Ch.25: Absurd-ass Mission

All the students left the arena after the announcement—except sixteen.

The ones who stayed? Yeah, they weren't just good. They were the damn best. Elites among elites. Survivors of blood, bone, and brute force.

"May I have your attention, please?"

The headmaster's voice rang out as he stepped into their circle. Sixteen heads turned. His aura alone made their spines stiffen. For most of them, he was like some ancient fossil that still refused to die—but one that could probably break your jaw with a look.

"This year, we've got some interesting students," he said, eyes scanning them like they were tools in a shed. "But regardless of who or what you are, you stand here as the top of your year. That said—don't get comfortable."

He let the silence simmer.

"The Apex Class isn't like your cushy theory sessions. In fact, you won't have those anymore. We'll divide you into groups, and you'll be sent across the kingdom. Missions, hunts, life-threatening field work. You'll sharpen your instincts."

"Our goal isn't to breed future politicians or nobles who swing a sword for decoration. We want weapons. Soldiers. Survivors. You all know why."

And they did. The recent unrest. Monster surges. Whispers of war. The world was tilting, and they were the Academy's answer to that tilt.

"The points system still applies—attend classes, kill things, complete missions. But for the Apex Class, missions will matter the most. It's sink or swim, and the water's cold."

No one flinched. This wasn't news. The ones who made it this far were already expecting it.

"Each group will have an instructor," the headmaster continued, stepping aside. "They're the best we've got. You have one week to impress them. If they pick you, you're in a squad—you get better missions, better resources, actual training. If not? You're on your own. The Academy won't babysit you."

A line of teachers approached—some young and cocky, others old and scarred, but all dangerous. They started moving through the students, sizing them up, throwing out their credentials like resumes with body counts.

Then the temperature dropped– Ava Lunacraft was walking across the field.

Even the teachers paused. The cold witch who never gave a damn about students suddenly had her eyes locked on someone– Nyx.

"Quite the arsenal you've got, kid," Ava said, arms crossed, eyebrow raised as she halted in front of him.

Nyx met her gaze without blinking. No bow. No greeting. Just a flat stare.

"May I know who you are, ma'am?"

Ava smirked. "Oh? First time someone's unfazed by me."

"Maybe you just haven't met anyone worth being fazed by," he replied. That earned a quiet chuckle. "Got anything special on you? You seem... normal enough."

"You seem icy. We all got flaws."

She studied him for a moment longer, then smiled—just a little. "You're interesting. Different from the last time I saw you. I'll be keeping my eyes on you."

Then she turned and walked off, just like that. Nyx didn't move, but his thoughts flicked fast.

'Great. A stalker. Just what I needed. One more and I might start charging rent.'

---

After the headmaster's speech and the chaos of the duels, things finally simmered down. The remaining students scattered, heading off in all directions, each chasing their next move.

Nyx and the usual suspects were headed out of the academy grounds. No tension this time. No stiff shoulders or cautious glances like the day they'd first arrived. Now? They walked like they belonged.

"So, classes start in a week," Nyx said, hands shoved in his pockets, strolling beside Samantha. "Got anything in mind to kill time?"

"What else can we do?" Valon shrugged. "Hunt monsters, grab some gear, show off a bit—get noticed by a squad."

"Which professor are you planning to join, Nyx?" Ruby asked, eyeing him curiously.

"Me?" Nyx snorted. "Not joining anyone. I don't like taking orders. And I've already got enough stalkers circling me—I'm not looking to collect more."

He sighed as he thought about recent encounters, especially a certain ice-cold witch with way too much interest.

"Forest trip?" Samantha offered.

Nyx smirked. "Sure. I'm bored. Let's go see what kind of freaks crawl around out there."

The group veered toward the city gates, chatting casually. But just as they neared the outer wall, Nyx stopped mid-step and turned, his gaze locked on a narrow alley.

"If you're gonna follow us," he said loudly, "you might as well come out and show yourself."

Everyone froze, confused. Nyx was staring at nothing—or so it seemed—until a figure awkwardly stepped out from the shadows.

"Reina!?" they all exclaimed in unison.

"H-hi guys…" Reina mumbled, cheeks flushing as she stepped forward, visibly embarrassed to be caught tailing them. "I-I heard you were going into the forest. T-to hunt. C-can I join?"

She sounded like every word cost her a coin. Social anxiety personified.

Nyx raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "And what's the richest girl in the kingdom doing stalking us like a discount assassin?"

"Cut it out, Nyx," Samantha shot back, stepping toward Reina.

Reina instinctively backed away at the approach, but Samantha just smiled. "Long time no see, Reina. You can join us—just don't slow us down."

"Long time no see, Pri—Samantha," Reina caught herself, awkwardly swapping out the formal title at the last second.

With that, the group moved on, slipping past the city gates and into the forest. They drew their weapons as they got into formation, moving with ease. This wasn't their first run.

Nyx, though? Nyx was spacing out. He leapt onto the tallest nearby tree like it was second nature, landing gracefully on a thick branch above the canopy.

The others followed, some with effort, some with annoyance.

"What are you doing up there now?" Valon called, arms crossed. "Planning your next idiotic stunt?"

Nyx grinned down at them. "I was just thinking… this spot's nice. Quiet. Good view. Might build a manor here someday. Flatten a few trees, lay a foundation—"

"Nope." Samantha launched up beside him and grabbed his wrist mid-gesture. "Absolutely not. We're not doing that here."

"Aw, come on. It'll be fun. Imagine waking up with a forest view, birds chirping—then setting a few trees on fire for breakfast."

"You're impossible," she muttered, dragging him back down.

"This bastard never changes," Valon muttered, rolling his eyes.

Reina, still adjusting to their dynamic, looked stunned. This wasn't what she expected from a group of nobles—especially not Nyx Vaelthorn, the infamous cold-blooded duelist from the arena.

"You'll get used to it," Ruby said with a smile, catching Reina's wide-eyed confusion.

---

The group spent the afternoon lightly hunting, using only their basic skills—none of the flashy spells or overkill moves. They didn't want to blow up half the forest, after all. Just enough to get their blood pumping and grab some quick materials.

Afterward, they returned to the dorms. Nyx, however, told Valon he'd be back later and slipped out alone.

Eventually, he found himself on a quiet cliff at the edge of the academy grounds. The wind was soft, brushing through his hair like it had nowhere better to be. Below him, the world burned in hues of molten gold and dying crimson.

For once… silence.

No fights. No system nags. No expectations. Just a moment to breathe.

Nyx let himself sit in it, soaking in the kind of peace his world rarely handed him—like a glass of water in a desert full of fire.

He slowly stared at the screen below him, a nostalgia hitting him.

[**MISSION PANEL**]

Objective: Prove yourself.

Condition: Overcome your past. Accept yourself.

Time Limit: ---

Reward: Unlocking Phase-2, System Upgrade.

Failure Penalty: Death and Soul Annihilation.

---

Nyx stared at it, deadpan.

"…That's some absurd-ass mission right there."