Minutes later, Won stood in front of the gates of Meteor Ashen Technical, his first and only piece of luggage beside him. He could feel the intense energy radiating from within, even from the outside. It was his first time entering a school. Until now, he had only seen what a school might look like on TV. He chuckled inwardly, remembering the days back in the slums when kids—including himself—would scramble for a spot near any shop that had a television.He would forget his hunger while watching TV. It was addictive—even for a boy like him. He wondered if rich kids felt the same way.Students brushed past him as they entered the school grounds. Most arrived in lavish, branded cars. He was the only one standing there, idly trying to calm himself before stepping inside.Suddenly, a boy tapped him on the shoulder and a

A guide led the boys to the ninth floor, while another escorted the girls to the tenth, where the dormitories located.Each floor was divided into seven sections—one for each academic year.Can a place like this really exist? You could house an entire squalor here. Won was stunned by the size.All he wanted was a room to himself. As the only Flintshade, surely the disdain people had for him would at least grant him that.But no—the premium rooms had already been given to higher-ranked Ashen.Fair or not, Won couldn’t tell.He stood alone, the last one. A two-bed room.One more occupant required.But no one approached.No one wanted to share space with a Flintshade.Worse, some had already found out he was from the squalor.Well, I didn't even expect them to stay with me.No rich kid wanted to room with a poor orphan.And honestly, that suited him just fine. He was happy and fine with their response. He was used to being alone.If they all avoided him—he’d have the room to himself.He

Madam Natt tilted her head at the sight of them and raised her brows. “What are you kids doing here?”Before Won could speak, Orson jumped in. “We came for you, Madam. We knew you’d be here. Actually, Won here—” he gestured at Won beside him, “he saw someone on the rooftop when the body fell.”Madam Natt narrowed her gaze at Won and asked, “What exactly did you see?”“I only caught a glimpse of a shadow. I couldn’t see his face. Did a veyne break? What really happened?” Won asked.Sighing, Madam Natt said, “No veyne broke. But this has never happened before. A monster appeared out of nowhere, and someone killed it as soon as it came out. But we’re not sure who did it.”“Could that monster have come from outside the main campus boundary?”“No, that’s impossible. Protective spells are cast there. Monsters can’t break through those spells. When they break out from a veyne, we get notified immediately.”“That was really dangerous, Madam Natt. The body... it smelled awful!” Orson added.Mad

“Attention, students!” the loudspeaker blared. Madam Natt’s voice echoed through the massive hallway.“Seven large veyne have broken out simultaneously within the main campus boundary. You are all to join the raid with caution. Think of it as a test. And to the first-year students: observe the raid and watch how your seniors operate. Do not take any risks that may endanger your life. Those of you who wish to sit out are permitted to do so. This is not a mandatory raid for first-years. Now, report to the training ground.”Everyone began hurrying downstairs. Orson muttered beside Won, “The warning’s pointless. First-years are always the most eager to prove themselves.”“How can a raid be exciting?” Won muttered, frowning.“Won, listen—no matter what, stay close to me. Raid

Won was knocked backward, hit the ground hard. Something cracked in his side.He forced himself up, blinking blood from his eyes.The boy with the rifle was beside him, reloading. "I’ll open the path again. One shot. You find the heart."Orson interrupted, swinging his hand, “No, Won has done enough! I will do it!”“You cannot!” The rifle boy quietly spoke in calm voice with no hesitation. Then added, “This guy,” looking at Won, “only he can do it.”“What are you saying? That's too risky for a flintshade! He's bleeding all over.”The guy boy smirked and ignored Orson, then looking at Won he asked, “Can you do that?”Won gritted his tee