“Good,” Sasha called out. “You understood how to use light to neutralize and defend. That’s real progress!”

But Cathy’s eyes narrowed.

“That was only the beginning. Now let’s do the real thing.”

She vanished—reappearing just behind him.

Too fast!

Her punches were like bullets—her movements enhanced by physical-boosting magic. Every strike cracked the air. Dorothy followed with sharp arcs of wind blades to keep him off balance.

Satori tried to counter, casting a flame wave to push them back, then earth spikes to slow them down—but it wasn’t enough.

They were faster. Smarter. Stronger.

His knees buckled.

And then he fell.

The Alarm

Before anyone could speak, a sharp siren echoed through the training grounds. A red light pulsed from the tower nearby.

“ALERT. ALL RESIDENTS EVACUATE. DEMON CONFIRMED IN THE OUTER RING.”

Everyone froze.

Sasha’s expression hardened instantly.

“So soon…”

She turned to Satori and spoke with quiet urgency.

“Satori. This is your first true rite. No more training—this is real.”

“W-Wait! I just got knocked down—how am I supposed to— fight demon”

“There’s no time to doubt yourself. A demon has appeared. Slay it, or it will destroy everything.”

Satori’s heart pounded. His arms trembled. But his feet… stepped forward.

This is what I’ve been preparing for… Right?

Cathy placed a hand on his shoulder. Her face was serious, but her voice was warm.

“You won’t be alone. But you must lead the charge.”