Life Gallery 27 - Demonic First Stop

Scene: Second Years Group Study

INT. ST. ALARIC ACADEMY – SUPERPOWER BRANCH SECOND-YEAR CLASSROOM – MORNING

The classroom bustles with a palpable energy as the second-year students file in, filling every seat. At the front of the room, Dominic, the class representative, is organizing a stack of documents with information on each examiner set for their mid-term exam. Amid the noise, the door swings open, and Yue steps in, capturing everyone's attention. With his usual calm confidence, he strides over to Dominic.

Yue: "Dominic, I need the list of examiners. The teachers and the hunters."

Dominic (nodding): "Oh… your majesty… Of course. But first… can you lead a group study for us? We'll need to cover strategies against each examiner, and there's no one better suited than you to help organize it."

Yue pauses, considering the proposal, then nods.

Yue: "Alright, I'll lead it. Let's get everyone together."

Some days later, all of the second-year students gather in the classroom for the long-awaited group study session. The entire class's presence surprises Lysander and Angela, who sit close to each other, observing the crowded room with faint amusement.

Lysander (whispering to Angela): "It looks like Yue is practically idolized here…"

Angela (whispering back): "Yeah... So much power yet he always comes to us."

As the students settle in, Yue moves to the front of the classroom, his presence commanding as he faces his classmates. His expression is calm, yet his gaze holds a spark of determination.

Yue: "I am grateful that you all chose to join us today. We, this year's second-years, are the strongest batch in the storied history of St. Alaric Academy. The best and brightest have gathered here, and as your de facto leader, I'm honored to help lead us all through this Mid-Term Exam. Together, we'll strategize and face these challenges as a team."

The students break into applause, some exchanging impressed nods, their admiration clear. The class feels a renewed sense of unity and purpose, inspired by Yue's words.

With the class settled in, the projector hums to life as it casts images of the examiners and the city-like battlefield on the wall. Yue steps forward and gestures for everyone's attention, setting the scene.

Yue: "Alright, let's start with an overview of the exam procedure. Lysander, fill us in on what to expect?"

Lysander: "Got it. The exam will take place within a simulated cityscape, designed inside a massive barrier. This barrier keeps any potential collateral damage contained. Now, there are two ways to pass. The first is to escape. Somewhere in this city, there's a hidden border. If you find it and cross it, you pass. The other way is to fight the examiner and win. Immobilized them."

A wave of excited murmurs rolls through the room as students realize they could pass by escaping rather than facing down their formidable teachers.

Lysander (cutting in with a knowing smile): "But don't get ahead of yourselves. Escaping isn't easy. Think of this as an open dungeon—an urban maze where you'll be dropped without a map. Plus, both students need to get through the border. One escape is not enough to pass."

The murmuring dies down as the students consider the challenges ahead.

Yue: "With that covered, let's start discussing each examiner. Angela, take it from here."

Angela steps forward, and the projector shifts to display profiles and images of the examiners. She clicks to the first profile, bringing up a stern figure adorned with rings on each finger.

Angela: "First, we have your homeroom teacher, Professor Roderick. He's a Grand Mage, proficient in all elemental magic. He wears ten rings. These rings are not actually powerful weapons or relics but a recording device. Its job is to record the magic circles that he used so that he can get access to his magic without chanting or drawing magic circles. In terms of speed, his magic is as fast as superpower so he is among the stronger opponents with the ability to use all elements and use it as fast as superpower. He is usually regarded as the second strongest teacher of our school after the headmistress."

Arlo (muttering in disbelief): "He's basically a god with every element… Who's supposed to take him on? Yue?"

Yue: "Nope, I'm up against the superhero, John Carter."

Ludociel: "That would be me and my partner, Amara Greendale."

Amara Greendale (nervous): "Yeah… it's us."

Lysander (thoughtfully): "I have seen your power, Amara. Vine manipulation, right? I don't think your team up is good against Professor Roderick. His fire can easily free him from the vines and he can easily defend from Ludociel's light. Ludociel is the only one who can contribute here since she can fly to find the exit and fast enough to challenge professor Roderick."

Amara looks down, uncertain, but Ludociel quickly comes to her defense.

Ludociel: "We've got a strategy, don't we, Amara? We know our strengths and limitations."

Lysander (smirk): "Really? Then, I guess, we don't need to talk about him anymore? Good. Let's move on."

Amara (surprised): "No!! Wait, can you tell us your thoughts?"

