After a while, Sein arrived at the academy. He walked through the busy hallways, making his way to his classroom.
Reaching the door, he paused briefly before stepping inside.
Inside, the classroom was clearly divided into two groups. On one side, the vibrant and confident Awakened students chatted energetically, while on the other, the non-Awakened students sat quietly, their expressions a little dim.
Shaking his head, Sein scanned the room briefly before spotting Roy in the middle of a lively group.
He walked over, and Roy's face lit up as he noticed him. "Hey, Sein!" Roy called out, waving him over.
"Good morning, everyone," Sein replied in a friendly tone, a small smile on his face.
"Yo, Sein!" called out another student, Tyler, his voice carrying over the chatter in the group.
"What are you talking about?" Sein asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Have you heard? A few days ago, the Bishop of the Dark Temple was surrounded by the Nethyr 's Royal Hawks and executed on the spot," Roy shared, his tone tinged with excitement.
"Really?!" Sein exclaimed, clearly surprised.
The Dark Temple was infamous across Belmond, regarded as one of the most sinister and traitorous organizations. They worshipped the Shura Clan's God, a deity associated with blood and killing, and deemed anyone who opposed them as heretics.
Much like the Shura Clan itself, the Dark Temple reveled in bloodshed and death. Wherever they acted, they left behind a trail of devastation—pools of blood and countless lives lost. From children to women to the elderly, no one was spared from their cruelty.
The hierarchy of the Dark Temple was as follows: at the top was the Pope, followed by the four God's Hands, the ten Archbishops, the Bishops, Priests, Deacons, and, lastly, the Believers.
In a medium-sized nation like Nethyr, the highest-ranking member stationed was typically a Bishop. Thus, the news of a Bishop's death was both shocking and unexpected.
The Dark Temple had managed to remain untouchable for so long, not by chance but through sheer power and means. Their influence and methods were unmatched, making them a force no one dared to challenge lightly.
Coming back from his surprise, Sein raised another question. "Then, isn't the royal family of Nethyr afraid of revenge from the Dark Temple?"
"Heh, it's not so easy for the Dark Temple to mobilize others to avenge the bishop," Roy said, his tone mocking. "Other people are keeping a close eye on them, and if they make a move, they'll be swiftly crushed."
"And even if they do take action, there are people above that will deal with them," he added.
"Oh, that's it," Sein said, breathing a sigh of relief.
After that, the group continued with their usual chit-chat, shifting between common topics and the latest popular discussions.
Before long, their class teacher, Mr. Borr, entered the room.
The students quickly returned to their seats, greeting him with a chorus of "Good morning, Mr. Borr."
"Good morning, students," Mr. Borr said, clearing his throat. "As you all know, today marks the last day for many of you at this academy. After today, some will part ways—whether awakened or not. This is a significant day for all of you. For those who are leaving, it's the beginning of a new chapter, and for those who stay, it's the next step toward your future."
He paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the room. "But no matter what path you take, remember this: The academy has shaped you, taught you, and helped you grow. Today is not just about farewells, it's about reflecting on what you've learned, the friendships you've formed, and the lessons you'll carry forward. Each of you has the potential to make a difference in the world."
Mr. Borr smiled warmly at the students, his gentle eyes reflecting pride as he looked at both the awakened and non-awakened alike. "Let's cherish these final moments together," he said, his voice calm yet filled with a sense of finality. "Now, please head to the main auditorium for the farewell ceremony."
Hearing Mr. Borr's words, the students felt a surge of emotion. The reality of not seeing each other as often from now on weighed heavily on them, especially those divided by their status as awakened or non-awakened.
"Thank you for everything, Mr. Borr," Claud stood up first, his voice filled with sincere gratitude.
"Thank you for teaching us, Mr. Borr," the rest of the class followed suit, rising together and speaking in unison. A quiet moment passed, their collective appreciation hanging in the air.
Mr. Borr smiled warmly at the students before instructing them to line up and head toward the auditorium.
At his words, the students quickly organized themselves and made their way to the auditorium in an orderly manner.
As Sein walked toward the auditorium, a wave of emotion washed over him. The reality of this being their last day at the academy was setting in.
However, his thoughts were quickly interrupted when Roy, who had been walking behind him, patted him on the shoulder.
"Don't worry, Sein," Roy said with a playful grin. "Your brother Roy will be with you."
Sein shook off the hand with a smile. "Okay, okay, I know," he replied, rolling his eyes slightly.
After a short while, the students arrived at the auditorium. The room was filled with students from various classes of the same year, all gathered in anticipation for the farewell ceremony.
The atmosphere was a mix of excitement and bittersweet emotions, as students exchanged last glances and whispered amongst themselves.
After a while, the auditorium doors opened, and the murmurs of the students died down as a figure stepped onto the stage. It was Dean Alaric, an elderly man dressed in an immaculate white suit, with gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose. His silver hair was neatly combed back, and his sharp eyes observed the crowd with a measured gaze.
He cleared his throat and began speaking, his voice calm yet carrying the weight of experience. "Students," he began, smiling warmly, "today marks a turning point for all of you. Whether awakened or not, each of you has proven your worth in this academy. The road ahead will not always be easy, but I have no doubt that you will find your own paths in the world, just as you have here."
His eyes swept over the room, acknowledging the students with an almost fatherly pride. "Cherish the friendships you've made here and remember the lessons you've learned. Life is unpredictable, but you have the strength to shape your future. Now, go forward, and make your mark on the world. Congratulations on completing this chapter of your journey."
With those final words, Dean Alaric nodded to the students and stepped back, his presence leaving a sense of calm and encouragement in the air. The students clapped, feeling the weight of his words and the warmth of his support.
As the farewell party began, the atmosphere in the auditorium was light, filled with students chatting and celebrating the end of their academy journey. However, far from their joy, an ominous change was unfolding over Ravendale City. The sky, once clear, began to darken as reddish-black clouds slowly gathered overhead. People in the city stopped in their tracks, gazing up in confusion and fear, unable to comprehend what was happening.
In a dimly lit room, the Deacon stood with his followers, his mask obscuring his expression, but his eyes gleamed with malice and madness. He turned toward them, a dark aura surrounding him.
"Then let the blood feast begin," he said, his voice chilling, filled with bloodthirsty intensity.
As soon as his words fell, drops of red rain began to fall from the sky, marking the start of a terrifying event.