Leviathan, hovering five meters above the ground, held my fragile frame tightly against him as if I were his most prized possession. He didn’t bother to hide the arrogance in his gaze as he looked down at Karim with disdain.
Once, the three of us had been friends, but now, more than ever, I realized how distant those days were. Circumstances had led us to this inevitable, bitter end.
“Let her go, Levi. This is between you and me.”
“Between us? I fell for her first, and you stole her from me, just like you’ve taken everything else I ever had.”
Right now, it was best not to provoke either of them. Otherwise, death would be unavoidable… But was there a chance for all of us to survive this? I didn’t want Leviathan to die, but my heart ached more for Karim.
“Then let’s settle this the way a demon king and a hero should. One final fight.”
“To the death? Last time, you didn’t have the guts to finish me. Do you think you’ve got it in you now?”
“This time, I don’t have a choice.”
“Of course, you’re always the victim, aren’t you? And I’m just the horrible, ungrateful monster.”
“You chose this path yourself.”
“Did I?... Fine, let’s have our last battle. May the strongest survive.”
Would they release me now? Could I do something, anything, to change this?
“Ariadna, my dear, stay here for now.”
Leviathan gently tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear before leaping down from the monstrous creature he rode. If my family hadn’t sold me to him in exchange for their own lives, Karim would have more freedom to act without worrying about my safety.
“Are you ready?”
“Do you really think you can kill me with that piece of scrap metal? Have you forgotten that I’ve mastered forbidden magic and made myself untouchable?”
“No. But I’ll try with this holy blade.”
“You’re more naive than I thought. Go ahead, give it your best shot. Once you’re gone, Ariadna will be mine alone.”
It wasn’t for nothing that his behavior started to unsettle me even in my teenage years, especially his obsession with me. I tried with all my might to distance myself from the adopted son of the Arkan family, but he seemed to hear a glimmer of hope in every word I spoke.
Alright, now wasn’t the time to dwell on the past. First, I needed to find a way to escape and help Karim neutralize Leviathan.
My first attempt to climb down from the beast and surrender to gravity failed miserably—the monster growled, and I didn’t dare continue. Unfortunately, I only possessed defensive magic, which was useless in this situation. But I also didn’t want to just sit and wait for Karim to free me. I’d had enough of playing the obedient little girl.
Suddenly, the demonic beast beneath me dissolved into thin air, and I began to fall. That’s when I saw it—both men had pierced each other with their swords. They stared into each other’s eyes, and within moments, they collapsed to the ground.
Given the height from which I was falling, I didn’t expect a soft landing, and the pain was excruciating. My last thought was that if Karim and I met again in another life, I wouldn’t let him sacrifice himself for others anymore. He’d been forced to fight his friend only because humanity had driven Leviathan to become the demon king.
When I opened my eyes, it took me a while to come to my senses. About a thousand years had passed since then. Ariadna was long gone, but the memories—or perhaps nightmares—of that time still haunted me. Or maybe they weren’t memories at all? Maybe it was time to book an appointment with a therapist…
The alarm on my phone snapped me back to reality, reminding me it was time to get up. Unfortunately, Arkan Academy wouldn’t wait for just one person.
I’m grateful to the world that ordinary humans far outnumber mages. Thanks to that, countless useful inventions like phones and cars exist. Mages, on the other hand, mostly focus on their own realm and rarely create anything new or practical.
Humans are so inventive that they’ve even developed weapons that, while not perfect, can hold off demons until mages arrive. It’s curious, though, why mages are often held in higher regard.
“Young miss, are you awake?” Isabella knocked on my door.
“I’m getting up.”
Swinging my legs over the side of the bed, I glanced around my room. I’ve looked at this space every morning for twenty years, yet I still don’t feel at ease here.
Pressing the lock button, I turned on my phone’s home screen. It was already seven in the morning. Two hours until the opening ceremony.
Hurrying to get dressed, I pulled out my uniform—a silver dress adorned with beige patterns and a light blue bow just below my ribs. The sleeves were long, and the skirt fell just above my knees. Surprisingly, it suited me and didn’t clash with my blonde hair or gray eyes that hinted at violet. Maybe it was my slightly tanned skin that tied it all together.
How could I possibly resemble Ariadna? I’m the complete opposite of that dark-haired, pale-skinned woman. Even her height was a good four inches shorter than mine!
Snapping my fingers, I summoned a small flame as if to prove yet another difference between us. Ariadna wielded healing magic, while I commanded elemental magic. Though hydro-, terra-, and aero-magic were challenging for me, finding a fire mage as skilled as I am at my age was nearly impossible.
