Kazuki and his classmates, along with the academy teachers, stood inside the grand hall of the royal castle. The golden walls shimmered, and the high ceiling was adorned with paintings of ancient gods and goddesses—but none of them could enjoy the beauty. The atmosphere was silent, tense, as if the air itself was holding its breath.
Everyone bowed in respect before the King.
Except Kazuki... he didn't bow out of respect. His sharp gaze was locked onto one figure near the royal knights.
...His sister.
Lycia stood there with a restless expression, her eyes scanning the room like a radar searching for a target.
"Where is that stupid little brother!?" she muttered, frowning. Her impatient steps and expression mixed anger and worry.
Kazuki immediately crouched behind a random classmate, his hand touching his chin like a shadowy detective. His face was blank… but he was clearly thinking hard.
"This is bad. Level S target has been activated. Evacuation protocol must begin... now," he whispered in his mind, like he was saving the world from destruction.
Kazuki wasn't just any student. Beneath his lazy face and sarcastic comments, he was something... different.
Lycia was technically also a student of the academy, but today, she was here at the castle for one mission only: to make sure that idiot named Kazuki didn't disappear somewhere during the royal summons.
Kazuki remained hidden, like a shadow. One wrong move, and he'd be exposed. And that… would be the end of his peace.
But the atmosphere changed drastically when the King stood up.
His voice echoed—cold, heavy.
"The world... will never be the same again. A man in a black cloak appeared out of nowhere, and destroyed three cities with a single explosion."
Everyone's heartbeat seemed to stop. Some students gulped. The teachers exchanged glances.
Lucien, the ambitious boy, clenched his fist.
"If he shows up again... we'll just capture him! We'll be famous across the world!"
Rean, standing beside him, just scoffed.
"Keep dreaming. We'd be ashes. His skills are god-tier."
Kazuki stared straight ahead, then shrugged slightly.
"Who the hell would be crazy enough to do something like that?"
His tone… was almost indifferent.
When in truth, he was the one who did it.
A faint smirk formed at the corner of his lips.
"All according to the script... Phase one: Create a global threat... complete," he thought theatrically, like the main character in a secret action film only he knew about.
But suddenly... the air in the room shifted.
A crack appeared in the middle of the hall. A dimensional portal opened out of nowhere. A rumble echoed, followed by a rush of dark energy flooding the room.
Everyone panicked. The nobles screamed. The royal knights drew their weapons.
Except Kazuki.
He still stood casually. He even mimicked a panicked bystander.
"I-I don't wanna die!" he shouted while jogging weakly like a cheap extra actor.
But the man who stepped out of the portal… headed straight for him.
Kazuki gave a small smile.
"Nice move... but not the best."
But before the attack could reach him, Lycia dashed in and blocked the slash.
Lightning flashed in an instant. The man's aura was so intense the floor trembled.
Kazuki simply stared, expressionless.
"...He came faster than I calculated."
"You idiot brother! Run now, Kazuki!" Lycia shouted without looking back, her arms holding off the overwhelming pressure of the enemy.
Kazuki turned slightly with a theatrical flair and stepped back half a pace.
"Be careful... Sister."
His words were soft, yet empty… like a voice behind a mask.
Lycia glared at the mysterious man. Then smiled faintly.
"I won't let you touch my brother. Even if I have to pay with my life."
The man raised an eyebrow, then sneered.
"Cute girl… but you'll die now."
He vanished in a flash. Lycia couldn't react in time. The attack struck her stomach, sending her flying.
Kazuki turned his head slightly, his face still emotionless.
"Lycia… you held on long enough. But now, the main actor... takes the stage."
The sky began to darken. The sun was covered by thick clouds.
As the man spread his arms, preparing to unleash a devastating skill…
The sound of the wind changed.
Shadows spread from the ceiling, from the walls, from the floor. Several hooded figures emerged like silhouettes of the night.
Members of Nocturne Eclipse.
Neera, standing at the front, raised her magic weapon.
"We must hold him off... until Lord White Reaper arrives!"
"Roger that!" all members shouted in unison.
The man rolled his shoulder and let out a small laugh.
"Interesting. So... you're my entertainment this time?"
Kazuki lowered his head slightly from behind the pillar. His smile sharpened. Shadows began to slither slowly, like black mist covering the floor.
"At last... the stage is set."
The curtain begins to rise.
This chapter closes… with the shadows preparing to engulf the world.