The announcement echoed through the academy halls: “Your ranks will determine your placement within the academy, as well as the privileges you receive.”
Among them, Nero Valtore stood tall—his cold eyes betraying no emotion as whispers filled the air. Rank #1. A cursed number… and a target.
Instructor Vane’s voice was sharp, “Nero Valtore, Arden Cross, Lena Voss, Kain Drelos—Team Black Fang. Report to the Hollow Woods Realm at dawn. You’ll prove if your ranks were earned.”
Without a word, Nero turned, his shadow long in the fading light.
---
The Hollow Woods Realm was nothing like the academy grounds—its twisted trees seemed alive, their branches clawing at the sky. A suffocating mist crept over the land, dark and heavy.
Professor Alden met them at the edge. “Your mission is simple. A mutated demon beast lurks here—hunt it, kill it, bring me the core. No support. No rescue.”
Kain grinned, bloodlust flashing in his eyes. “Finally, something worthy of a fight.”
Lena’s crimson gaze stayed cold. “Let’s just finish this.”
Arden scoffed. “Try to stay alive.”
Nero nodded once. “Move.”
---
Hours passed. The forest grew darker with every step. The air was thick with the scent of death.
“It’s watching us,” Nero muttered.
Then—a roar shattered the silence.
The demon beast burst forth, a grotesque fusion of bone and flesh, four blood-red eyes gleaming with hatred. Its form twisted—a hulking monster with elongated claws dripping venom.
“Formation!” Nero barked.
Arden struck first, slashing through the mist, but the beast retaliated fast, hurling him aside like a doll.
Kain roared, fists blazing with energy, slamming blow after blow into the beast’s ribs. Still, it stood.
Lena’s chains wrapped its limbs, slowing it—if only for a moment.
Nero seized the opening, driving his black blade deep into the beast’s side. A bellow of rage echoed—but it wasn’t over.
The beast twisted unnaturally and crumbled—its body collapsing into the ground.
Breaths heaved. Kain cursed. “Is that it?”
Lena wiped blood from her cheek. “Too easy.”
Nero narrowed his eyes. “No… something’s wrong—”
The ground split open.
The true form of the beast surged forth, larger, faster—a black-furred demon wolf with jagged bone protrusions and crimson eyes.
Before anyone could move, it lunged.
Its massive claw struck Nero directly in the chest—piercing his heart.
Time stopped.
Blood sprayed. Nero’s breath caught, his body frozen in the beast’s grip.
Kain’s eyes went wide. “NERO!”
Lena screamed. “NO!”
The beast growled, its fangs bared—ready to rip Nero apart.
But Nero coughed blood, his lips twisting into a faint smirk. Weakly, he spoke, voice cracking, “Kain… run. Get them out… now.”
Kain hesitated, trembling with rage. “I’m not leaving you—”
“GO!” Nero roared, blood dripping from his mouth.
The beast snarled, tightening its claws around Nero’s heart.
Lena grabbed Kain, tears in her eyes. “We move… now!”
Arden, pale with shock, nodded stiffly.
They fled into the mist, hearts pounding—Nero’s blood painting the earth behind them.
And Nero… faced the beast alone.
His last thoughts—“I won’t die… not like this… not again.”
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