Glancing at my reflection, I tried to spot another difference between us, but the alarm reminded me of the time once again. Clicking my tongue, I turned my back to the mirror, grabbed my phone, and left my room.
In the dining room, my grandfather and mother were already seated. They didn’t even look up, silently continuing their tasks: the widowed Lady Arkan wielded her cutlery with precision, slicing vegetables for a salad as if they were the enemies who took my father, while Grandfather read today’s newspaper.
As soon as I took my seat, the head of the family looked up from his reading and fixed me with a serious gaze.
“Gabriella.”
“Yes.”
“Do you remember who your ancestor is?”
“The great hero who slayed the demon king.”
“And what does that mean?”
“That I’ll have more eyes on me than anyone else. Are you saying I shouldn’t tarnish the family’s reputation?”
“Your grandfather means that you don’t have to follow the path of heroism. Your first priority is to take care of yourself,” my mother interjected, lifting her gaze. “We’ve had enough deaths in every generation of our family. Under no circumstances should you sacrifice yourself for others, as your father and grandmother did. People won’t appreciate your sacrifice, so don’t overdo it.”
“Is that why you hired the best tutors for me and pushed me to train until my muscles ached?”
“We did that so you could protect yourself,” Grandfather said, setting down his newspaper. Was this conversation going to drag on?
“Enough arguing,” Brigina Arkan cut in, nipping the brewing conflict in the bud. “You’ll be late.”
When this woman spoke, her word was law in this house, so we returned to eating breakfast in silence before going our separate ways.
All my essentials had already been delivered to the dormitory, and there were no classes today, so after our “family roundtable discussion,” I simply got into the car where Orios, our driver who had worked here at least twice as long as I’d been alive, was waiting for me.
He smiled and gave me a slight nod through the rearview mirror. I mirrored the gesture, and the car started moving. I wouldn’t see the home where I was born and raised for at least the next few days, until the weekend.
His wife, Isabella, once told me that after a rift appeared in their native village, the locals believed it was divine punishment. They decided that sacrificing one family to the demons emerging from the rift would send the infernal creatures back to their lair. That family turned out to be our head maid and driver. Their children faced a quick, painless death by poison, fed to them by their own neighbors, but my grandmother managed to save the young couple just in time. In gratitude, they vowed to serve our family for life. They never dared to have more children, so they treated my father as their own… until he, too, passed away, though not in childhood. Perhaps that’s why they initially tried to keep their distance from me, though they couldn’t quite manage it.
Looking out the window, I noticed the sky had clouded over. Thunder and lightning always made me flinch. Though it had happened to Ariadna long ago, the phobia lingered in me as well.
When the future heroine was a child, she was playing in the forest with a friend. While searching for her companion, lightning struck a tree. Ariadna heard a scream… Her friend died from the strike right before her eyes.
“Don’t worry, there shouldn’t be a storm,” Orios reassured me, noticing how I flinched at the sight of the sky.
Forcing an awkward smile, I shifted my gaze to the shops we passed. In the days of the past hero and demon king, places like these didn’t exist. Vaincross, though considered the industrial hub and most developed city of its time, was incredibly simple compared to even modern villages. So much can change over the centuries.
“Young miss, we’ve arrived,” Orios said, pulling me from my thoughts.
Arkan Academy looked more like a museum than a school. And no wonder—Lily Castle was originally built as a gift for Ariadna. White walls, elegant towers, blue-tiled roofs, massive fountains… All of it became public property after the hero and his betrothed passed away.
As we passed through the gates, I noticed a curious crowd. Each of them had their own goals, but I couldn’t afford to make a fool of myself. I’m an Arkan, the sole heir of a lineage of heroes.
Taking a deep breath, I gripped my skirt. Gathering my resolve, I gave Orios one last glance before opening the door and stepping out to meet my fellow students. Some were older, some younger, some taller, some shorter—all so different, yet their curious stares made me uncomfortable. Coming from a renowned family, I was no stranger to such situations. Crowds didn’t scare or panic me, but being surrounded by so many unfamiliar faces made it hard to feel safe.
Lifting my head confidently, I flashed my practiced smile—one so polished it was hard to tell from a genuine one—and walked forward. Thankfully, the crowd parted for me, though whispers followed in my wake. It’s fine, Gabi, it’s fine. You just need to get through the formalities, and then you can retreat to your room. How can you be afraid of a crowd when you’re a descendant of the great Karim? True, the hero had no children of his own, but my branch of the family still shares his blood. And honestly, how is it that I fear crowds of people more than hordes of demons? Demons are stronger and fiercer… Sure, but humans can be far more cunning and emotionally cruel.