Lysander: "If I had to strategize? Ludociel, you're fast and can fly—use that to scout for the exit while Amara here stalls him. You could create a Sanctuary around her for protection while you search. Roderick's powerful, but his lack of mobility could be your advantage. He's unlikely to chase you on foot. That said, be prepared—if he uses something high-level, like Abyss Break, it could obliterate the entire area along with Ludociel's Sanctuary."

Amara (surprised): "That…"

Ludociel (raised one eyebrow): "So… No sure way?"

Lysander (shrugs) "You can fly and you are fast. If you find out the exit first, you win. Otherwise, he wins. Amara and you don't have enough firepower to deal with Professor Roderick so you can stop thinking about fighting him... Ludociel, if you really want a fight, then try to choose someone with high firepower to cover your lack of offensive capability while benefiting from your defensive capability instead of Amara who is more about versatility than offensive capability." 

Amara (relieved): "Oh... So, it's not my fault?"

Lysander: "No one is at fault. You have your perks. It's just that your perks are not suitable in dealing with Professor Roderick."

With the projector humming softly in the background, the class turns its attention to Angela, who has just finished the analysis on Professor Roderick. As she clicks to the next profile, a photo of Professor Aster appears—a middle-aged man with a focused expression.

Angela: "Next up is Professor Aster, the first years' homeroom teacher. His power neutralizes any superpower, effectively stopping it from being activated. We believe he activates this ability through his eyesight."

Marvin Merkel: "Heinz and I are up against him. Any advice on how we might handle that?"

Yue (nodding): "First, introduce yourselves and your abilities. Some here, like my cousins, might not know you, and we need full knowledge of your strengths to come up with a strategy."

Heinz Edgar (straightening up): "I'm Heinz Edgar, and my partner here is Marvin Merkel. We both use sonic waves—Heinz as a defensive shield and Marvin as offensive attack waves."

Lysander (grinning): "It's interesting that the school assigned Professor Aster to you two. Your pairing of offense and defense sounds ideal for most fights, but you're up against someone who can cancel your powers outright."

Marvin: "So… do you have any ideas on how to make that work?"

Angela (thoughtfully): "Professor Aster has a PhD in martial arts. He's one of the strongest teachers in terms of physical skill and technique. So, even without any flashy powers, he'll be a formidable opponent for the two of you, especially since you won't be able to rely on your powers in a straightforward way."

Heinz (frowning): "So, we're going up against a martial arts expert with no real way to use our own strengths?"

Lysander: "Not necessarily. Remember, his power is triggered through eyesight. A well-timed sneak attack could work. And don't forget you can always use the environment. His ability neutralizes superpowers, but that won't stop you from using your surroundings."

The two students exchange thoughtful looks, considering the new approach.

Yue (firmly): "Good. Let's keep moving forward. We have a lot more examiners to cover."

Angela clicks the projector to the next slide, which displays the profile of Dreyfus Londinium, a tall, imposing figure in gleaming armor from the Knights of Orleans, his hand surrounded by an intense, radiant light.

Angela: "Next, we have Dreyfus Londinium, a pro-hunter from the Knights of Orleans. His power is A-ranked light manipulation, similar to that of our Queen, Ludociel."

Yue (looking toward Ludociel): "Ludociel, I think you know more about him than any of us. Would you mind sharing what you know?"

Ludociel (standing up, her tone respectful): "Certainly. Dreyfus, along with my brother Hendrickson, are the Holy Knights of our guild. The Knights of Orleans are inspired by the legend of the Saintess of Orleans, Jeanne d'Arc. To honor her memory, only knights are accepted into the ranks, and each one is blessed with the power of holy light, so their innate abilities manifest as light-element. Dreyfus's unique technique is called 'Breakthrough of Light.' It has immense offensive power, capable of crushing anything into tiny, cube-shaped fragments."

The class murmurs, processing the details, as Dominic looks at the profile with a concerned expression.

Dominic Lionnel (hesitantly): "So… I'm up against him?"

Yue: "Let's get a quick introduction from you and your partner, Class Rep. Give everyone an idea of your strengths."

Dominic (clearing his throat): "Right. I'm Dominic Lionnel, and my partner is Jericho Lionnel. My power lets me create barriers that reflect damage back to the attacker, while Jericho can control and create ice."

Lysander (thinking): "Lionnel… So those two came from the same orphanage as Floria?"

Then he turns to Dominic, a thoughtful expression on his face.

Lysander: "Once again, the school has cleverly assigned examiners who directly counter the students they're facing. Isn't Dreyfus's attack just perfect against a defensive shield like yours?"

Dominic (sighing): "Yeah…"

Jericho: "So, any strategy ideas?"

Lysander (smiling thoughtfully): "Plenty. Though, not all are easy to pull off."

