster collapsed into dust.

Xian Li instinctively caught Xie Lin before she hit the ground. Her body burned with fever, her consciousness slipping as she muttered something under her breath—words even she couldn’t understand. Though they were soft and incoherent, something about them made Xian Li’s grip tighten ever so slightly.

By morning, the S-rank warriors had given her medicine, and her fever subsided. She awoke feeling strangely refreshed.

Then, the real shock came.

When they tested her, Xie Lin awakened. The very air around her seemed to shift with power. Gasps filled the room as realization dawned on everyone—Xie Lin was no ordinary girl.

Her two best friends, Xi Min and Xi Lu, rushed to hug her.

“You did it!” Xi Min beamed.

“I knew you had it in you!” Xi Lu grinned, wiping away a tear. “We’re so proud of you, Lin!”

The three girls held onto each other, knowing this moment would change everything.

But not everyone was happy.

The other girls, especially those who had long admired Xian Li, whispered amongst themselves. Jealousy burned in their eyes.

“Why her?” one murmured.

“She’s just a quiet nobody,” another scoffed.

“Did Xian Li carrying her have something to do with it?”

Xie Lin ignored the murmurs around her, her heart pounding in her chest. “How is this possible? Just last night, I had dreamed of awakening, and now...”, she said to herself. The shock threatened to overwhelm her, but beneath it, excitement flickered like a flame. This was real. It was happening.

No. I can’t get lost in this. Xie Lin clenched her fists. The academy… I have to go. But first, I have to convince my family. And that… won’t be easy.

Doubt crept in, but so did something else—a question that refused to be ignored. Why am I having these dreams? They weren’t just ordinary visions. First, she dreamt of awakening, and now it had become real. Was it a coincidence? Or was there something more?

A shiver ran down her spine. What if the dreams mean something? What if they’re trying to tell me something?

She exhaled sharply, shaking off the unease. One step at a time. First, the academy. Then, the truth.

The Academy quickly notified the parents of the newly awakened girls.

Ming Ke’s parents, wealthy business owners, were overjoyed. They readily agreed, seeing this as another stepping stone for their daughter’s success.

Xie Lin’s parents, however, were shocked and hesitant.

“Magic is dangerous,” her mother said, her voice trembling. “You could get hurt. What if something happens to you?”

Her father’s expression was grim. “We’ve lived a simple life, Lin. You don’t need to go down this path.”

Xie Lin took a deep breath. She understood their fear, but something inside her told her she had to go. There was something she needed to understand about herself—something she couldn’t do if she stayed.

“I have to do this,” she said softly. “I’ll be safe. I promise.”

“But—”

“The Academy is the best place for her to learn,” Xian Li suddenly said, stepping forward. His voice was steady, calm. “She will be trained, guided, and protected.”

Gu Min added with a grin, “And she’s got me! If she ever gets into trouble, I’ll carry her out myself!”

Her parents finally sighed in reluctant acceptance.

“Alright,” her father said at last. “But you must promise us—you’ll come back safe.”

Xie Lin nodded, hugging them tightly.

And just like that, her life changed forever.

Ming Ke immediately sought out the S-rank warriors, engaging them in conversation and trying to capture their attention.

Meanwhile, Xie Lin remained silent. Gu Min nudged her, grinning. “Why so quiet? Scared?” he teased.

Xie Lin shook her head. “Just thinking.”

Gu Min chuckled. “Thinking about how Xian Li carried you like a princess? You’ve already won half the battle.”

Xie Lin embarrassed. “It wasn’t like that.”

“Right, right,” Gu Min smirked. “Totally normal to faint into a handsome warrior’s arms. Happens all the time.”

Ming Ke shot them a glare before flipping her hair and focusing on the S-ranks once more.

Their journey was long, and the mode of transport? A grand magical plane, far beyond anything Xie Lin had ever seen before. It soared smoothly above the clouds, but something about the altitude made her dizzy. Or perhaps it was the way Xian Li kept glancing at her, as if sensing something was off.

Xie Lin finally spoke, her voice calm but laced with suspicion. “Why did you come to our academy? No one has ever come before.”

Xian Li met her gaze, his expression unreadable. “Because something is different this time.”

Gu Min leaned back, smirking. “And by ‘different,’ he means you.”

