Chapter 7: Divine Council

The Virtual Reality Training Chamber buzzed with chatter as the students emerged from their pods, their faces a mix of exhaustion, excitement, and disappointment. The results of the virtual hunt were displayed on a large holographic screen at the front of the room, with Team Luciel's name shining at the top of the leaderboard.

Luciel, Aria, and Arthuria stood together, basking in their victory. Aria was practically bouncing with energy, her fiery personality matching her affinity. "Did you see their faces when we wiped out that last team? Priceless!" she said, grinning from ear to ear.

Arthuria, ever composed, gave a small nod of approval. "We performed well. But there's always room for improvement."

Luciel, though pleased with their success, couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. His instincts, honed by years of survival, told him that their victory had drawn more than just admiration. He glanced around the room, noticing the lingering stares from some of the other students. Jealousy, curiosity, and even hostility simmered beneath the surface.

Professor Jadestar clapped her hands, silencing the room. "Excellent work, everyone. This exercise was designed to push you to your limits, and it seems many of you rose to the challenge. Take this as a learning experience. Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses and strive to improve. Class dismissed."

As the students began to file out of the chamber, Professor Jadestar motioned for Luciel to stay behind. Aria and Arthuria exchanged curious glances but left without a word, giving Luciel a nod of encouragement.

Once the room was empty, Professor Jadestar turned to Luciel, her red eyes piercing. "You performed exceptionally well today, Luciel. Your speed, precision, and adaptability are far beyond what I expected from a first-year student. Tell me, how did you develop such skills?"

Luciel hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "I've always had to rely on myself. Survival was my only teacher."

Professor Jadestar studied him for a moment, then nodded.

The Virtual Reality Training Chamber was nearly empty by the time Luciel finished his conversation with Professor Jadestar. As he stepped into the hallway, he was surprised to find Headmaster Gabriel waiting for him. The headmaster's presence was commanding yet calming, his silver hair catching the light as he turned to face Luciel.

"Luciel," Gabriel said, his voice warm and approving. "I watched your performance in the simulation. Truly remarkable. Your growth in such a short time is nothing short of extraordinary."

Luciel bowed his head slightly, a gesture of respect. "Thank you, Headmaster.."

Gabriel smiled, his piercing blue eyes studying Luciel with a mix of curiosity and pride. "You've done more than improve. You've surpassed expectations. Your ability to adapt, your precision, and your leadership during the exercise were exemplary. Keep this up, and you'll become a force to be reckoned with."

Luciel nodded, though he couldn't help but feel a flicker of unease. The headmaster's praise was flattering, but it also felt like a spotlight shining directly on him—one that might attract unwanted attention.

Gabriel placed a hand on Luciel's shoulder, his tone turning more serious. "Remember, Luciel, strength is not just about power. It's about how you use it. The world is watching, and your actions will shape the future. Stay true to yourself, and you'll find your path."

With that, the headmaster turned and walked away, leaving Luciel to ponder his words. As he rejoined Aria and Arthuria in the courtyard, he couldn't shake the feeling that something much larger was at play.

Deep within the fortified headquarters of the Union, a massive structure built to withstand even the most devastating demonic attacks, a meeting of the Divine Council was underway. The room was austere, its walls lined with holographic displays showing real-time data on demonic activity, resource distribution, and military movements. At the center of the room stood a long, sleek table, around which sat eight individuals—the most powerful and influential leaders of humanity.

These eight were the architects of humanity's survival, the ones who had united the fractured remnants of the world after the demons invaded. The Divine Council was formed in the aftermath of the Cataclysm, a global event that nearly wiped out humanity. When the demons first emerged from the rifts that tore open across the Earth, chaos reigned. Nations fell, cities were reduced to rubble, and billions perished. In the face of extinction, the strongest representatives of humanity—awakened warriors, brilliant strategists, and visionary leaders—came together to form the Divine Council. Their mission was simple yet monumental: ensure the survival of the human race.