Ludociel (surprised): "You already have a strategy for them?"

Lysander (shrugging): "It's pretty straightforward. Knights like Dreyfus tend to favor heavy armor and a confrontational fighting style. They call it 'knight's technique'—strong, direct, and powerful but predictable. It's effective, but easy to exploit if you know how. Remember when I countered you, Ludociel?"

Ludociel (a little flustered): "Oh… right."

Jericho (excitedly): "So, how do we defeat him?"

Lysander: "It depends on your goals. If you're interested in a career as a knight, following Ludociel's approach would make sense. Fight head-on, even if it means losing. The Knights of Orleans respect valor and honor, so they'd consider recruiting you for your gallantry. But if you're open to a sneakier approach… that's where my strategy comes in."

Dominic (nodding, intrigued): "Alright, so what's the strategy?"

Lysander: "A well-planned sneak attack. Dominic, your barrier can keep Dreyfus occupied. Taunt him, get him to focus on you. Meanwhile, Jericho can create a cold mist to reduce his visibility, making it easier for her to land a sneak attack with smaller ice projectiles. Dreyfus might be strong, but he's vulnerable to attacks he can't see."

Dominic: "That sounds solid. A good plan, really."

Lysander: "Knights are fast and strong with good offense and defense but their confrontational method is not for everyone and can easily be exploited. You can also plan several traps too. Like, Jericho can freeze the ground to reduce his mobility or create holes or traps. Jericho's versatility and Dominic's defensive capability works well in this match even when you two are countered."

Dominic and Jericho share a look, visibly more confident. The class murmurs in quiet awe as the strategies continue to form.

Yue: "Good advice. But we've got more examiners to cover, so let's keep it moving."

INT. ST. ALARIC ACADEMY – SUPERPOWER BRANCH SECOND-YEAR CLASSROOM – AFTERNOON

Several hours into the group study session, the classroom fills with an air of exhaustion and accomplishment.

Yue: "Well, that's all for today. I'd like to end our group study session here. Remember, form your strategies based on what we've discussed. I hope you all do well on the mid-term."

Arlo, frowning slightly, raises a hand.

Arlo: "Wait, King. Aren't we forgetting two examiners? The OverEdge hunters? John Carter and… Sakae Gentoshi."

Yue's expression flickers with a hint of irritation before he regains his composure.

Yue: "Ah, that's right. Good point. Alright, let's show their profiles, Angela."

Angela clicks through the final slides, revealing John Carter's profile. His image appears on the screen, displaying a figure both imposing and revered.

Angela: "John Carter. Public superhero, known as the protector of the weak and guardian of the people. S-ranked gravity manipulation, and leader of OverEdge, one of the most formidable guilds."

Yue grins, his gaze shifting over the classroom, scanning the students.

Yue: "Thank you, Advisor. Now then… any advice for me?"

The class falls into an uneasy silence, caught off guard by the question.

Linda (hesitantly): "Uh… advice for you, Your Majesty?"

Yue: "Now, let me introduce myself and my partner, as I expect the same courtesy I've extended to all of you."

The class falls silent, leaning in with a mix of admiration and a hint of fear, waiting to hear how their King would describe himself.

Yue (with a smirk): "I am, as you may or may not know, Yue Monarchy Gentoshi, a second-year telekinesis student."

He lets his gaze rest on each of them as he continues, the smirk growing sharper.

Yue: "And my partner for this exam… Angela Grimhilde Gentoshi, the winner of last year's Academy Beauty Pageant."

There's a ripple of surprise, the students exchanging wide-eyed glances.

Yue (with a trace of mockery in his tone): "Yes, you heard correctly. The two of us—one telekinetic, one powerless, are set to face off against one of the strongest hunters out there. John Carter."

Angela remains poised, giving the class a serene smile, but a keen glint in her eyes shows she's unfazed by the description. A silence stretches over the classroom, as the students shift uncomfortably in their seats. No one dares speak, the air thick with unease.

Linda (hesitantly, after a moment): "Uh… advice? For you?"

Yue: "That's right. You've all been receiving advice to prepare for your examiners from me and my cousins, and now I'm asking if you have any wisdom for me."

Silence falls again. The students' eyes darted downwards, the uncomfortable realization settling in: while they had eagerly accepted Yue's and his cousins' expertise, they hadn't considered they might ever be expected to advise their King.

Yue's smile fades as his expression grows hard, his gaze sharp as it sweeps the room.

Yue (coldly): "Nothing? Really? Not a single suggestion?" 

He lets his words sink in, and the class feels the weight of his meaning.

