The seven academies' camps burned. Demons swarmed through shattered defensive lines, their claws red with student blood. Teachers stood frozen in frustration—their most devastating spells would kill friend and foe alike at this range.A Lakeview Academy mage raised his staff, magical energy crackling around him. "—""Stop!" His colleague grabbed his arm. "Our students are mixed in with the demons! You'll kill them!""But if we don't—"A scream cut him off. Three students fell, torn apart by insect demons."We can't use area spells!" The mage's face twisted in anguish. "We're powerless!"The demon horde broke free from the ice prison, chunks of frozen magic shattering across the battlefield. Immediately, the majority shifted course toward Lakeview Academy—the nearest target."They're coming!" a student shrieked.Then Marco's voice cut through the chaos. "Kensington spearhead, wedge formation! Cut through the center!"His hundred-person team crashed into the demon flank li

The cave entrance was barely visible—a narrow crack in the obsidian cliff face that opened into a larger chamber inside. Marco's group stumbled through after hours of running, their bodies pushed beyond exhaustion.Fifty-three students collapsed against the walls, gasping for breath. Some nursed wounds wrapped in torn cloth. Others stared blankly at nothing, shock written across their faces.Marco posted guards at the entrance before allowing himself to sit. His muscles screamed in protest. The Darkblood Demon Sword lay across his lap, its crimson veins pulsing faintly.Rocco dropped beside him, wincing as he settled his injured shoulder. "We should've stayed with the main force."Marco's eyes snapped to him. "What?""The seven academies together. Nearly a hundred Second Transition teachers." Rocco's voice carried conviction despite his exhaustion. "That's our best chance of survival.""That's the fastest way to die.""How can you say that? Those teachers are—""Mortal." Marco's tone

Sofia stood at the battlefield's edge, her eyes locked on the sealed Hell Portal. Explosions rocked the ground. Screams filled the air. Officers shouted for her to retreat.She didn't move."Princess, please!" A captain grabbed her arm. "The dragon could return any moment!""I'm waiting for Marco.""He's trapped in Hell! You can't help him by dying here!"Sofia jerked her arm free. "I'm not leaving."Behind her, Brutus watched with growing concern. His master was trapped in Hell, and this stubborn human girl was going to get herself killed.The massive Pug made a decision.He padded forward silently. Sofia didn't notice until too late.BONK!His paw struck her forehead with precise force. Sofia's eyes rolled back, and she collapsed.Father Dominic's jaw dropped. "Did you just... knock out a princess?"Brutus's mental voice was unapologetic. She wouldn't leave. Master would be angry if she died."That's... actually fair." Dominic couldn't help a small laugh despite the circumstances.B

The Hell Sect's temporary headquarters—a burned manor five kilometers from the sealed portal—reeked of sulfur and blood. Austin sat in what had once been a noble's study, his fingers steepled beneath his chin.Three mid-level commanders entered and knelt."Master Austin, what are our orders?" The leftmost—a scarred man named Victor—spoke first. "The portal is sealed. The students are trapped. What's our next move?"Austin's lips curved into a cold smile. "Our move? Nothing.""Nothing?" Victor's confusion was evident."This operation was designed by Vice Sect Hierarch Lydia herself." Austin stood, gathering his belongings. "She'll arrive soon to take command. My role is finished.""You're leaving?" The second commander, a woman named Margaret, frowned."The Empire's retaliation will be swift and brutal. Remaining here is suicide." Austin fastened his cloak. "I'm not particularly interested in dying for someone else's ambitions."The third commander, a young man named Gerald, straighten

The air above Hell's Gap crackled with raw power as two titans of combat faced each other. William, the Tower Master of the White Tower, floated effortlessly in the sky, his silver robes rippling despite the absence of wind. His face remained impassive, betraying no emotion as he studied the woman before him.Lydia, Vice Sect Hierarch of the Hell Sect, smiled languidly, her crimson dress clinging to her curves like liquid fire. Her lips curved into a mocking smirk as she tilted her head, dark hair cascading over one shoulder."How delightful," she purred, her voice carrying across the battlefield like poisoned honey. "The mighty White Tower Master himself. Did those pathetic nobles hire you to die for them?"William's eyes narrowed fractionally. "Your curses won't reach me, witch. Surrender now, and I'll ensure your death is painless."Below them, the remnants of the alliance army watched in terrified silence. The ground was littered with withered corpses—more than one hundred fifty t