The days after the Hellbeast incident passed in a blur of whispers and furtive glances. Vax had expected some level of retaliation from Aisha, but what followed was worse—an oppressive silence. The nobles avoided him, not out of fear, but because they were calculating their next move. Aisha’s pride had been bruised, and her next strike would be more subtle, more dangerous.

Scene: A Quiet Warning

Vax walked through the academy’s courtyard, lost in thought, when he felt a presence beside him.

“Busy day?” Alisa’s voice cut through the air, pulling him from his thoughts.

“Same as usual,” Vax said, forcing a smile. “What about you?”

Alisa narrowed her eyes at him. “You’re lying.”

Vax sighed. “I’m fine. Really. Just tired from all the training.”

Alisa studied him for a moment longer before nodding. “I can tell something’s off, Vax. But I’ll leave you to it.”

As she walked away, Vax felt a pang of guilt. He hated lying to Alisa, but he couldn’t afford to drag her into this mess. The more she knew, the more vulnerable she became.

But as he watched her leave, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was coming—a storm he wasn’t prepared for.

Scene: The Principal’s Request

That evening, Vax was summoned to the principal’s office. The air inside was thick with the scent of old books and magical relics, and the faint hum of enchanted wards buzzed around the room.

The principal sat behind his desk, his expression unreadable. “Vax,” he said, his voice low. “You’ve shown potential in the past few days. I’ve arranged for more training, but there’s something else you need to know.”

Vax raised an eyebrow. “What’s that?”

“There’s a power growing within you,” the principal said, his gaze sharp. “A power that’s becoming harder to hide. And it’s attracting attention—attention I can’t protect you from forever.”

Vax felt a chill run down his spine. “What are you saying?”

“The Demon Lord’s legacy.” The principal’s voice dropped to a whisper. “It’s waking up. And when it does, it won’t be easy to control.”

Vax’s heart skipped a beat. He had always known his magic was tied to the past hero’s arch-nemesis, but hearing it out loud made the weight of it all crash down on him.

“You’ll need to master it,” the principal continued. “The academy will train you, but the true battle is coming—and you must be ready for it.”

Vax nodded silently, the weight of the principal’s words settling heavily on his shoulders.

Scene: The Demon Lord’s Daughter

That night, as Vax made his way back to the dorms, he was once again met by Selena, waiting in the shadows.

“You look troubled,” she observed, stepping into the light.

“I’m fine,” Vax replied, though he knew she could see through the facade.

“I don’t think that’s true,” Selena said, her voice almost sympathetic. “The principal told you, didn’t he? About the Demon Lord’s magic inside you.”

Vax didn’t answer, but the cold shiver down his spine confirmed her words.

Selena’s gaze softened. “I understand how overwhelming this is. But you’re not alone in this, Vax.”

“Why do you care?” he asked, finally meeting her eyes.

Selena gave him a wry smile. “Because I know what it’s like to carry a legacy you didn’t choose.”

Vax frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Let’s just say that I have my own reasons for helping you.” Her tone was cryptic, but there was something in her eyes that told him she wasn’t lying.

“Why don’t you just tell me what you want from me?” Vax asked, his frustration bubbling over.

Selena’s smile faded, and for the first time, her expression was serious. “What I want from you is simple: trust. In time, you’ll see that we’re on the same side.”

Vax took a step back, his mind racing. Trust? How could he trust someone so shrouded in mystery?

But before he could voice his doubts, Selena turned and began to walk away.

“You’ll need allies when the real battle comes,” she called over her shoulder. “I suggest you find them before it’s too late.”

Scene: Aisha’s Schemes

The next day, Vax couldn’t shake the feeling that Aisha was watching him. Everywhere he went, her presence seemed to linger at the edges of his vision. It wasn’t until the afternoon that he learned why.

He was summoned to the academy’s grand hall, where several of the nobles awaited him. Aisha stood at the front, a smile playing on her lips.

“Vax,” she said sweetly, “we’ve been wondering when you’d finally show up.”

Vax said nothing, his hands tightening into fists at his sides.

“I hope you’re ready for what’s coming,” Aisha continued, her voice a mockery of kindness. “You’ve embarrassed me once already, but that’s nothing compared to what I have planned for you.”

Vax stepped forward, his gaze unwavering. “What do you want, Aisha?”

She smirked. “What I want, Vax, is for you to understand your place. You’re a nobody, and I’m going to make sure you stay that way.”

As she raised her hand, one of the nobles behind her stepped forward with another Summoner’s Shard. This time, however, it wasn’t a Hellbeast that emerged from the portal—but something far worse.

A massive creature with scales darker than night, its eyes glowing like molten gold. A Nightmare Drake.

The creature’s roar shook the room, and the nobles stepped back in fear.

Vax didn’t hesitate. He summoned his magic, drawing on every ounce of power he had, and fired a bolt of lightning straight at the beast. The bolt struck, but the Nightmare Drake barely flinched.

“This isn’t going to be as easy as last time, Vax,” Aisha said, her voice filled with venom.

Vax gritted his teeth. If he didn’t act fast, everyone here was doomed.