The class goes silent, heads lowering in quiet embarrassment as his meaning sinks in. They suddenly feel the gap between themselves and their King—the realization that Yue has chosen to work with Angela and Lysander, students from the academic branch, instead of them, dawns on them as a reflection of their own lack of ability to support him.

Then, with a smile that holds no warmth, Yue straightens up.

Yue: "Thank you for attending today's session. I trust you'll take the advice given and prepare accordingly. Let's call it a day." 

As Yue and his cousins leave, the room remains quiet, students silently reflecting on the session, and the unspoken challenge their King had left them with.

Scene: Graves Museum Tour

INT. GRAVES MUSEUM – MAIN HALL – DAY

The museum is grand and shadowy, with high ceilings and walls lined with display cases. The students file in, eyes widening as they take in the relics on display: swords gleaming with otherworldly metals, ancient armor too heavy to wear, fragments of arcane jewelry, and the looming skeletons of mythical beasts. Excitement buzzes through the group as they catch sight of relics from some of the most dangerous dungeons known to history.

Neuman Graves, the museum's owner and curator, stands before them, a tall woman with a sharp gaze and an air of mystery. She has a knack for storytelling, which immediately draws the students' attention.

Neuman Graves "Welcome, everyone, to the Graves Museum. Here we house artifacts from dungeons across the world, each with its own history and… dangers. Some items are too old to be used, others… well, let's just say they refuse to be wielded by anyone."

She gestures to the first display case: a massive sword with dark, cracked metal and a faint, eerie glow along the blade.

Neuman Graves "This is the Sorrowblade, a legendary S-ranked weapon. It is said to have absorbed the rage and sorrow of its wielder. It can only be lifted by someone who bears a similar grief… or so they say."

Kenjiro Matsuda (wide-eyed) "Has anyone ever managed to lift it?"

Neuman Graves "Not since it arrived here. Many have tried, but the blade remains firmly rooted in place."

Neuman Graves (smirks) "Perhaps it's waiting for the right person."

Next, she moves to an enchanted chalice in a glass case, shimmering with a rainbow hue.

Neuman Graves "This chalice is called The Spirit's Drink. If one drinks from it with pure intent, it is said to grant visions of the past. But beware—those with a dark heart will see only twisted nightmares."

Reina Calder (curious, peering closer) "Has anyone ever had a vision from it?"

Neuman Graves "A few… but not all have spoken of what they saw."

Neuman Graves (her gaze shifts mysteriously) "And one or two have left here… changed."

The students exchange uneasy glances before moving on. Next, they come across the Skeleton of the Ash Drake, a towering structure that fills nearly half the room, its skull hung low, hollow eyes staring at them.

Neuman Graves "This is the skeleton of Kalzadrak, the Ash Drake, a dungeon boss slain over a hundred years ago. Its breath could turn a forest to cinders in minutes."

Niko Tavaris (awed) "How did they manage to kill it?"

Neuman Graves "It took a team of fifty hunters. Only three survived. The bones still radiate a faint heat. Feel free to touch if you dare—though you might feel a twinge of that ancient fire."

Several students hesitate, but Kaelen Moretti, always the daring one, reaches out and brushes a finger along the skeleton. He winces as he pulls his hand back, shaking it out.

Kaelen Moretti "Ouch! It actually feels… hot."

Neuman simply nods knowingly, a faint smile on her lips.

Next, she leads them to a small, cracked pendant made of obsidian, suspended in a display box. Strange whispers seem to echo around it, though no one can quite make out the words.

Neuman Graves "This is the Pendant of the Whispered Veil. Once worn by an ancient seer, it is said to allow the wearer to hear the voices of lost souls… though it often drives them mad."

Arabelle Fairwater (whispering, shivering slightly) "Why would anyone want to hear voices from the other side?"

Neuman Graves "Curiosity, perhaps. Or the desire to know secrets others cannot. But few can handle its burden."

A few students step back, giving the pendant a wide berth. Moving along, Neuman brings them to a shield with cracks lined with strange green moss, seeming to almost grow and pulse within the fractures.

Neuman Graves "This is the Shield of Verdant Souls, rumored to be made from a sacred tree of the forest realm. The moss within its cracks heals the wielder, though it's said to have a mind of its own, refusing to protect those it deems… unworthy."

Jaxon Varro (fascinated) "So it decides who to protect?"

Neuman Graves

"Indeed. Some warriors claim the shield saved them in dire moments… others say it felt as if it turned to stone, heavy and unmovable, in their hands."

As they move on, the students gather around a large, rusted cannon with inscriptions on the side.

