I will wipe out the rot in this world

That morning, the chirping of birds rang softly, flowing through the main courtyard of the Magic Academy.

The morning breeze blew gently, sweeping over the open area where the new students had gathered. They stood in neat rows, some nervous, some excited, ready to showcase their magical abilities before the teachers.

One by one, the students began demonstrating their talents. Flames rising high, ice freezing the air, winds and lightning cracking the sky.

But I… just stood still. At the very back of the line.

My academy robe fluttered lightly in the wind. My arms were crossed. My gaze was empty, staring straight ahead.

"I'll hold back my power…" I muttered softly. "I don't want to be the center of attention… not yet."

Up ahead, the teachers stood on a stone platform, observing each student with sharp eyes. They were looking for gems, talented students who would shine.

But they didn't know…

They were overlooking someone.

Someone who chose not to shine today.

Someone who would shake everything… from the shadows.

I took a slow breath. All of this was just a small theater. A mere formality.

"Let them make noise on this stage…" I whispered. "Because soon… I'll be the one rewriting the script of this world."

But before my name was called, my eyes caught sight of two rather interesting figures.

They stood not far from me. Not flashy… but filled with potential.

Lucien and Rean.

Lucien was calm, silent, with an observer's gaze that didn't waver easily. Rean, on the other hand… reckless, stubborn, but carried the spirit of a classic "loyal companion."

"Perfect… as friends for my daytime background character."

I gave a faint smile.

And then… on the other side....

A figure I knew all too well stood quietly among the senior students.

My sister… Lycia.

Her robe was different. More firm, more elegant. Her aura radiated authority. Her eyes were sharp, examining the rows with a piercing silence.

I lowered my head slightly, hiding my face beneath the shadow of my white hair.

"I hope she doesn't realize who I really am…"

Because now… isn't the time.

Not yet.

I'm still just a background character.

Then… my name was called.

My steps were slow as I walked forward. No look of enthusiasm. No nervousness.

I moved like an extra.

But… my robe fluttered with elegance, sweeping the dust before it could even rise.

All eyes turned to me.

I raised my hand.

Began to channel mana…

…But nothing happened.

Silence.

A few seconds later…

Laughter broke out.

"HAHAHAHA!!"

"Lycia's little brother, but can't use magic?!"

"No way! Maybe he doesn't have any mana at all!"

Voices of ridicule filled the air.

But I just stood still. Unblinking. Unmoving.

My expression remained blank. Emotionless.

As if this was all part of the script.

"Perfect…" I whispered. "This is even better than I imagined."

A background character deemed pathetic… in the daytime.

But when night falls?

Heh. The stage will collapse by the hand that hides in shadow.

After the trial ended, the students were divided into classes according to their evaluations.

As I expected…

I was placed in the lowest class.

Lucien and Rean were there too.

Perfect.

"A perfect environment… unremarkable, harmless, full of cracks to weave plans."

I sat in the corner of the classroom. Near the window. A classic spot for the quiet type.

Lucien walked over and waved.

"Yo, Kazuki! We're in the same class, huh?"

I turned slowly.

"I actually wanted to be in the top class… would've been cooler." I said flatly.

But that was acting.

A shadow actor doesn't need the spotlight.

Rean appeared and nudged my shoulder.

"Hey, Kazuki… how about we sneak into the girls' dorm tonight?" he whispered, chuckling.

I turned. My gaze was empty. Cold.

"Shut up, you bald idiot."

Rean raised his hands in surrender.

"Yeah, yeah. Damn, you're cold, bro."

I went back to staring out the window. Silent.

Perfect.

A bottom-rank class. Dumb friends. A place without attention.

A hidden stage, ideal for weaving in the shadows.

Break time arrived.

The cafeteria was filled with students. Loud voices and the scent of food filled the air.

I, Kazuki, only bought a hard loaf of bread and plain water.

Simple. Unremarkable. No questions asked.

But my eyes… immediately caught something.

A golden coin slipped from a noble's pocket.

I stared at it like I was gazing at divine light.

"Oh… my… golden money…" I whispered, voice brimming with heavenly sincerity.

Lucien and Rean immediately turned.

"What's wrong with you, Kazuki?!"

I looked at them.

"No… it's just..." I muttered, glancing at the hard bread in my hand.

Then slowly looked across the room, where luxurious food was displayed like a heavenly painting.

I sighed. Sat gently in the corner seat.

"Hey, you two. Sit here."

Lucien and Rean hesitated. Then slowly sat.

Maybe they were starting to feel…

That this guy… wasn't ordinary.

That they were sitting beside someone who was planning something.

That night…

Lower dorms. Small room. Three narrow beds.

I sat on my bed. My hands forming a new spell.

Its name… DEATH BLOOM.

A spell I created.

A single annihilation skill. No trace. No sound. No remains.

A white-purple light enveloped my body.

From within that light, a black cloak emerged. Its hood covering my white hair. My face partly hidden, but my eyes… still glowing.

I altered my body slightly. Taller, slimmer, more terrifying.

A perfect shadow.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror.

A faint smile appeared.

"Tonight…" I whispered. "The world will know… the White Reaper."

Elsewhere in the city…

A man stood arrogantly. In his hand, he dragged a wolf-eared slave girl.

"Move it! I'll give you an unforgettable night later!"

The girl fell. Her leg was injured. Blood trickled down.

"Useless idiot! You're just a burden!"

But then…

From the dark alley… footsteps echoed.

Thud… Thud… Thud…

Soft, but heavy. Carrying weight.

A silhouette in a black cloak emerged from the darkness.

That cloak fluttered. A bit of white hair peeked out from under the hood.

"A-A guard…? No… this is…"

Kazuki stood silently, like a living shadow.

Then he slightly lifted his face. His voice was soft… but echoed.

"My name… is White Reaper."

"I walk from beyond shadow and light."

He stepped forward.

His eyes pierced through the darkness.

"And I've come… to erase trash like you."