Protect The School.

The morning sun cast a golden hue over the Silver Academy as students gathered in their respective classrooms. Varek Solin sat at the back, his fingers lightly tapping against the desk. The teacher's voice filled the room, explaining the intricacies of mana control and its applications in combat.

Varek, however, found his mind drifting. His gaze settled on the open window beside him, his thoughts consumed by the Shadow Vault buried within him. The power was unnatural, unlike anything the other students wielded. It was something he had kept hidden for six years, training in secret to control its influence. Yet, no matter how much he honed it, the ominous energy of the Shadow Vault never truly felt like his own.

A sharp flick against his shoulder snapped him out of his thoughts. A small burst of light faded from the spot where he had been struck. He turned his head slightly, meeting the smug expression of Keiran, the highest-ranking Silver student. Keiran's golden eyes gleamed with amusement.

"Focus on the lecture, Bronze student," Keiran sneered, his voice dripping with mockery.

Varek blinked, then nodded. "Okay, thank you." His voice was calm, indifferent.

Keiran's smirk faltered for a moment before he clicked his tongue in irritation. "Tch, annoying." He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, but his eyes lingered on Varek as if assessing him.

The lesson continued, but the air between them was tense.

---

The sun hung high in the sky, casting its golden glow over the school grounds as students gathered for physical training. The air buzzed with excitement as one by one, students stepped forward to demonstrate their mana abilities. Varek stood among them, observing in silence.

Wind howled through the training field as a student channeled their wind mana, sending gusts of air whipping through the air. Another stepped forward, igniting flames in his palms, the heat distorting the air around him. Their abilities were raw and powerful, filling the space with an overwhelming presence.

Varek's gaze shifted to Keiran, who smirked as he stepped forward. With a casual wave of his hand, a brilliant golden light erupted around him. The sheer radiance of his mana sent an unspoken message—he was powerful, and he knew it. The other students murmured in awe, some even taking a step back.

And then, it was Varek's turn.

He took a deep breath, stepping forward. He knew his mana wasn't flashy like the others, but he had spent years honing his control. With a steady motion, he manipulated his mana, allowing the dull bronze aura to flow around him. Unlike the others, his mana wasn't explosive or overwhelming—it was controlled, refined. It served one purpose: protection, just as his father had always taught him.

Silence filled the training grounds before it was broken by laughter.

"That's it?" one student sneered. "Bronze mana? No wonder you're here by mistake."

More laughter erupted, and Varek felt the weight of their ridicule pressing down on him. But instead of letting it bother him, he let out a small chuckle, his shoulders shaking slightly.

His laughter was quiet, but it was enough to silence the others.

Keiran clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Tch. Annoying."

The teacher, who had been watching with keen eyes, clapped his hands together. "Alright, that's enough. Next exercise!"

Varek stepped back, his heart steady. He had expected their reactions. It was nothing new. No matter how much they mocked him, he knew one thing for certain—his mana wasn't weak.

It just wasn't time to show them yet.

The sun had barely begun its descent when Varek started his walk home, his mind still occupied with the events of the day. His hands were shoved into his pockets as he passed the grand structures of the Silver District, admiring the pristine houses of the wealthy students. He didn't envy them—he had grown used to the gap between the social classes—but he couldn't deny their world was different from his.

Just as he neared the school gates, he noticed a familiar figure sprinting ahead. Keiran. The usually smug and composed Silver-ranked student was running toward a prestigious house not far from the school. Varek slowed his steps, watching with mild curiosity as Keiran approached his home.

Before Keiran could reach his doorstep, a pulse of sinister energy erupted through the air. A deep crimson glow flickered into existence, and suddenly, demons materialized in front of Keiran's house. The air grew heavy with the scent of iron and decay.

Keiran skidded to a halt, his body tensing. The arrogant light in his eyes flickered for just a second before he set his jaw and summoned his mana. A radiant glow of light mana coated his body, illuminating his surroundings.

Varek, still standing at the school gates, watched in shock. His feet refused to move. Keiran noticed him and, without hesitation, rushed forward and kicked him on the shoulder, not with malice, but urgency.

"Go get the teachers and students! Now!" Keiran's voice held no trace of his usual arrogance—only determination.

For a brief second, Varek hesitated. Keiran had never sounded like this before. He wasn't mocking him, wasn't looking down on him. He was serious.

Varek turned and sprinted back into the school, his heart pounding in his chest. Bursting through the halls, he shouted at the top of his lungs. "Demons! Outside! Keiran is fighting alone!"

The reaction was immediate. Students screamed, teachers bolted from their classrooms, and within moments, a crowd had formed outside, prepared for battle. Mana flickered through the air, and spells were readied as the staff and capable students faced the oncoming threat.

But then, the ground trembled.

A massive figure loomed over them, its form towering above the battlefield. A demon giant, its skin dark as the abyss, wielded a massive sword. Its hollow eyes fixated on the gathered students with cruel intent. Without hesitation, it raised its blade and swung.

Screams filled the air as the demon's sword cut through, slashing several students in a single merciless attack. The survivors froze in terror. This was unlike any demon invasion before.

Varek's breath hitched. His fists clenched. He had seen battles, but this… this was carnage.

Through the chaos, he caught sight of Keiran, his usual confidence wavering as his hands trembled slightly. But then, Keiran took a step forward, forcing his legs to move despite the fear.

"Hey, demon!" Keiran shouted, his voice steady despite the fear in his eyes. "If you're so strong, why don't you fight someone stronger instead of preying on the weak?"

Varek, despite the terror swirling in his chest, found himself smirking. He took a slow step forward until he was side by side with Keiran. "Let me help."

Keiran scoffed but didn't push him away this time. "I don't need help."

Varek chuckled. "I can keep up."

Keiran glanced behind, seeing that the teachers had begun healing the injured students. He exhaled before turning back to Varek.

"If you can't keep up, I'll bully you again."

Varek grinned. "Noted."

Without another word, they both dashed toward the giant demon, their mana flaring around them, ready to fight.