The academy loomed ahead, its towering spires casting long shadows across the bustling streets below. Once, I had walked these same paths with excitement, eager to learn and grow stronger alongside my so-called friends. Now, those memories were tainted—haunted by betrayal and loss. But this time, I had the upper hand.
Aria and Ghost waited for me just outside the academy gates, both of them already wearing expressions that mirrored the intensity of what lay ahead. Aria, with her twin daggers strapped to her sides, looked sharp and focused. Ghost, as always, lingered in the shadows, his presence barely noticeable unless you knew exactly where to look.
"Ready?" I asked, keeping my tone even.
"Always," Aria replied with a confident smirk.
Ghost merely gave a curt nod, his gaze sweeping the streets as if sensing threats no one else could.
Today was the day of the raid. The B-rank gate Leon had planned to lead had attracted more hunters than I expected, all looking for a shot at the S-rank beast rumored to be lurking inside. But unlike them, I knew what would happen. I knew the chaos, the bloodshed, and most importantly, the betrayal that awaited.
But this time, things would be different.
We made our way through the academy grounds, navigating the sea of hunters who had gathered for the mission. Leon stood at the front of the crowd, his authoritative presence commanding attention. He looked exactly as I remembered—tall, with an air of confidence that bordered on arrogance. His eyes swept over the assembled hunters, and for a brief moment, they landed on me. He gave a faint nod of acknowledgment, as if we were still allies.
It took everything in me to keep my expression neutral. He had no idea what was coming.
As Leon began to speak, laying out the plan for the raid, I tuned him out, already going over my own strategy. The Eclipse Blade hummed at my side, a reminder of the power I now wielded. I glanced at the system's interface, reviewing my stats and skills one last time.
Health: 110
Strength: 12
Agility: 13
Intelligence: 12
The fights in the gates had leveled me up slightly, but I still had a long way to go before I reached the heights I needed. The six-star skill, Eclipse Blade, was still at level one, but I knew that if I played my cards right in this raid, I could push it further.
Once Leon finished speaking, the crowd of hunters began to move. We were all headed for the gate, a shimmering portal that had appeared just outside the city's borders. The energy radiating from it was intense, sending a ripple of excitement through the crowd. But for me, it was a reminder of the danger ahead.
As we approached the gate, Aria walked up beside me. "You sure about this, Luca? B-rank or not, S-rank beasts aren't something you just walk away from."
"I'm sure," I said, glancing at her. "This raid is going to change everything."
She raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. Ghost, ever silent, fell in step behind us, his eyes constantly scanning the crowd. He trusted no one—smart, considering the company we were keeping.
The gate shimmered ominously as we stepped closer. The system pinged in my mind:
Gate Detected: B-Rank. Hostile Creatures: High. Boss Level: S-Rank.
A sharp thrill coursed through me. This was it. The moment I had been waiting for. I would prove myself here, gather enough strength to take control of my destiny, and ensure that Leon's betrayal never happened.
Leon signaled for the group to enter the gate, his voice booming as he gave final instructions. I stayed close to Aria and Ghost, keeping my distance from Leon and his inner circle. I needed to remain invisible for now, just another hunter looking for glory. Let Leon think he was still in control.
As soon as I stepped through the gate, the world around me shifted. The air grew heavy, thick with the stench of decay. The sky above was a deep, swirling crimson, and jagged rocks jutted out from the ground like broken teeth. This was no ordinary realm—it was a hellscape, crawling with monstrous creatures.
I unsheathed the Eclipse Blade, its dark energy crackling as it materialized in my hand. The system chimed again:
Quest Updated: Defeat the S-Rank Beast. Reward: 2,000 Experience Points, Unique Item.
We were here for one thing, and one thing only—power. And I would make sure to take it all.
The group began to move through the rocky terrain, hunters spreading out in formation as Leon took the lead. Small, insect-like monsters scurried across the ground, their clicking mandibles echoing through the air. For the first few minutes, the raid went smoothly. Hunters dispatched the lesser creatures with ease, barely breaking a sweat. But I knew better. This calm wouldn't last.
As we moved deeper into the gate, the real threat began to reveal itself. A low growl rumbled through the air, sending a shiver down my spine. The ground beneath us trembled, and suddenly, from behind a jagged cliff, the S-rank beast emerged.
It was massive—easily three stories tall, its body covered in thick, black scales that gleamed in the crimson light. Its eyes burned with a fiery intensity, and long, jagged claws scraped against the ground as it advanced. The beast let out a deafening roar, causing the ground to shake.
S-Rank Beast Detected: Abyssal Wyrm.
Hunters immediately sprang into action, launching attacks at the creature. Arrows flew through the air, spells crackled with energy, and swords clanged as they struck the beast's impenetrable hide. But the Abyssal Wyrm barely flinched. It was too powerful, its scales absorbing most of the damage.
I watched as Leon took charge, barking orders to his group. He looked calm, confident—as if he believed he had everything under control. But I knew the truth. This was where the cracks in his plan would start to show.
I stepped back, motioning for Aria and Ghost to do the same. "Stick to the outskirts," I whispered. "We'll wait for the right moment."
Aria nodded, her amber eyes gleaming with excitement. Ghost simply disappeared into the shadows, ready to strike when necessary.
The fight raged on, but the hunters were struggling. The Abyssal Wyrm was relentless, its tail whipping through the air, sending hunters flying. Its claws tore through armor like paper, and its fiery breath scorched the ground. Despite their best efforts, Leon and his team were being pushed back.
And then, just as I had predicted, the betrayal began.
One of Leon's men—an archer named Kade—suddenly turned on his own team. Without warning, he loosed an arrow straight at Leon's back. Leon barely dodged in time, his eyes wide with shock.
"Kade! What the hell are you doing?" Leon shouted, but it was too late. Others had already joined Kade, turning their weapons on their former comrades. It was chaos. Hunters fought each other as much as they fought the beast.
I stepped forward, my Eclipse Blade crackling with energy. "Now," I said to Aria and Ghost.
In an instant, we launched ourselves into the fray. The Eclipse Blade hummed with power as I slashed through the chaos, cutting down anyone who stood in my way. Aria moved like lightning, her daggers a blur as she carved through the traitors. Ghost, ever the shadow, struck from behind, eliminating enemies with deadly precision.
The Abyssal Wyrm roared again, but this time, I was ready.
I focused all my energy into the Eclipse Blade, feeling the power of light and darkness merge within me. The blade pulsed, growing brighter and brighter until it was almost blinding. I raised it high, the system chiming in my mind:
Skill Activated: Eclipse Blade – Level 2.
I brought the blade down with all my might, aiming for the Wyrm's exposed underbelly. The strike landed with a deafening crash, the power of the blade tearing through its thick hide. The Abyssal Wyrm let out a final, piercing roar before collapsing to the ground, its massive body twitching before going still.
The raid was over.
As the dust settled, I stood amidst the wreckage, my breath heavy but triumphant. The system chimed one last time:
S-Rank Beast Defeated. Experience Points Gained: 2,000. New Skill Acquired: Abyssal Roar. Unique Item Acquired: Dragon's Heart.
I glanced over at Leon, who was still reeling from the betrayal. His eyes met mine, filled with confusion and fear. He had no idea what had just happened—no idea that I had orchestrated this entire raid to turn his betrayal against him.