Chereads / A Demon’s Grimoire / Chapter 22 - Death Valley I

Chapter 22 - Death Valley I

Medea's voice carried the weight of authority, her words sharp enough to carve through the murmurs of the classroom. "Our destination," she began, her violet gaze sweeping over us, "is Death Valley, one of the Five Forbidden Zones on this continent."

The name alone sent a ripple through the room. Whispers broke out, half excitement, half dread. Medea allowed it for a moment before her eyes narrowed slightly—a subtle, silent command that snapped the class back to attention.

"Out of the Five Zones, it is the smallest and, relatively speaking, the least dangerous. It also happens to be the closest to our kingdom."

Her words didn't exactly fill me with confidence. The smallest and least dangerous Forbidden Zone still had the word forbidden in its name, after all.

"What makes Forbidden Zones special?" a brave student asked from the back, their voice laced with curiosity and just a hint of trepidation.

Medea nodded, clearly approving of the question. "A good place to start," she said. "As you know, all your summons come from other worlds—not from Aetheria." She let that sink in for a moment, her words resonating like a tolling bell.

"Forbidden Zones," she continued, her tone growing heavier, "are territories claimed by fully mature Eterna beings. These creatures are so incomprehensibly powerful that their mere existence warps the very fabric of space-time itself. Their presence twists the boundaries that separate our world from others, creating breaches—portals, if you will—through which beings from other worlds can enter unbidden. Not as summons, mind you. As free, wild beasts."

The weight of her words settled over us like a shroud. My throat tightened as I tried to imagine such a thing—a creature so mighty that the laws of existence bent around it, reshaping reality itself. The very thought made my skin crawl.

'Could Aria do that one day?' I thought, glancing down at my grimoire. The idea seemed absurd, terrifying, and thrilling all at once.

Medea's gaze swept over us again, as if gauging our reactions. "The Forbidden Zones are," she said slowly, "inhospitable by design. To enter them is to court death. Even the most seasoned Diamond-grade summoners tread cautiously within their depths. However…" Her lips curved into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. "We will not be venturing into the heart of the valley. Our destination lies along its outermost rim, a region known as the Crimson Trail."

The name hung in the air like a warning.

"The Crimson Trail," she continued, her voice steady, "is dangerous, but manageable for those at your level. It is a place where you will face challenges that push you to your limits without stepping beyond them. It offers opportunity—growth, development, and the chance for your summons to devour energy cores and possibly begin forming their second cores."

I exhaled softly, trying to keep my nerves in check. The Crimson Trail was meant to be "safe enough," but I couldn't ignore the knot of unease forming in my stomach.

Medea must have sensed the tension in the room because her next words cut through the silence like a blade. "Make no mistake," she said, her tone firm. "This is no leisurely outing. The Crimson Trail will test you—not just your strength, but your ability to think, to adapt, and to survive. Remember: your summons are powerful, but they are not invincible. And neither are you."

Her words resonated deeply, a stark reminder of the fragility of the path we'd chosen. Around me, I could see my classmates shift uncomfortably, their earlier excitement tempered by a sobering dose of reality.

"And one final note," Medea added, her voice dropping slightly, drawing us in. "The Forbidden Zones are not just dangerous because of the beasts that inhabit them. They are dangerous because they reflect the nature of power itself. Twisting. Unpredictable. And utterly indifferent to whether you live or die. Respect the land you tread upon, or it will not respect you."

With that, she turned back to the map pinned on the wall, her slender finger tracing the boundaries of Death Valley.

"This," she concluded, "is where your journey begins."

The room was silent as the weight of her words settled. My fingers brushed against the cool, crystalline surface of my grimoire, a quiet reassurance that I was not alone. Aria was with me.

After her explanation of the Forbidden Zones, Medea turned to address the next matter, her gaze sweeping over us like a hawk surveying its prey.

"In order to ensure you receive the proper exposure and challenges suited to your level, we will be dividing you into groups for the excursion," she began, her voice calm but carrying the weight of finality. "This is not a decision made lightly. Each group is designed with your safety and growth in mind."

The room buzzed with anticipation, quiet whispers rippling through the rows of students. Medea's lips curved slightly, as though amused by our speculation.

"Let's begin with the two easiest groups to assign," she continued. "The first group will consist of the four Gold-grade summoners among the first years: Prince Valkas von Thane, Kael Veylin, Mary Greenward, and Gail Kilt."

The named students exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of pride and expectation. Of course, it made sense. Gold-grade summoners were leagues ahead of the others, and grouping them together was only natural. The rest of the class seemed resigned to this arrangement, with no one daring to protest.

"And the second group," Medea said, pausing for just a moment, "will consist of Elara Veylin. Alone."

The room fell into stunned silence. For a moment, I thought I must have misheard her. Alone? Alone?!

"W-wait!" I managed to stammer, my voice cracking slightly. All eyes turned to me as I stood up, my heart pounding. "I'm alone?"

"Yes," Medea said matter-of-factly, as if she had just announced something as mundane as the weather. "Your summon is far too powerful to group you with any of the first years."

Her words hung in the air like a thunderclap. Far too powerful. My gaze darted toward my classmates. Valkas and Kael both wore unreadable expressions, while Mary seemed to be suppressing their reactions—whether it was relief or something else, I couldn't tell.

"But… surely there's a way to—" I began, but Medea cut me off with a raised hand.

"Unfortunately," she said, her tone softer now but no less resolute, "the second- and third-year students are not participating in this excursion. Their schedules have been adjusted so their own expedition aligns with your second excursion later in the year."

Her violet eyes locked onto mine, and I could see a flicker of understanding there. "When that time comes, Elara, you will be grouped with the third years, where your abilities—and your summon's—can be properly tested."

I sank back into my seat, my cheeks burning with a mix of embarrassment and frustration. Alone. The word echoed in my mind like a taunt.

Medea turned back to the class, her voice resuming its steady cadence. "The remaining students will be divided into groups based on a balance of abilities and summons. Remember, this is an opportunity to grow, not just for you, but for your summons as well. Do not squander it."

As the other groups were sorted, I couldn't help but feel the weight of my isolation. It wasn't just about being alone—it was the pressure, the expectation, the knowledge that every misstep would be magnified because there would be no one else to share the burden.

By the time Medea finished assigning the groups, the room was buzzing again. Excitement, trepidation, jealousy—it was all there, swirling in the air. But I could barely hear it over the hammering of my own heart.

"Prepare yourselves," Medea said, her final words ringing with authority. "The Crimson Trail awaits."

I glanced down at my grimoire, its crystalline surface reflecting the light. I wasn't sure if I was ready for this, but one thing was clear: I didn't have a choice.