Neuman Graves "This here is The Doom Bringer, a weapon that supposedly could fire bursts of pure mana. But it's been dormant for centuries."

Fenix (excited) "Can it still fire?"

Neuman Graves "Not anymore. Too much time has passed, and no one has been able to repair its mechanisms."

Finally, Neuman leads them to the last exhibit—a set of armor with dark stains, nicked and scarred by countless battles.

Neuman Graves "This is The Reaper's Guard. It belonged to a dungeon hunter known as the Black Reaper. It's said the armor retains memories of every battle, and sometimes, wearers claim to feel the wounds the Reaper sustained."

Shizuka (in awe) "That sounds… terrifying."

Neuman Graves "True. Few have worn it since his death, though the rumors alone make it a popular piece here."

The students fall silent, staring at the relics with newfound respect and wonder. The display cases continue to glow under dim museum lighting, casting eerie shadows across the room. The skeletons of dragons and strange beasts loom around them, creating an atmosphere filled with both reverence and fear.

Elena Vark (glancing at Neuman) "These artifacts… they're more than just relics, aren't they?"

Neuman Graves (smiling) "Indeed. They are echoes of battles long fought, of power wielded and power lost. They remind us of both the greatness and the dangers of seeking strength."

The students exchange glances, absorbing the weight of her words. They look around the hall one last time, each one carrying away an impression of the ancient relics and the stories they hold—visions of what might come from their own adventures and challenges ahead.

Scene: The Sorrowblade

INT. GRAVES MUSEUM – MAIN HALL – DAY

The class is dismissed, and the students disperse around the museum, chattering with excitement and wonder. Kenjiro, Ryuto, and Kaelen Moretti remain behind in the Hall of Legendary Relics, eyes locked on the Sorrowblade—a weapon so dark and mysterious it seems to hum with its own pulse of despair.

The sword looms in its display, a massive, dark-bladed weapon with faint, ghostly wisps coiling around the hilt. Intrigued by Neuman's story, the three boys exchange daring glances, each silently egging the others on to try and lift it.

Kaelen (smirking) "Come on, Ryuto. I bet you can handle it. Besides, it's just an old sword, right?"

Kenjiro "Yeah, and who knows, maybe one of us actually has the strength to lift it!"

Ryuto, not one to back down from a challenge, nods and steps forward, extending his hand toward the sword's hilt. His fingers graze the cold, obsidian metal, and the museum suddenly feels quieter, like the air itself is holding its breath.

As soon as Ryuto's palm wraps around the hilt, an intense shock courses through his body. The world around him seems to fall away, replaced by a suffocating darkness.

INT. RYUTO'S MIND – ENDLESS VOID

Ryuto finds himself in a desolate, shadow-filled expanse. The ground is cracked, soaked with an endless rain of bitter tears, pooling into a cold, black sea at his feet. In this endless void, he hears anguished cries and muffled screams of pain—echoes of battles fought, of lives lost, of grief unending. It's as if the blade itself is pulling him into an abyss made of every sorrow it has ever witnessed, every heartache it has ever claimed.

Images flash before his eyes: warriors kneeling, defeated; loved ones turning away; comrades left behind. Each image stabs deeper into his mind, pulling him further into a grief so heavy it feels like he's drowning in it.

He feels a flood of emotions that don't belong to him—a boundless sadness, a weight so immense it crushes his chest, making it nearly impossible to breathe. It's as if he's standing in an ocean of sorrow, waves of despair washing over him, pulling him under, deeper and deeper. He tries to scream, but his voice is lost, swallowed by the oppressive darkness.

The sorrow becomes physical, almost visceral, as his eyes well up with tears. He can feel his heart breaking in ways he has never experienced, shattered by grief he doesn't understand. It's like being thrust into a well of despair where every memory of joy is tarnished, every hope drained away until only emptiness remains.

INT. GRAVES MUSEUM – LEGENDARY RELICS HALL

To the others, Ryuto's face goes blank for a moment, then contorts in agony. His knees buckle, and he collapses to the floor, gasping. Tears stream down his face, uncontrolled and unending, as though some unseen force is wrenching them from his very soul.

Kaelen (alarmed) "Ryuto! What's happening?"

Kenjiro (frantic) "Hey, snap out of it, man!"

But Ryuto can't respond. His entire body is wracked with sobs, each one heavier than the last. It's as if he's trapped, unable to escape the sorrow that binds him. His shoulders shake as he curls up on the floor, clutching his chest, the sadness overwhelming him. All he can do is lie there, crushed under the weight of the sorrow he's absorbed.

