The Marshall

They entered a large building, one that was even visible from Ken's room window.There was no one in the entire building.This entire place was the office of the Witch of Curses, though she rarely spent time here. She was an incredibly busy woman, leaving most of the paperwork to the vice president.

Taking the elevator, they reached the highest floor and stepped into a spacious office. A desk, a sofa, and paintings decorated the room. Without hesitation, the Witch of Curses walked to her desk, moved a painting on the wall sideways, and revealed a hidden passage.

"This way, Ken."

Ken followed her down the dark stairway. After several minutes of descending, they reached the bottom. In the center stood a medium-sized pillar, and on top of it rested a statue of an eagle. However, Ken noticed something unusual—it had six talons.

Thinking it was merely a statue, he asked in confusion, "Where is the Marshal?"

The Witch of Curses responded, "You're looking at him."

Ken frowned. "This statue?"

She nodded. "Place your hand on it and channel your dark energy into it. If you were chosen by the Marshall of the seventh Legion then, he will awaken."

Ken hesitated but did as instructed. The moment his dark energy flowed into the eagle, its colors began fading, replaced entirely by a dark, shadowy form. Only its piercing red eyes remained.

Then, the eagle spoke.

"I greet the new Commander of the Seventh Legions."

The Witch of Curses smiled. "Looks like the Marshall of the seventh Legion indeed chosen you."

But Ken didn't respond—his dark energy had been drained from forming the contract, leaving him dizzy.

"Let's get you back to the dormitory," the Witch of Curses said. She cast an unknown spell, and before Ken could even comprehend what was happening, he found himself back in his room.

Too tired to think, he collapsed onto his bed and fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning, Ken awoke to Neebi's cheerful voice.

"Good morning!

Ken stretched and yawned. "Morning. Where's Hel?"

"Changing into his uniform," Neebi replied.

A moment later, Hel stepped out, fully dressed in this new academy uniform. His gaze fell on Ken, and he saw something unusual, So he asked,

"What's that eagle mark on your clothes? It wasn't there yesterday."

Ken glanced down and saw an embroidered design on his uniform—an eagle with six talons, black in color with red eyes, he was himself shocked at this, he thought, What are you doing here?

To his surprise, the eagle's voice echoed in his mind.

"Commander, after you fell asleep last night, I merged with your clothes, Since I was worried about your safety"

Ken blinked. "You can do that?"

"Yes. And I can do much more. I would loved to explain, but you seem busy right now."

Ken sighed and looked at Hel. "I'll tell you later."

He had no intention of revealing anything to other or even Neebi, but Hel was different. He felt that Hel carried secrets of his own, and perhaps, by sharing them, they could become closer.

Instead of heading to the bulletin board to check the schedule, Hel sat on the bed.

"Aren't you going to check the schedule?" Ken asked.

Hel shrugged. "I'll go with you."

At this moment, Neebi was already getting changed and after a while stepped out of the bathroom, now in uniform. Noticing Hel still seated, he asked, "Why are you still here?"

Hel just ignored him, Ken answered, "Ah—he wants all of us to go together!"

Neebi was taken aback. "So even Hel has feelings—ah!"

Once Ken finished changing, the three of them made their way to the dormitory's ground floor, where the schedules were posted. For Class A, the first lecture was on Curses, starting in half an hour. They rushed to their classroom, finding most students already present.

While searching for a seat, Ken spotted Hector. Before he could decide where to sit, a voice called out to him.

"Ken! Hel! Over here!"

Lillith waved at them .

Hel glanced at Ken and muttered, "Let's sit with her."

She had chosen a middle-row desk, which had three seats... infact every desk had only three seats .She sat by the window, Hel took the middle seat, and Ken sat next to him. Neebi, unable to fit, settled for the desk in front of Ken.

Soon, the professor arrived. She was a beautiful woman with short black hair and striking purple eyes. Though she looked in her twenties, she was well over thirty. Accompanying her were assistants handing out books to the students.

With a calm yet commanding voice, she spoke.

"Welcome to my class. Forty-five of you have made it to Class A—not bad. Since today is your first day, we'll start with a simple introduction to Curses and why curses are important."

A small smirk played on her lips.

"And at the end... let's have a little battle between students."