Xie Lin frowned but said nothing. Deep down, she already knew something was changing—something she wasn’t sure she was ready for.

Xian Li didn’t look convinced. His sharp gaze lingered a moment longer before he turned away.

Gu Min stretched lazily. “Well, this is going to be fun. A rival drama between two beautiful girls, jealous classmates, and a silent, brooding S-rank. I should’ve brought popcorn.”

Ming Ke scoffed. “You’re enjoying this too much.”

“How can I not?” Gu Min grinned. “If I were Xian Li, I’d have at least five girls clinging to me by now. Missed opportunity, my friend.”

Xian Li ignored him, while Xie Lin sighed.

As the magical plane soared above the clouds, Xie Lin finally turned to Xian Li. “Why did you guys come to our academy? No one’s come to recruit here in decades.”

Xian Li glanced at her, then shrugged. “Something’s different this time.”

Gu Min leaned forward with a smirk. “And by ‘different,’ he means—”

Before he could finish, Xian Li shot him a look.

Gu Min groaned dramatically. “Oh, come on. It’s not even that big of a deal.”

Xie Lin raised an eyebrow. “Then just say it.”

Gu Min grinned. “Well, there’s this prophecy—9u8”

Before he could say another word, Xian Li casually reached over and clamped a hand over Gu Min’s mouth. “Don’t listen to him,” Xian Li said dryly. “The S-rank mage, Siu Men, just sensed some interesting power around here. That’s all.”

Gu Min freed himself, rubbing his jaw. “Ugh, dramatic much? You make it sound so serious. Basically, some crazy-strong magic popped up in the area, and everyone got curious. No big deal.”

Xie Lin blinked. “That’s… still kind of a big deal.”

Gu Min laughed. “Maybe! But hey, look on the bright side—you get to ride in this fancy plane with us now. Perks, right?”

Xie Lin sighed, shaking her head as Gu Min shot her a playful wink.

Xian Li simply watched her for a moment longer before looking away.

Soon, they arrived in the city of Bastar. Their plane landed at the airport, where the city buzzed with life despite the late hour. Magic pulsed all around them, filling the air with an energy different from their own city.

Ming Ke, having visited before, remained unfazed, but Xie Lin was mesmerized. Her eyes sparkled as she took in the breathtaking view. “How beautiful!” she murmured, her awe evident.

Ming Ke glanced at her and smirked. “Why so shocked? Oh, right—it’s your first time here. I’ve been here plenty of times.”

Xie Lin flushed with embarrassment.

Gu Min chuckled. “Well, since it’s your first time, why don’t we have some fun first?” He then glanced at Xian Li.

Xian Li let out a quiet sigh but gave a small nod.

The group stepped out of the airport, greeted by the vibrant cityscape of Bastar. Towering buildings shimmered under the glow of floating lanterns, their light casting a warm, golden hue across the bustling streets. The air thrummed with energy—magic woven into the very fabric of the city, humming beneath their feet, whispering in the wind.

Xie Lin could hardly tear her gaze away. “It’s even more incredible up close…” she murmured.

Gu Min grinned. “Told you. Bastar’s got its own charm. It’s not just the magic—it’s the way the city never really sleeps.”

Ming Ke stretched lazily. “Alright, are we heading straight to the guild, or do we get to enjoy the city first?”

Xian Li, spoke up. “The guild can wait until morning. It’s late, and we should rest.”

Gu Min scoffed. “Rest? Come on, we just got here! Let’s explore a little. At least let Xie Lin experience Bastar properly.”

Xie Lin hesitated, glancing between them. “I… wouldn’t mind looking around a bit.”

Xian Li sighed, rubbing his temple. “Fine. But only for a short while.”

Gu Min smirked, throwing an arm around Xie Lin’s shoulders. “That’s the spirit! Stick with me, newbie. I’ll show you all the best spots.”

Ming Ke rolled her eyes. “More like all the best trouble.”

With that, the group set off into the heart of the city, disappearing into the sea of glowing lanterns and flickering magic, where adventure—and perhaps danger—awaited.

As they wandered through the city, the streets pulsed with life. Shops overflowed with glowing trinkets, enchanted textiles shimmered in store windows, and street performers wielded magic like an art form—conjuring illusions, bending fire into mesmerizing shapes, and making objects float in the air. The scent of spiced food drifted through the alleys, mingling with the crisp night breeze.