A small crowd of students gathers, watching in alarm as Ryuto continues to sob, his face pale and hollow, like he's been emptied of all happiness. Neuman Graves steps forward, her face grim.

Neuman Graves (to the students) "Step back, everyone! The Sorrowblade is not something to be touched by just anyone."

Several students and a couple of teachers quickly lift Ryuto and begin to carry him away. His head lolls, and even as he's being helped, tears continue streaming down his face, his eyes glazed over, lost in that endless ocean of sorrow.

As the students help Ryuto out of the hall, his voice trembles, barely a whisper.

Ryuto (murmuring, dazed) "It's… it's endless… so much sadness… too much…"

They exchange worried glances, realizing that whatever he's experienced has shaken him to his core.

INT. GRAVES MUSEUM – MAIN HALL – MOMENTS LATER

The crowd disperses, still whispering about what they witnessed, as the museum staff rush Ryuto to the infirmary. Only a few students remain behind: Severin Ashford, the class representative, along with Shizuka, Hugo, and Fenix. Severin watches as the others leave, his gaze lingering thoughtfully on the Sorrowblade.

Shizuka (nervous, glancing at the blade) "I never thought an object could hold that much emotion…"

Hugo "It makes sense. Dungeons are born from chaos and despair… these relics must carry some of that darkness with them."

Fenix (trying to lighten the mood) "Such a beauty in the sea of sadness… Unfortunately, not everyone can admire it."

Severin nods solemnly, still staring at the relics with a mix of awe and caution. They know that the Sorrowblade—and every other relic in this museum—holds a history, a dark power they can only begin to understand. And as the midterm exam approaches, each of them knows they'll need every bit of knowledge and preparation they can get.

They turn toward the skeleton of the Ash Drake and other dungeon relics displayed nearby, studying the details. Each twisted artifact tells a story—a warning, perhaps, of what awaits them if they venture too far, too fast, into the unknown depths of dungeon hunting.

Scene: The Spider Demon

INT. GRAVES MUSEUM – MAIN HALL – DAY

The four students—Hugo, Fenix, Shizuka, and Severin—are gathered around the towering skeleton of Kalzadrak, the Ash Drake. The massive bones of the drake loom behind a glass case, scorched black from past battles. Each rib is the size of a full-grown person, and the skull has a terrifying, regal majesty, with jagged, ashen horns and eye sockets that seem to stare out with a lingering, ancient malice.

Hugo (staring at the bones in fascination) "The Ash Drake… its power is almost similar to mine. Its body radiated fire, too."

Fenix (smirking) "Aww, our cyclops found his long-lost kin?"

Hugo (indignant) "No! I'm not related to some dragon skeleton!"

Shizuka "Still, it's pretty amazing, right? The carcass of a creature that powerful just standing here for us to see."

Fenix (grinning) "Yeah. No matter how terrifying it was in life, it's just bones in glass now."

Hugo (deep in thought) "Even so, it's… interesting."

Shizuka "Are you thinking of writing a report on it?"

Fenix "It'd be tough to find info for a full report. The records of its battles are pretty sparse."

Severin "True. Creatures like this were only defeated by top hunters, and they don't leave much behind except the aftermath."

Shizuka (turning to Severin) "Speaking of which, Severin, aren't you supposed to be with Ryuto? He just got taken to the hospital."

Severin (sighs) "I'd go, but I need to keep track of the remaining students. Even if it's just us four left here, I can't slack off on my duty."

Shizuka "Hmm…"

Fenix (to Severin) "So, class rep, anything here you're especially interested in?"

Severin (thoughtful) "It's all intriguing, sure, but honestly? Most of these relics are far beyond anything we could handle. Half of them aren't even usable by us. Besides, if we ran into a creature like the Ash Drake… well, let's just say my energy beams wouldn't exactly save the day."

Hugo (raising an eyebrow) "Your energy beams are still pretty powerful, right? You think even they wouldn't be enough?"

Severin (grinning in awe) "Against a dragon? Not a chance. Dragons are at the top of the monster hierarchy for a reason. Even top-ranked hunters like Wilhelm or John Carter have to team up to bring one down. My beams are decent against a gargoyle or two, but they'd barely scratch a creature like this."

Fenix "Point taken. Fighting something like that would be a death wish."

Suddenly, the museum lights flicker and dim, plunging the hall into an eerie, shadowed hue. The murmuring of other students and visitors fades until the silence is so deep it feels unnatural. The four exchange uneasy glances, each realizing the same thing—something is terribly wrong.

