"In this academy, all of you have been admitted without discrimination based on age, gender, or any other factor. Our institution only accepts students with exceptional talent from around the world. Today marks the completion of your 10-year course, and I am proud to announce that, in the 200-year history of our academy, fewer than 700 students have graduated. Your batch, having a total of 5 graduates in a single year, surpasses all previous records. The last batch graduated only one student, and some batches did not graduate at all. Your achievement is remarkable."
An elderly man shouted these words to the five individuals standing in the desert, forming a line behind each other. The desert winds carried the weight of his announcement.
"Derby Nicholas, joined the academy at 12 years old, a Rank 9 martial artist then, and now at 22 years old, a formidable Rank 2 Martial Artist." A sturdy figure with a nearly 7-feet-tall frame stood at the back of the line, gripping a spear firmly.
"Lexi Compton, enrolled at 8 years old as a Rank 10 martial artist, and at 18 years old, she stands as a Rank 2 Martial Artist." Lexi, with her rugged appearance and a sword in her hands, stood in front of Derby, her small stature contrasting with his immense height.
"Leah Compton, joined the academy at 9 without martial arts skills. Now, at 19, she's a Rank 1 Martial Artist." Wearing a black robe and standing in front of Lexi, Leah showcased determination in her eyes, and the dust on her robe hinted at battles faced.
"Finn Nicholas, enrolled at 8 as a Rank 10 martial artist, now at 18, he holds the title of a Rank 1 Martial Artist." Finn, with red hair and black eyes, donned a black robe with signs of recent battles, standing tall in front of Leah.
"Newt Salamander, entered the academy at 6, a Rank 10 martial artist. Now, at 16, he stands as a Rank 1 Martial Artist." Newt, with silver hair, blue eyes, and unique red gauntlets, wore a white robe that heightened his charismatic appearance.
As the old man utters Newt's name, the other four—Finn, Leah, Lexi, and Derby—experience a momentary tremor before regaining their composure.
'If only those four weren't descendants of our instructors.' he thought, 'Newt's name would be etched in the academy's history. Thanks to him, these four have worked hard and achieved a level equal to their fathers' and grandfathers'.
"Now, each of you, the graduates, will be provided with a location where you can uncover the answers to the questions that lingered since your enrollment in the academy."
The Old Man tossed a badge to each of them, displaying the emblem of a skull and the name "Deathbringer Academy."
"This serves as both your graduation certificate and a lifeline. Should you find yourself in a life-threatening situation, this badge can be used to save your life once."
"Go forth and carve your names into the annals of history, just as those who came before you."
With those words, the old man vanished into thin air, leaving behind only the lingering awareness of his recent presence.
Newt narrowed his eyes.
'No matter how many times I witness it, it's still incredibly fast.'
'Even with Neon Link, my eyes couldn't catch his figure.'
'Just how formidable is he?' Newt pondered, attempting to locate the old man but finding no trace.
'Deathbringer Academy—I can't believe I've enrolled here.'
'One of the top-ranked academies, simultaneously the most dangerous and more mysterious.'
'Graduates either ascend to the highest echelons of authority or become feared monster individuals.'
Lost in thought, Newt noticed birds approaching, each holding a chit in its beak.
After delivering the chits to their designated recipients, the birds departed.
Reading his own chit, Newt's expression remained impassive, while the others have bloodshot eyes.
Newt read the chit and it simply bore the words "Imperial Family of Aura Ridge."
Crushing the chit to powder, Newt surveyed the surroundings.
Everyone began fading away in the desert—Finn and Derby becoming almost invisible, while Lexi and Leah ran into the distance.
Emotions within Newt, now as calm as water, guided him as he too disappeared from sight.
***
Aura Ridge had returned to a state of calm and tranquility. The tragic incident that had befallen the Salamander family eleven years ago was now a distant memory, and the residents of Aura Ridge slept peacefully in their homes.
In a quiet corner, a conversation unfolded between two individuals. One, donned in a scarlet-colored outfit adorned with three golden stars, signifying his rank as a Rank 3 martial artist, was addressed as Commander. His companion, sporting a blue ensemble with three silver stars, held the status of a Rank 7 martial artist.
"Commander, I heard you were the one who delved into the investigation of the Salamander family's extermination," the silver-starred martial artist commented while sipping on his drink.
The Commander, maintaining sobriety despite the consumption of alcohol, responded, "I did investigate, but only up to a certain extent."
"I uncovered the truth behind their demise, but who would believe me? It's wiser to use such knowledge for personal growth rather than inflict harm upon oneself with its burden."
"That's how I rose to the rank of commander, Nick. You should consider employing your intellect rather than relying solely on physical strength," the Commander advised.
"Yeah, I know. My best friend Maxwell Knight—a member of the esteemed Knight family and the Imperial Knights commander in Aura Ridge."
"Regardless of what you say, it won't alter the fact that you hail from a distinguished lineage," Nick protested.
Max sighed, intervening to prevent Nick from drinking further. He gently guided his friend to a bed, taking a moment to share his thoughts.
"You don't understand. I rushed over as soon as I sensed the fluctuations, but the power I felt was different—on another level. My hair stood on end just from the mere fluctuations. However, they subsided before I arrived. If any mage was nearby, they would have felt the terrifying agony of nature itself."
"The wind screamed, the earth wept, as if the very essence of nature recoiled in its presence."
"I can't change what I am, born to hear the voices of spirits and nature. Whatever or whoever extinguished the fire and buried them is a genuine monster."
Maxwell, feeling the weight of his emotions, gazed at the starry night sky. "I've tried to forget, and now, looking at it, there's no sign of danger in Aura Ridge at all." He offered a faint smile, retreating to his room for some much-needed rest.