The Burden of Leadership

The crimson sun rose over the Hunter’s Realm, signaling a new beginning. The Ranking Reassessment had ended in chaos and blood, but Nero and his team emerged victorious. Their performance was overwhelming—enough to catch the eyes of the Academy Elders.

By nightfall, the announcement spread like wildfire.

“Nero Valtore, Kain Argos, Lena Faye, and Arden Holt—you are hereby promoted to Rank-B Elite Hunters. From this day forward, you will each take on disciples, guiding the next generation of hunters.”

The hall roared with applause, but Nero stood still, his eyes unreadable. Disciples… the word felt foreign.

Kain chuckled, slapping Nero’s back. “Guess we’re the big shots now, huh?”

Lena smirked. “Took long enough. I’m ready to whip those rookies into shape.”

Arden’s expression remained calm, but even he couldn’t hide the pride in his eyes.

Nero nodded slowly. “This is just the beginning.”

---

The next morning, the Ceremony of Binding commenced. Hundreds of younger students gathered, eyes wide with both fear and excitement. Their fate—now tied to the hands of Nero and his comrades.

The Elder stepped forward. “Today, you meet your disciples. They are not friends… not allies. They are your responsibility. Fail them… and their blood is on your hands.”

Each Elite Hunter was called forward.

“Kain Argos. Your disciple—Raven Elric. Age sixteen. Specializes in short blades.”

Kain grinned, ruffling Raven’s hair. “Hope you’re ready, kid.”

“Lena Faye. Your disciple—Mira Valen. Prodigy in elemental magic.”

Lena’s sharp eyes narrowed at the small girl trembling before her. “Stop shaking. You’ll survive… if you listen.”

“Arden Holt. Your disciple—Silas Drein. Spear-user, known for his raw strength.”

Arden simply nodded. “You’ll follow my steps or die trying.”

Finally, the hall fell silent.

“Nero Valtore… your disciple—Ezren Kael. Age seventeen. Cursed bloodline. Weak, but holds… potential.”

Nero’s eyes darkened. Cursed bloodline? He stepped forward, facing Ezren—a pale boy with silver hair and dull red eyes.

“I’m not here to be your friend,” Nero said coldly. “Prove you’re worth my time… or you won’t last.”

Ezren nodded once. “I… understand.”

---

Training began the next day.

Kain drilled Raven until his hands bled, forcing him to master blade stances. “You can’t hesitate. Not once. Demons don’t wait.”

Lena pushed Mira to her limits, forcing her to channel raw elemental power. “Your magic is weak because you fear it. Stop fearing it… or it will consume you.”

Arden and Silas clashed daily—sparks flying as spear met sword. “Endurance… strength… you have potential, boy. But potential is useless if you break.”

Nero watched them from afar before dragging Ezren into the forest.

“You… cursed bloodline, huh?” Nero asked darkly.

Ezren nodded. “My family was slaughtered… because of the blood I carry.”

Nero’s cold stare softened for a breath. “Good. Use that hatred. Now—show me your power.”

Ezren hesitated… then his veins turned black, and red mist seeped from his skin.

Nero’s lips curled slightly. “Not bad. But if you can’t control it… you’ll die.”

---

Weeks passed. Blood, sweat, and pain became their new normal.

One night, as the team gathered near the cliff overlooking the academy, Kain laughed, “I kinda like having a kid around… makes me feel important.”

Lena smirked. “Mira’s tough. I might actually make a mage out of her.”

Arden nodded. “Silas… might just surpass me one day.”

Nero stared silently at Ezren, who sat quietly by the fire.