Hugo (shocked, looking around) "This… this is…"

Fenix "A bounded field. Someone's sealed us off from the rest of the museum."

A mocking, high-pitched laugh echoes through the hall, causing the four to whirl around. From the shadows steps a woman with eight long, segmented spider legs sprouting from her back, arching high and poised as if ready to strike. Her face is inhuman, with four gleaming blue eyes devoid of any white, and her wide, jagged mouth stretches unnaturally in a predatory grin. Her long, ghostly white hair flows over her shoulders, adding to her chilling presence.

Hugo (eyes wide with horror) "What… is she? A spider? No… but she's… standing on human feet…"

Arachne (cackling, her voice dripping with malice) "I am Arachne, a humble servant of His Infernal Majesty, Beelzebub. And you four little insects are about to make a delicious feast."

Severin (horrified) "Beelzebub?!"

Hugo (confused) "Who's that?"

Fenix (grinning despite the tension) "Beelzebub, Lord of the Flies. One of the Seven Great Demons. He embodies Gluttony. And it seems we've got the honor of being hunted by one of his pet spiders."

Shizuka (voice shaking slightly) "Why is she here? What could she possibly want from us?"

Severin (grimly) "Demons exist as errors of this world. They're drawn to chaos and destruction… So, she's likely here to wreak havoc."

Hugo (whispering to himself, troubled) "An error… an existence that doesn't belong… So that's why I was despised in my family?"

Arachne steps forward, her gaze shifting hungrily between the four students. Her legs twitch and click with anticipation, and her wide mouth twists into a sickening smile.

Arachne (mocking) "Oh, the little students seem nervous! Don't worry, I'll make this quick… but it will hurt."

The air crackles with tension as the four students face down Arachne, her eight spider legs bristling with sinister energy. Severin steps forward, gritting his teeth as he raises both hands, forming two shimmering balls of energy. With a determined shout, he launches them toward the demoness.

Severin (grunts in frustration) "She just blocked them with her legs?"

Arachne deflects the energy balls with two quick movements of her spider limbs, not even flinching as they burst harmlessly against her chitinous armor.

Hugo (examining her closely) "With those spider legs… maybe she's a were-spider?"

Shizuka (correcting him sharply) "There's no such thing as a were-spider, Hugo. Werebeasts are only half-vertebrate animals—mammals, birds, things like that. This woman? Definitely a demon."

Fenix (nods in agreement) "Oh yeah. And she's not here for a friendly chat."

Arachne (cackling, her voice dripping with malevolence) "Are you done chatting? Now, take this!"

With a horrifying shriek, Arachne lunges forward, all eight legs splayed like deadly spears as she drives toward the students. They split, each darting in a different direction to avoid her attack. Severin, dodging to the left, braces himself and begins to charge a stronger energy beam aimed directly at her torso. But Arachne's spider legs parry it effortlessly, flicking the energy away like it's nothing.

Arachne's eyes glint with malice as she spits a stream of venomous acid in their direction. The liquid arcs through the air, and Fenix, unable to dodge in time, takes the brunt of the attack. The acid sizzles as it melts through his skin and bone, causing him to cry out in agony.

Fenix (grimacing through the pain as his wounds begin to heal) "Ugh…"

Arachne (raising an eyebrow in intrigue) "Oh, a vampire? Such a rare breed. How about it—would you like to join us in demonic servitude?"

Fenix, his wounds already knitting together, grins defiantly as he straightens.

Fenix (smirking) "How about no?"

Arachne (snarling in rage) "Then die!"

Arachne lunges at him again, but just as she prepares to strike, Shizuka raises her hands and releases a wave of freezing energy, coating Arachne's spider legs in thick ice. The demoness falters, momentarily restrained by the sudden frost.

Shizuka (shouting) "Now! Attack together!"

Hugo (roaring as he lifts his sword high) "Snapdragon!"

With a surge of black flame, Hugo's sword, Umbra Edge, glows ominously before unleashing a massive fire beam. The dark flames twist through the air like a dragon's breath, searing straight toward Arachne. But Arachne opens her mouth and fires her own venomous beam to counter Hugo's attack. The two beams collide, igniting an explosive blast of venom and fire that forces Hugo to stagger back.

Hugo (panting) "She's… stronger than I thought."

Arachne breaks free from the ice, glaring at Hugo with an unsettling, knowing smile.

Arachne (observing him closely) "That flame… and that single eye… could it be? You're a demon too, aren't you?"

Hugo (wincing, his resolve faltering) "Ugh…"

But before Arachne can strike again, Shizuka raises her hands, conjuring multiple ice spikes that spring up around Arachne, locking her in place once more.

