Well, the unfortunate news was that despite their efforts to rush to class early, they were far from early, as they had assumed.
"Now, tell me your excuse. If it's not a good one, the class will vote on your punishment for delaying the class," the teacher questioned, with a stack of books piled on the table. To their dismay, they knew it was their dreaded subject: history.
Like fresh meat in front of starving wolves, nearly half of the class eagerly raised their hands to vote for the four punishments. However, their enthusiasm died down instantly as the four friends glared at them.
As a chill ran down the spines of those students who had been so eager to punish the four friends, Cain mustered a wry smile and scratched his head.
"I don't have an excuse, teacher. I humbly admit it. I'm out of options," Cain replied.
"I think I do," George sheepishly stated.
"You do?" Cain turned around to face him.
"You're the leader here, so take the punishment for us. Leaders lead by example," Tang Ming chimed in, wearing a convincingly serious expression that prompted the other two to nod in agreement.
Cain felt his heart crack at the betrayal of his friends. "I can't believe I was sold out by my friends, but since I'm the leader, I'll shoulder this punishment, Mrs. Tina," he responded, displaying an equally convincing expression. His friends couldn't help but shed a tear at the selfless heroism and bravery Cain was portraying.
Mrs. Tina, already sensing a headache approaching from these four friends, sighed and decided to let them off the hook, as she had something important to inform the entire class.
"Get up and go back to your seats," Mrs. Tina stated, massaging her temples while shooing them away.
"Thanks, Mrs. Tina," the four of them happily replied as they rushed back to their seats. Some students felt disappointed as they had truly expected the punishment vote.
*Cough cough*
"Now, back to what I was saying before I was interrupted," Mrs. Tina continued, glaring furiously at the four friends as they shrunk back, resembling frightened turtles.
Mrs. Tina resumed speaking, suppressing the urge to laugh at the antics of the four. "This world is called Alvard, a place where people cultivate their Daemons to unimaginable levels, evolving them to improve and strengthen themselves." She let her words sink in, successfully capturing the attention of her students.
"This world was once known as the Blue Planet. However, due to a devastating event, it transformed into what it is now. Many years ago, a meteorite crashed onto Earth, releasing energy called Vint. This energy covered every part of the planet, causing beasts, plants, rocks, and even lakes to mutate and gain sentience and incredible powers. Humanity was nearly wiped out from the surface of the Blue Planet. Even our advanced technology couldn't effectively combat these beings during the later stages of the war. The beasts became stronger, surpassing the destructive power of nuclear bombs. This war raged on for 250 years until we humans were able to develop our own powers, known as Daemons," Mrs. Tina explained, taking a breath to continue.
"Only with these Daemons could we humans survive after our population was reduced to just a billion following more than a decade of war."
A student raised their hand to ask a question and was granted permission.
"What are Daemons?" the student asked.
"Daemons are guardians that form within our bodies based on our ambitions, personalities, and more. They come in various forms, shapes, and sizes and are awakened at the age of 16," Mrs. Tina replied.
"Wow!" exclaimed all the students in
unison.
"I will show you my Daemon, but don't be surprised because all of you will awaken yours," Mrs. Tina said, smiling as she lifted her left arm to reveal a red tattoo resembling a wolf.
She touched it and closed her eyes. Suddenly, the room became so hot that students in the front rows retreated to prevent their skin from getting burned.
AWOOOOO...
A blazing red wolf appeared beside Mrs. Tina, releasing a howl to announce its arrival, which Mrs. Tina hurriedly silenced.
The entire class fell into an awestruck silence, their mouths hanging wide open in disbelief.
Unable to contain her amusement at her students' expressions, Mrs. Tina couldn't help but grin.
"This is my Daemon, the Flame Twin-tailed Wolf. It's a B-grade," she proudly stated.
The Flame Twin-tailed Wolf, realizing it wasn't summoned for battle, leisurely stretched its body and settled down to rest.
"This is the imprint of a Daemon. After being summoned, it takes a mini form that suits you better, whether it's a tattoo, ring, necklace, or a macro version of it—anything that won't bother you. The grade of your Daemon depends on how strong your body is," Mrs. Tina explained, showcasing the red tattoo on her left arm.
"And the grade of your body is determined by your effort and talent. The body is graded in Rinit, known as the red realm. As you progress through the realms, the color changes," she continued.
"In the red realm, the existing stages are:
1st stage
2nd stage
3rd stage, known as grade F
4th stage, known as grade E
5th stage, known as grade D
6th stage, known as grade C
7th stage, known as grade B
8th stage, known as grade A
9th stage, known as grade S," Mrs. Tina elaborated.
"The higher the grade, the more power you can harness. Your attacks, defense, speed, and skills will be stronger. All you have to do is train your body before your awakening to accommodate more Daemons Vint within you."
"Those who cultivate the power of Daemons are called Ewers and are given that title."
"So, students, I will demonstrate how to cultivate your body and improve your grade," Mrs. Tina declared, retracting her Daemon.
"Now, starting from the front row, I will begin," Mrs. Tina announced.
Mrs. Tina turned her attention to the front row of students, ready to demonstrate the process of cultivating their bodies and improving their grades.
She approached the first student, instructing them to stand up and face the class. Mrs. Tina extended her hand toward the student's chest, her palm glowing with a faint red light. The student's body trembled slightly as the energy from Mrs. Tina's touch transferred to them.
"Close your eyes and focus on your ambition, your desires, and your inner strength," Mrs. Tina advised the student. "Visualize it as a flame within you, burning bright and fierce."
As the student followed her guidance, a subtle change occurred. A symbol materialized on their arm, matching the shape of their awakened Daemon. It was a delicate mark, intricately designed, representing the essence of their potential.
The class watched in anticipation, amazed by the transformation happening before their eyes. Mrs. Tina moved on to the next student, repeating the process. One by one, the students in the front row underwent the awakening of their Daemons, each symbol unique and personal to them.
Excitement filled the air as the students marveled at their newfound connections with these otherworldly beings. Whispers and murmurs of astonishment circulated throughout the classroom. Mrs. Tina's demonstration had ignited a spark of curiosity and determination within each student.
"Now, students, take a moment to observe the mark on your body. Embrace your Daemon, for it will guide you on your path to growth and mastery," Mrs. Tina encouraged them. "Remember, your grades can be improved through diligent training, discipline, and the exploration of your Daemon's capabilities."
The class buzzed with a newfound sense of purpose and determination. The students glanced at each other, exchanging excited expressions and discussing the unique qualities of their awakened Daemons.
Mrs. Tina, pleased with the response, couldn't help but smile at the energy radiating from her students. She had successfully sparked their interest in the world of Daemons and the journey that lay ahead of them.
"As Ewers, it is your duty to nurture your connection with your Daemon and unlock its full potential. Train your bodies, hone your skills, and strive for greatness. Together, we will navigate the realms and uncover the secrets of Alvard," Mrs. Tina declared, her voice filled with enthusiasm.
The students, now fully immersed in the possibilities that lay before them, listened intently, eager to embark on this extraordinary journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
With the awakening of their Daemons, the class had embarked on a new chapter, where history would intertwine with the mystical powers they possessed. It was a journey that would test their resolve, forge unbreakable bonds, and shape the fate of Alvard.
Mrs. Tina concluded her introduction, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. The classroom brimmed with an electric energy as the students prepared to embrace their destinies as Ewers, ready to leave their mark on the realm of Daemons.
And so, the adventure began, with Mrs. Tina leading the way and a classroom full of aspiring Ewers eager to unlock their potential and explore the vast wonders of Alvard.