The Council's authority was absolute, its decisions shaping every aspect of human society. From military strategy to resource allocation, from education to technological development, the Council's influence was felt everywhere. And now, one of their own—Gabriel, the headmaster of Celestia Academy—was addressing them.

Gabriel stood at the head of the table, his presence commanding the room's attention. A holographic projection of Luciel's performance data from the virtual hunt floated in the air before him. Gabriel began, his voice calm but firm, "I bring to your attention a matter of great importance. His name is Luciel, a first-year student at Celestia Academy."

The other members of the Council leaned forward, their expressions a mix of curiosity and skepticism. Gabriel continued, "In just two weeks, Luciel has demonstrated growth that far exceeds that of his peers. During a recent virtual hunt exercise, he displayed not only exceptional combat skills but also remarkable leadership and strategic thinking. His ability to adapt to unexpected situations and his precision in executing his abilities are unparalleled for someone at his stage of training."

One of the Council members, a stern-faced woman with sharp features, interrupted. "And why, exactly, does this warrant our attention? Talented students are not uncommon, especially at Celestia."

Gabriel's gaze hardened. "Because Luciel's potential is not merely talent. It's something else. Something… extraordinary. Based on my observations and the data extracted from his mana potency test, I believe he has the potential to break into the SSS-class rank."

The room fell silent, the weight of Gabriel's words settling over the Council. The SSS-class rank was a rank that no one had achieved before. At least among humans, it was so, but according to what they had gathered, the primordial demons who hadn't even descended on earth yet were in this rank.

Another member, a man with a scar running down his cheek, spoke up. "You're suggesting he's a weapon? A tool to be used against the demons?"

Gabriel shook his head. "I'm suggesting he's a potential savior. But we must proceed with caution. If the demons learn of his existence, they will stop at nothing to eliminate him. And if we mishandle this, we risk losing him—or worse, turning him against us."

The Council members exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable. Finally, the woman who had spoken earlier leaned back in her chair. "Very well, Gabriel. Keep a close eye on him. Report any significant developments. But remember, the survival of humanity comes first. If this boy poses a threat—to us or to our cause—we will not hesitate to act."

Gabriel nodded, his expression grim. "Understood."

As the meeting adjourned, Gabriel couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. Luciel's potential was immense, but so were the dangers that lay ahead. The Council's approval was a double-edged sword, and Gabriel knew that the path they were on would be fraught with peril.

Luciel sat on the rooftop of the academy's main building, staring up at the night sky. The stars were hidden behind a thick layer of clouds, a reminder of the world's fragility. He replayed the headmaster's words in his mind, trying to make sense of them.

Aria's voice broke the silence. "There you are! We've been looking everywhere for you."

Luciel turned to see Aria and Arthuria approaching. Aria plopped down beside him, while Arthuria leaned against the railing, her silver hair shimmering in the moonlight.

"Everything okay?" Aria asked, her tone softer than usual.

Luciel nodded. "Just thinking. The headmaster spoke to me earlier. He… praised me. But it felt like there was more to it."

Arthuria's eyes narrowed. "Gabriel is not one to give praise lightly. If he's taking an interest in you, it means you've caught the attention of someone far more powerful than you realize."

Luciel sighed. "That's what I'm afraid of."

Aria punched him lightly on the shoulder. "Hey, don't overthink it. You're amazing, and people are bound to notice. Just keep doing what you're doing, and we'll handle whatever comes our way."

Then she turned her head toward Arthuria and asked curiously, " You don't seem too fond of your father?"

Just as Arthuria was about to answer, Luciel exclaimed in surprise, "What! Is headmaster your dad?" 

Aria and Arthuria looked at each other and then asked at the same time, "You didn't know?"

Luciel was dumbfounded, and Aria laughed so hard that her eyes teared up. Arthuria also gigled lightly, which made Luciel and Aria turn toward her and look at her in utter shock. Arthuria blushed lightly and hid her face behind her hands.

Luciel smiled faintly, grateful for their support. Finally, he started to feel that he belonged somewhere.