In an unknown area, a group of Astral Magi, led by a Silent Blade Commander are all running through the woods. They arrive at the end of the woods and they see two people in black cloaks. Under their cloaks is a : (Male) A long black trench coat with reinforced shoulders and a slight flare at the hemline. Crimson accents trace the edges, and glowing runes crawl along the sleeves and lapel. Spiked shoulder guards of black steel add intimidation, and clasps shaped like talons secure the coat. A form-fitted dark tunic with leather straps crossing the chest diagonally, holding small pouches and charms. The tunic incorporates an asymmetrical cut that gives a sharp, sleek silhouette. Tailored, fitted dark trousers reinforced with ribbed sections around the knees and thighs for mobility in combat. Heavy black boots with steel-capped toes and glowing crimson soles. A subtle vine-and-thorn design is etched on the side. Black gloves with plated knuckles. A black steel pendant featuring the crescent moon and thorny vine insignia. (Female) A sleek, fitted long coat with a slightly flared bottom for movement. Crimson runes glow faintly along the hem and cuffs. The coat features a high spiked collar, with slim, sharper shoulder guards compared to the men’s version, evoking elegance and menace. A waist cinch emphasizes the silhouette, with thorn-like detailing along the seams. A fitted corset-style tunic with leather panels running diagonally across the torso. This layer adds a sense of dark mystique and highlights the figure while remaining functional. ○ The corset is reinforced with subtle black steel boning, with small thorn motifs etched into its surface. Form-fitting leggings or leather pants with reinforced thigh guards, combining mobility and style. High-heeled combat boots with glowing red soles. The heels have a pointed, blade-like design, serving as both fashion and weaponry. Fingerless black gloves with thorn engravings. A choker or necklace featuring the crescent moon and vine insignia, glowing faintly when activated by magic.

"End of the line you Hazard scum," the Silent Blade Commander said as he drew out his blade.

The other Astral Magi draw out their blades and surround the two cloaked individuals.

"Wow, you Astral Magi sure are relentless. All we did was steal some magic stones," the cloaked female said.

"We know who you are, which is why we'll stop you here and now," the Silent Blade Commander said while pointing his blade at the two individuals.

"Are you sure about that? How are you going to kill someone you can't see," the female taunted.

"What are you--"

The Silent Blade Commander feels pain in his head and drops to one knee, holding his head. He looks around and he sees the world around him twisting.

"What's this? What sort of sick trickery have you committed?"

He looks behind him and sees his comrades like the cloaked individuals. He begins glaring at them.

"Commander?"

The Commander gets up and decapitates the first Astral Magi before him.

"Commander!"

He proceeds to cut down every single ally, splitting the trees and rocks and dropping everything around him.

"The Commander has lost it!"

"Where is the sedative!"

"It's on your--!"

The Silent Blades Commander cuts down the remaining two allies of his. The female-cloaked individual chuckles and she says, "I can't believe you cut down your own allies with no hesitation. What happened to the Astral Magi honor?"

"You damn--"

The male cloaked individual grabs the Silent Blades Commander by the face and crushes his skull. He then tosses his body to the side.

"Was there any need to run if we were going to do this, Xyrenthia?" the male-cloaked individual questioned.

"You're such a wet blanket, Grolvath. Don't you want to see their pathetic faces when they struggle to live? It's so funny and it brings me the greatest pleasure," Xyrenthia said.

"Let's not delay any further. We've been keeping Nyxis waiting with our project," Grolvath said as he swung his hand and a swirling red vortex portal appeared before them.

"Well if we want our project to succeed, he has to be patient," Xyrenthia said, and the two walked through the portal.

"Bastards..." One of the Astral Magi passes out after typing something on a phone.

Meanwhile, in the Asta Academy, Kael is walking down the hallway of the Combat Wing and every student present keeps glaring at him.

"Jeez, everywhere you go there's eyes on you. You've become quite the attraction," Alastair said.

"No, I've experienced worse," Kael said.

Kael walks into the male locker room of the Astral Arena and all the boys there keep staring at him. He heads for his locker and swipes his card, opening the locker. Kael takes out his sports tracksuit. He removes his uniform and dresses in the sports tracksuit. He starts stretching as he's done changing.

* Asta Academy sports tracksuit (Both genders): Black tracksuits with white stripes and the academy emblem on the back.

Kael locks his locker and as he heads out, the people keep stealing glances.

"Damn, at this rate they should just ask for your autograph," Alastair said.

"You know of autographs?" Kael questioned.

"That family sure had a lot of books," Alastair said.

Kael and Alastair look at each other for a few seconds. Kael lets out a sigh and says, "Though I can already guess what's going to occur, I shouldn't bother because it would be a drag."

A few minutes later, Kael walks into the Astral Arena, and in the Arena, he sees Eris, Ada, Arthur, Lucille, Williams, the Moore brothers, and other Combat wing students.

(Oh yeah, she's in the Astral wing. Saves me the trouble of having to entertain her.)

 A broad-shouldered man with a full beard, dressed in a black tank top, grey trousers, and sneakers appears before the students holding a clipboard.

"Greetings to you, new students of the Combat wing. My name is Alden Kraxis, I'm known as the Iron Sentinel in my Astral Magi duties. To kick off your Academy years, we'll begin with a test, to see your weapons proficiency. We've received the intel regarding the new students and have designed weapons tailored for you. We don't discriminate so you don't have to worry about anyone getting maltreated. Weapons are a very important ally for an Astral Magi. Entering a battle with no weapons is foolhardy. This leads us back to what I said, we'll be testing your weapons proficiency. If you can't wield your weapon, points will be deducted. Now choose."