Shizuka "Let's press the attack! We can't let up!"

Hugo (nodding, determination returning) "Got it."

Arachne (furious, struggling to break free) "You miserable insects!"

With a sharp crack, she shatters the ice spikes surrounding her, swinging her legs like massive scythe blades to clear a path. But before she can charge again, a barrage of attacks rains down on her from all sides—Severin's energy beams, Fenix's blood missiles, and Hugo's dark flames. Arachne's agility allows her to dodge a few, her spider legs propelling her up walls and across the ceiling, but the relentless onslaught of attacks leaves her no room to escape.

Shizuka (gazing at her carefully, assessing her movements) "She's fast… but nowhere near as fast as Kimhyun!"

Seizing a momentary opening, Shizuka conjures a powerful jet of water, blasting it toward Arachne with immense force. As the water slams into her, she's thrown back, disoriented, and Shizuka quickly freezes the water solid, encasing Arachne in a thick block of ice.

Shizuka "Now! Everyone, all at once!"

With a fierce battle cry, Hugo charges another Snapdragon, Fenix prepares a massive blood missile, and Severin builds up a potent energy beam. Together, they unleash their attacks in unison, each strike aimed directly at the trapped demoness. The combined force of their attacks hits Arachne, shattering the ice and tearing through her with devastating impact.

As the smoke and ice shards settle, Arachne's broken form lies motionless, her demonic essence dissipating into the air. The oppressive darkness of the bounded field begins to fade, and the museum hall gradually returns to normal, the eerie silence lifting.

Severin (exhaling, glancing at the others with a mix of exhaustion and pride) "We… we did it."

The four exchange weary but triumphant glances. Against all odds, they had survived an encounter with a demon's servant and proved their strength, not only to Arachne but to themselves as well.

Scene: The Spider Demon Aftermath

EXT. GRAVES MUSEUM – FRONT ENTRANCE – EVENING

The museum front is bustling with activity as police cars and hunter teams converge. Flashing lights cast harsh shadows across the historic stone façade, and curious onlookers gather at a distance, whispering. A few hunters are assessing the museum's damage, while police officers rope off the entrance. The four students, exhausted and bruised but intact, are being escorted out by museum staff and medics.

Among the assembled hunters is Sakae Gentoshi, a striking figure in her OverEdge uniform, her sharp gaze assessing the scene as the students are brought forward. With her commanding presence and the aura of a seasoned fighter, she catches sight of them and approaches.

Sakae (examining them with a scrutinizing gaze) "A demon of Beelzebub, you say? Was she here to steal one of the dungeon relics?"

Severin (shaking his head, apologetic) "I'm sorry, but we're not sure. She appeared right after most of the class left for the hospital. Then she isolated us in a bounded field and attacked."

Sakae (raising an eyebrow, clearly impressed) "Hmm… and you four managed to defeat her despite being first-year students." 

Sakae (pauses, curious) "Tell me, what are your names and abilities?"

The students exchange glances before stepping forward to introduce themselves.

Severin (steady and composed) "Severin Ashford. I wield a B-ranked energy beam ability."

Fenix (with a polite bow and a mischievous smirk) "Fenix Tepes, noble vampire of the Tepes clan. A pleasure to meet you, huntress."

Shizuka (speaking softly but with confidence) "I'm Shizuka Maidono, and I control water with an A-ranked ability."

Hugo hesitates for a moment, then steps forward, his voice quiet but firm.

Hugo "Hugo Gentoshi. I have an S-ranked power over black fire. They call it Hell Blaze."

Sakae (her eyes widening in surprise, recognition dawning on her) "Gentoshi…? I thought Yue was the only Gentoshi in the superpower branch."

Hugo (wincing slightly, looking away) "Oh, I… I was exiled."

For a moment, there's a tense silence as Sakae's expression softens. She seems to understand something unspoken, her own eyes reflecting a shadow of Hugo's pain.

Sakae (empathetic, with a gentle nod) "Oh… I see. So you're… like me."

Hugo (taken aback, blinking in surprise) "Huh?"

Sakae smiles—a sad, knowing smile that suggests a shared burden.

Sakae (softly) "I should introduce myself properly. I'm Sakae Gentoshi, a hunter from OverEdge. And, like you, I am also… exiled from the Gentoshi clan."

Hugo (stunned) "What?!"

Hugo stares at her, his eyes wide with shock, a mix of confusion and realization dawning on his face. His whole life, he had believed he was the only one cast out from his family—a family with rigid traditions and expectations. Seeing someone else who shares his surname and his fate stirs something in him.