14. Demon Hunting.
"And that is how a demon develops its core," stated a teacher clad in black robes, addressing the students within a classroom at the Royal Academy in the capital city of the Fluger Kingdom.
"Now that you are all familiar with the process of demon core development, it is time for your first assignment of the year," the teacher continued, retrieving a jade slip. "Allow me to introduce your seniors. Show them the respect they deserve."
Three individuals entered the classroom, prompting all the students to rise and bow in deference to their higher-ranking peers.
"Alright, juniors, this will be your first assignment of the two you'll complete this year," the leader of the group addressed the class in a friendly tone. "It's actually quite simple, you see."
Interrupting with a sly smile, a girl possessing black hair and a slender frame chimed in, "Very simple, indeed."
The three seniors exchanged knowing glances, their grins harboring a hint of wickedness.
"Alright, here's the assignment: you must capture a demon, dead or alive, but the demon must possess a core," the third member of the group added.
A heavy silence enveloped the room. Cores were only present in demons ranked Baron and above, meaning the students were being tasked with hunting formidable adversaries.
The three seniors, along with the teacher, inwardly relished the students' expressions, seeking retribution for what their own seniors had done to them.
The Royal Academy offered a four-year program, with two assignments to be completed during each of the first three years. The fourth and final year entailed an internship-like experience, as students worked under various demon-hunting guilds as trainees.
To graduate from the academy and receive the prestigious Royal Academy medallion, students had to fulfill all the assignments within the designated time. A demon hunter held a position of respect equal to, if not greater than, that of a noble.
The entire class was filled with trepidation, as they understood the true risks associated with this assignment.
"And when engaging in combat with demons, your first priority should be to protect yourselves with holy magic. The mortal body is comprised of five elements: water, fire, air, earth, and space. As a result, we have access to all affinities, but we can only reach the Major realm of a few. This brings me to our previous point—holy magic..."
However, before the teacher could finish his sentence, his jade slip began to vibrate.
"Ah!" he exclaimed, realizing the urgency of the situation, and promptly responded to the vibrating jade slip.
Similar scenes unfolded in other classrooms as three students entered each one. It was the day of assignment distribution, and second-year students were left dumbfounded by the preposterous tasks assigned by their seniors.
"Before you say anything, senior students, allow me a moment to address the class," spoke the teacher conducting the session. His name was Adelio Rollen, renowned as an expert in demon sealing and tormenting. He held great fame among both faculty and students, known for his kindness and gentility towards all races, except for demons. He was often referred to as the 'Holy Grim Reaper', a moniker earned due to his merciless methods in tearing apart and tormenting demons.
Though the third-year students were eager to witness the shock on the juniors' faces upon learning of the assignment, they held deep respect for Adelio, silently nodding in agreement.
"Listen, students. This world operates on a simple principle: 'hunt or be hunted.' The upcoming assignment may instill fear in you, make you yearn for an unattainable savior on a white horse. But wake up from that dream, for when you are in need, no one will come to your rescue except for yourselves."
Adelio spoke in one breath, his short blonde hair gently fluttering, emanating an air of authority that dispelled the fear lurking within the students. His demeanor resembled that of a valiant general, instilling courage within his soldiers.
"When the sky crumbles, no one remains to bear its weight. Everyone will prioritize their own lives, not yours. You are all strong, which is why you sit here today. But strive to become stronger and stronger... to the point where 'you' become the nightmare that haunts these demons."
His final words eradicated any lingering doubts within the students. Although fear still gripped them, they understood the necessity of this challenge.
"And we shall not allow the tragedy of seven years ago to repeat itself," he spoke with a serious expression.
Seven years prior, 200 students from the Fluger Royal Academy lost their lives while battling a Viscount demon and two Barons. These students had ventured beyond their designated area, wandering into the treacherous wilderness. An entire class of two hundred students was lost on that fateful day.
It was known as the 'Crimson Burn' tragedy. Since Adelio had been supervising the ill-fated class, he blamed himself for what occurred and refrained from teaching for several years. However, his determination to eradicate demons remained unyielding, and the incident only fueled his fervor to exterminate every last one. Consequently, he delved deep into demon research.
This tragedy became Adelio's haunting trauma. Upon his return, he remained gentle toward everyone, yet when a demon crossed his path, even the witnesses couldn't help but feel pity for the doomed creature. Adelio's ruthlessness was unmatched.
"Haaa... So that's how it is. As teachers, we shall oversee the assigned areas, and you will be provided with means to contact us. Senior students, you may proceed."
Those acquainted with Adelio's past couldn't help but feel sympathy for him. Simultaneously, their respect for him deepened.
Observing Adelio's demeanor, the three senior students proceeded to explain the assignment.
...
"Kevin, have you received your assignment?" Amaya asked as she nestled into Kevin's arms. She had long yearned for this moment and was now relishing their time together.
"Yes, I have," Kevin replied, neither resisting nor reciprocating Amaya's advances, as he was lost in thought.
'Michael, what are your thoughts on this assignment?'
'I understand, but Sir Adelio wouldn't approve of that.'
The academy had designated areas where low-level demons spawned. By exploring deep into these regions, students could easily encounter low-level Barons and obtain their demon cores.
Although this assignment was meant to be completed in groups of up to eight students, individuals were also permitted to go solo. The academy bore no responsibility for their lives, citing two reasons: first, some students could become burdens on the journey, and second, in the future, they would have to confront demons alone, making it a valuable practice.
'So, should we focus on solo grinding?'
'Understood. Now, moving on to the next topic, what about our skills? You mentioned something last time.'
***
Quest: Complete Comprehension of the system 'Justice King Michael'
Progress: 70% Comprehension of 'Justice King Michael'
Reward: Skill: [Michael Descends]
Rank: Ancient (Angel tier)
Information: Michael embodies Justice, observing, judging, and prevailing. Michael is the unyielding King of Justice. Acquire the temporary power of 'Justice King Michael.'
Michael is devoid of pain and emotions, unwavering in pursuit of the goal. Michael is Justice.
The skill can be unlocked at 50% Comprehension.
Time duration: 180 seconds.
Skill Limits: The Second Phase of skill Comprehension will unlock after breaking through the Third Circle.
"So, I now have access to the skill, huh?"
Michael replied with a monotonous voice.
This skill possessed limitations; the stronger Kevin grew, the more formidable his skill would become.
…