Near the main entrance, I noticed a guy who stood out from the rest. A handsome brunette with brown eyes watched me silently. He seemed like a ghost of this castle, unnoticed by everyone else, which was odd because there was something undeniably captivating about him. I couldn’t quite pinpoint what drew me in, but it was hard to look away.
Still, he wasn’t a ghost—a girl, likely rushing to join the gawking crowd, bumped into him, fell, and scraped her knees badly on the tiles.
He lazily lowered his gaze but didn’t move from his spot. The poor girl, looking up at him, couldn’t hold back her tears, but a friend came to her aid, helping her up and dragging her away from him.
The incident seemed to break the spell, and I managed to shift my attention elsewhere—like to the giant clock hanging right above the entrance. I just hoped it wouldn’t decide to fall on me one day, cutting my short life even shorter.
Though it was my first time here, the corridors felt familiar. Over the years, they hadn’t changed much, almost identical to the ones that flickered in Ariadna’s memories.
The stream of students flowed toward the auditorium, so I simply “went with the current.” Occasionally, I caught glimpses of professors, distinguishable not just by age but by the powerful aura of mana radiating from them. Only mages at the “master” level could teach here, and there weren’t many of them. Most students peaked at the “adept” level, which was more than enough for everyday life: combat mages and elementalists could handle high-level demons, while healers at that level could mend severe wounds with ease.
But finding masters was far easier than finding grand mages. Those who reached that level often went into hiding to protect themselves. Combat mages and elementalists at that rank could rival the demon king’s lieutenants, and healers could cure fatal injuries incompatible with life. Even master healers, though, weren’t omnipotent. Only a mage who had mastered forbidden magic could resurrect the dead. According to ancient texts, such power came at a tremendous, unspecified cost… Though, even in the days of the last demon king, dark mages were considered little more than children’s ghost stories, so it’s unlikely any living soul knows the truth about them.
The grand stage was empty, unlike the student seating area. Interestingly, the back rows were packed first, and the closer you got to the stage, the sparser the crowd became. The front row was completely empty, so I headed there, though I didn’t dare sit at the edge near the stairs—I went to the far end by the window. Watching what was happening outside might help ease the feeling of being a circus animal on display.
The storm showed no signs of letting up. The clouds only thickened, blocking out even a sliver of light. The world seemed to sink deeper into darkness. A bad feeling fluttered in my chest. I hoped it was just baseless anxiety.
A ceremonial melody drew attention to the stage. Hearing it, latecomers quickly filled the remaining seats—not just the sitting ones—and still, no sign of the professors.
“Welcome, students of Arkan Magical Academy!” the host announced, stepping to the center of the stage.
“To the city founded by Karim Arkan himself!” her co-host added.
I didn’t pay much attention or commit the rest to memory. Student performances didn’t captivate me, and I wasn’t a fan of musical or dance shows. I just felt there were better ways to spend time, though I didn’t judge those who enjoyed such things—to each their own.
“And now, a word from the rector of our alma mater,” the host declared, introducing the figure who oversaw everything and everyone here.
I knew Lorian Kaysley not just by reputation. As a child, I often played with him—my late father’s best friend. Sometimes, he taught me little tricks, always gave me useful and expensive gifts on holidays, and even called me his goddaughter at times. I held no ill will toward him, but I couldn’t fully trust him either. Something about him unsettled me on an instinctive level, even now. His presence always put me on edge, so I stayed cautious around him.
He walked out from backstage with a calm stride, not putting on any flashy combat spell displays, which was unusual for me. In my presence, he always made a grand entrance. Perhaps it was about maintaining decorum.
“Dear students, I welcome you to this significant moment as we embark on a new academic year at the Magical Academy named after the hero Karim Arkan. This is a place where magic becomes not just a part of you, but a powerful tool for growth and saving the world. The knowledge you gain here will not go to waste, as all our students, even in their first year, begin participating in battles against demons. You will not only master the theory of vanquishing these creatures of darkness but also gain invaluable experience, learn to work as a team, and save countless lives. I wish you success in this new academic year and welcome you to Arkan Magical Academy!”
The students erupted into cheers, clapping with all their might. The noise was so loud that they didn’t immediately hear the screams from outside. Right in the courtyard, a black cloud had formed—the kind that usually signaled the opening of a demonic rift.