"Gah, I thought he'd never stop speaking," Kael said with his body slouched.

"You really have changed. Before you were all timid. Is it your new body?" Eris questioned.

"You talking to me?" Kael said with a dumb expression on his face.

Every student starts to pick their weapons. Ada picks a claymore and a system window appears before her...

<Item Picked:>

Name: Heavenfall

Type: Claymore

Rank: Epic

Attributes: Attack 200%, Speed 100%

====

'Amazing!'

Eris picks up her weapon and the system window appears before her..,

<Item Picked:>

Name: Solstice Edge

Type: Sword

Rank: Epic

Attributes: Attack 200% Speed: 101%

====

'To think we'd receive free epic items like this. Just how much money is the Association making?' Eris questioned.

Arthur picks his weapon up and a system window appears before him.

<Item Picked:>

Name: Skybreaker

Type: Spear

Rank: Epic

Attributes: Attack 202% Speed 95%

=====

Lucille picks up his weapon and the same happens to him.

<Item Picked:>

Name: Duskfang

Type: Halberd

Rank: Epic

Attributes: Attack 210% Speed 100%

====

A grin emerges on Lucille's face as he wields his weapon. Kael walks up and reaches for his weapon and Alden glares at him.

"..."

Kael picks his weapon up and a system window appears before him.

<Item Picked:>

Name: Eclipse Reaper

Type: Scythe

Rank: Epic

Attributes: Attack 200% Speed 110%

====

(Oh, the perks are better than Black scythe.)

"These will be your weapons even when you become an official Astral Magi. Money was spent on this because the Astral Magus Association believes you'll become a great Magi. Now, to test your weapon proficiency, you'll head to the center of the arena and will be transported to a designated area to test your skills. Your goal will be to kill up to 5 monsters. Bonus points will be awarded for killing more than five. Now let's begin," Alden dictated.

Arthur takes a step forward and hits the spear on the ground. He catches a glance of Kael and it feels like a serpent is coiling around him. He flinches, tightens his grip on the spear, and starts to shudder.

"Prince Arthur, I mean Arthur, you may step in the center of the arena. You'll be randomly transported to either a rugged mountain, forest or the wastelands," Alden said.

"R-right..." Arthur exclaimed.

'What's gotten him so shaken?'

Arthur steps into the center and a bright light appears, temporarily transporting him to another dimension.

<Identification Confirmed>

Name: Arthur Albert Armstrong

Status: Second Prince of the Kingdom of Nevan

Society Rank: Divine Royal

Date of birth: 16/07

Academy Year: 1, A

Bloodline Magic: Light (S Tier)

Passive Skills: Reinforcement Magic, Healing Magic

Class: Lancer and Summoner

====

"What's been troubling you, dear Agent?"

A woman of light dressed in a robe descends upon Arthur.

"Angel of Light, Arya... Where were you in my battle against the outcast?" Arthur questioned.

"Unfortunately the mana he emitted prevented me from descending. I do apologize for that," Arya said.

"A mere Sanctified noble prevented you an angel from descending? Well, it doesn't matter. Every time I see the outcast, I'm filled with overwhelming fear and I'm not sure why. Maybe I might redeem myself through this test," Arthur said.

<Location: Direhowl mountain>

- Nine Direhowls have been spotted

"That's plenty," Arthur said as he got into stance.

"I bid you good luck," Arya said as she disappeared into the light.

The Direhowls howl loudly and charge in for Arthur as Arthur advances for them. One of the Direhowls leaps in for him.

##Holy Light Blessing: Holy Sanctuary##

Arthur creates a dome around himself and he blocks the Direhowl attack, causing the Direhowl to burn itself. Arthur cloaks his spear in light and slouches down a bit with an emerald glow coming from his eyes. He leaps in for the remaining eight Direhowls.

##Holy Light Blessing: Holy Thrust##

Arthur thrusts his spear at the Direhowls from the air, sending out a beam of light, wiping out the Direhowls. He comes landing on one knee and returns to his feet. He gets transported back to the arena.

"Well done. As expected of the Prince," Alden said.

A grin emerges on Arthur's face and he says, 'That's right. There is now I lost to that damn outcast. There has to be some sort of mistake.'

(He's stronger than before, so he's one of the few capable of leveling up, but... Thanks to fear incarnate, I still have the leverage over this cocky bastard.) Kael thought to himself with his right eye glowing silver and a mirage of a purple serpent behind him.

Meanwhile, in one of the five cities of the State of Eldoria, members of the Shadow Operatives of the Eldoria Astral Magi arrive at the cliff and find the horrific scene.

"How cruel," one of the Shadow Operatives said.

"This is where we got the message. So the enemy has gotten away once more," the leader of the operatives said.

"Even the leader of the Silent Blades was killed. I don't even see a trace of his head," the other member of the operatives said.

"Let's report this to our Regional Overseer. Maybe he'll know what to do," the leader of the operatives said as the Regional Overseer was seated in his office looking out the window.

* The Regional Overseer shown here is a middle-aged man, wearing the Regional Overseer uniform, and golden rings on each finger.

- Astral Magus Regional Overseer uniform (Male): Long tailored midnight blue coat with a high collar and embroidery reflective of their state. Slim-fit midnight blue trousers with silver seams. Ankle or knee-high boots, depending on the state’s culture and terrain.

- This is added in the uniform for both genders (I'm only showing you the Eldoria version, I mean writing.): An open book with a glowing star above it. Design: Elegant and refined, with silver trim and scroll-like embroidery. Cape: Silver lined with intricate rune patterns and flowing script.