Rain poured down, enveloping the Crest family's ancient castle in a gloomy shroud. Lightning tore through the night sky, illuminating Aeburt's pale and desperate face.
In the academy's hall, he had just endured another humiliation. Magic Instructor Albert von Hornstein stood on the high platform, his gaze piercing Aeburt like a sharp sword.
"Aeburt von Crest," the instructor's voice was ice-cold, "eighteen years, and you remain the most magically untalented student I have ever seen. No, to be precise, you aren't even worthy of being called a magic apprentice!"
Surrounding students burst into laughter. Young noble lords whispered to each other, their eyes filled with contempt.
"I heard he can't even activate the most basic magic."
"What a disgrace to his family!"
"His father must be ashamed of him."
Aeburt stood motionless, his fists clenched, nails digging deep into his flesh. He could feel the warmth of blood - the only heat he could sense.
The instructor continued, "This is your last chance. If you cannot demonstrate even a hint of magical talent in the magic test, you will be expelled from the academy, forever losing the qualification to become a magician!"
The hall fell into a deadly silence.
Aeburt slowly raised his head, his eyes devoid of tears, filled only with deep despair and anger. He knew this might be the last chance of his life.
The test began.
The magic crystal ball hovered quietly before Aeburt. Traditionally, it would glow for students with magical talent. However, when it was Aeburt's turn, the crystal ball remained dim and lifeless.
"Just a waste!" someone whispered mockingly.
At that moment, Aeburt felt a chill rising from his feet. The temperature around him dropped suddenly, as if the entire world had been frozen.
A tall figure in a black robe silently appeared in the corner of the hall. Only Aeburt noticed him.
It was a demon.
Wrapped in bizarre magical runes, with eyes like burning hellfire. His existence seemed to devour all light, and the air around him became stagnant.
"Young man," the demon's low voice rang in Aeburt's ears, "do you want power?"
Aeburt trembled.
The demon continued, "I can give you power beyond everyone's imagination. Destruction, domination - all will be within your grasp. The price is simply your soul."
"My soul?" Aeburt murmured.
"Not just your soul," the demon smiled, "but all your hopes and dreams for this world. Are you willing to exchange them for true power?"
The mocking laughter seemed distant. Aeburt felt a power he had never experienced before surging within him.
He thought of his father's disappointed gaze, of his classmates' ridicule, of everything that had been stripped from him.
"I am willing," Aeburt closed his eyes, "I am willing to use everything to gain the power to destroy this world!"
The demon's smile grew satisfied.
In that instant, the magic crystal ball suddenly exploded! Black magical energy, like a tangible substance, erupted from Aeburt's body.
The entire hall fell into a terrible silence.
Instructor Albert stared, unable to believe what was before his eyes.
Aeburt slowly raised his head. His eyes were no longer their original color. They held a light beyond life and death, from the depths of hell.
"Now," he said softly, "it's my turn to judge you."
This was the beginning of the soul trade.
A youth once considered a waste was about to redefine the rules of this world in his own way!