Now I understood where the professors had been. They were all gathered in the courtyard, likely on duty for exactly this kind of emergency. As soon as the first monster emerged from the forbidden space, a barrage of combat and elemental spells flew at it, but soon, demonic reinforcements arrived. First-year students in the hall who noticed the demons screamed in terror, while upperclassmen, prepared for such events, rushed toward the exits—presumably to aid the professors. I didn’t catch the moment Rector Kaysley disappeared, but I spotted that guy again, the one I’d initially mistaken for a ghost. He stood lazily, leaning against the wall, watching me. I didn’t recall ever meeting him… Hmm… Why not just go over and ask? First-years had no business near demons anyway, so I shouldn’t get involved—I’d only be a burden.
Navigating through a panicked crowd was difficult (and even dangerous), and the guy decided to slip away as soon as he saw me heading toward him. Why had he been staring at me so intently, then?
Emerging from the crowded hall into an empty corridor, I caught sight of his back in the distance. Oh no, you’re not getting away without explaining yourself!
He was evading me like we were playing a game of tag with a child. It was infuriating. Anger fueled me, giving me a burst of energy, so I sped up. Though my pace quickened, I still couldn’t catch up to him, even though he was only walking briskly, not running.
“Stop!” I shouted, unable to hold back my frustration.
To my surprise, it worked. If I’d known, I would’ve done it before we ended up in the back courtyard. It wasn’t exactly safe out here right now.
“What do you want from me?”
“That’s my question,” the brunette said with a smirk, turning to face me. “You’re the one chasing me.”
Fair point. I hadn’t thought of that.
“Who are you? Do we know each other?”
“We don’t, so be glad and try to stay away from me.”
“Why?” Not that I was dying to get closer, but I was curious.
“Just go back. You first-years are defenseless against demons, and I’m not about to protect you.”
The mysterious guy turned his back to me, waved dismissively, and walked off. Was he crazy or something? Fine, whatever, it’s not my problem. I’d better keep my distance from him.
Just as I was about to turn around and head back to the auditorium, a small black cloud formed just ten feet away from me. One thought flashed through my mind: “Well, I’m in deep trouble now.” Why? Because I couldn’t run—if I did, the academy’s entrance would be left unprotected. And staying wasn’t an option either; even for masters, fighting solo against the horde emerging from a rift was a huge risk.
As if on cue, that guy was nowhere to be seen! How does this even happen? When I don’t need him, he can’t take his eyes off me, but when I do, he’s vanished.
I took a deep breath and focused on the mana coursing through my veins, a force inherent to every mage. I felt it flowing through the capillaries in my fingertips and toes, moving through my veins and arteries, pooling in the area around my heart.
Snapping my eyes open, I brought the image of a fiery spell from my mind into reality. Flaming orbs hovered above my hands, waiting for the moment I’d unleash them.
The first uninvited guest didn’t keep me waiting long. A fire hound—oh, just my luck. I “loved” these things because my fire magic was like a treat to them; they gobbled it up with glee. Water magic would be ideal against them, but of the four elements, that was the one I could barely wield.
“Great, I’m going to die on the first day of school.”
As if understanding my words, the hound bared its teeth in a mocking grin and took a step toward me. No, running wouldn’t work—it’d catch me. I had to at least try to fight back.
What did I know about it? It was fast, strong, and aggressive. A perfect killing machine. Talk about my incredible “luck.”
My body reacted faster than my mind could process—my opponent launched its first attack, but I managed to dodge. That’s a good sign; all those training sessions weren’t for nothing. I’d also been taught that every demon has a weak spot. Even non-mages can hold their own against a single demon for a short while.
“If only I knew where that spot was,” I muttered under my breath.
Under my breath... Under the nose. Dogs all have a weak spot—their nose. Could it be the same for this demon? One problem: what could I use to hit it there, and how?
Keeping my eyes on my opponent, I scanned the area for a weapon out of the corner of my vision. So far, all I spotted was a rock near my feet. It’s something, but I wished it were just a teensy bit bigger…
I quickly crouched to pick it up, and just then, the massive body of the fire hound soared over my head... Oh gosh, it’s a boy! Ew, I just saw a demon’s private parts! Gross!
I rolled across the ground, putting more distance between us. Sorry, but I definitely don’t want to get cozy with a suitor like this.
My offended admirer shook its head and fixed me with a piercing stare. Okay, I get it, I’m a catch, but do you have to drool over me? Especially when that drool is literal lava.
I dodged another attack, but my opponent was already adapting to my movements. There was no disorientation this time—it charged straight at me. Somehow, I ended up cornered. I’m afraid there’s no escaping this fiery kiss now. Yeah, this is definitely not how I imagined my first kiss in my daydreams.