Xie Lin’s eyes sparkled with wonder as she took everything in. “This place feels alive.”

Gu Min chuckled. “That’s Bastar for you. Magic isn’t just something people use here—it’s woven into their daily lives.”

Ming Ke nudged Xie Lin playfully. “Still amazed?”

Xie Lin nodded, unable to hide her excitement. “It’s like something out of a dream.”

Gu Min stretched his arms behind his head. “Well then, newbie, how about we make your first night here memorable? I know a great place.”

Xian Li shot him a knowing look. “If it involves getting into trouble, I’m saying no.”

Gu Min grinned. “Relax, it’s nothing crazy. Just a local tavern—good food, music, and maybe a few fun challenges if we’re lucky.”

Ming Ke smirked. “You mean the ‘Trials of Bastar’?”

Xie Lin looked between them, curiosity piqued. “What’s that?”

Gu Min’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “A little game some of the taverns here run. It’s part magic, part skill. Win, and you get a special prize. Lose… well, let’s just say it’s all in good fun.”

Xian Li sighed. “I have a bad feeling about this.”

But Xie Lin, emboldened by the thrill of the city, found herself smiling. “I think I want to try.”

Gu Min laughed. “That’s the spirit! Let’s go.”

With that, they set off through the vibrant streets, disappearing into the heart of the city, where excitement—and perhaps a few surprises—awaited.

The group wove through the bustling streets, dodging vendors and performers, until they reached a large, two-story building glowing with lantern light. A wooden sign above the entrance read The Emberfang Tavern, its letters shimmering faintly with embedded magic. The air inside was thick with the scent of roasted meats, spiced ale, and the faint tang of something arcane.

Laughter and music filled the space. Patrons sat around sturdy wooden tables, some engaged in animated conversation, others watching a group of musicians playing enchanted instruments that strummed and hummed on their own.

Gu Min spread his arms. “Welcome to the best tavern in Bastar!”

Xie Lin’s eyes darted around, taking in the lively crowd, the flickering torches that changed color every few moments, and the floating trays delivering drinks to customers. “It’s incredible…”

Ming Ke smirked. “Just wait. The real fun hasn’t even started yet.”

As if on cue, a booming voice rang out from the center of the room.

“Ladies and gentlemen, travelers and adventurers alike—another round of the Trials of Bastar begins now! Step forward if you dare to test your wit, magic, and skill for a chance at glory and treasure!”

A section of the tavern transformed before their eyes. The wooden floor rippled, shifting like liquid, then solidified into an elevated stage. A glowing inscription hovered in the air: CHALLENGERS WANTED.

Xie Lin gasped. “The floor just… moved.”

Gu Min grinned. “Told you, this place is special.”

Xian Li exhaled, already resigned to what was coming next. “I suppose we’re doing this?”

Gu Min clapped a hand on Xie Lin’s shoulder. “You wanted to try, right?”

Xie Lin hesitated but then nodded, her heart pounding with anticipation. “I do.”

Ming Ke stretched. “Alright, count me in.”

The announcer, a broad-shouldered man with a thick beard and glowing blue tattoos, grinned as he spotted them. “Ah, we have fresh challengers! Step forward, and may the Trials test your mettle!”

The crowd cheered as the group made their way to the stage, where three pedestals stood, each holding a floating, glowing orb.

Gu Min leaned toward Xie Lin. “Alright, here’s how it works. We each pick a trial orb. Could be a puzzle, a combat challenge, or something completely unexpected. Luck of the draw.”

Xie Lin took a deep breath. “And if we win?”

Ming Ke smirked. “We get a prize. Could be gold, a rare artifact, or just bragging rights. Either way, it’s worth it.”

Gu Min gestured to the glowing orbs. “Ladies first.”

Xie Lin stepped forward, heart hammering. She reached out, fingers brushing against the cool, pulsing surface of the leftmost orb.

It flared with light.

The announcer grinned. “The Trial of the Arcane Veil! A test of magic and perception. Let’s see if our challenger can see through the illusions!”

The crowd erupted in cheers.

Gu Min nudged her playfully. “Good luck, newbie. Try not to embarrass yourself.”

Xie Lin swallowed hard but then steeled herself. She was ready.

Let the trial begin.