The Awakening Of The Shadows

Lian observed the desert landscape as he waited to arrive at the First District Military Academy. Lena had hired a driver to take him there. From a distance, Lian spotted the colossal structure: the academy's campus was surrounded by an enormous wall.

"Why does the academy have such a large wall?" Lian asked the driver, intrigued.

"This area is quite dangerous. There are frequent monster attacks here, and the academy sometimes uses these attacks as practical training for the students," the driver replied, a bit surprised that Lian didn't already know this. It was common knowledge in the district, but he chose to ignore it and added, "We've arrived, sir."

They entered through the massive gates and stopped in front of the main structure of the campus. Standing outside the building was a tall, muscular middle-aged man with short blond hair and a scar over his right eye, which rendered it permanently shut.

Lian gathered his belongings and stepped out of the car, heading toward the man.

"Pleased to meet you. My name is Lian Alvarez," he said, extending his hand.

The man, refusing the handshake, spoke in a tone of irritation.

"That damned Lena keeps bringing useless brats to the academy. Listen, kid, I don't care who you are or where you're from. Here, strength rules. You'd better be worth the trouble it took to bring you here," the man said, eyeing Lian critically. "Follow me."

Lian followed the man into a room. Upon entering, he was awestruck by the advanced technology. The large room featured an expansive training arena.

"Pay attention, boy. I'm the vice-director and combat instructor of the First District Military Academy, Ark Zenith." His gaze lingered on Lian, filled with disdain, as if he were just another piece of trash.

"As I said, this academy is built on strength. I'm going to test you and then decide your position here. Leave your belongings there and step into the arena to prepare."

Lian entered the arena, taking in the impressive structure. It was enormous, likely over 2,000 square meters. As he admired the space, the vice-director called out to him.

"What are you doing, you idiot? Put on that training suit, summon your weapon, and stop daydreaming," Ark barked, pointing toward the wall where a few potions and some high-tech outfits were stored.

Lian put on the suit, finding it rather odd.

"Here's the deal, rookie: you'll fight against some robots, and this suit will monitor how much damage you take. When it determines you've taken too much, the test ends." Without waiting for a response, Ark pressed a button.

A gate in the arena wall opened, and a single robot emerged. As Lian observed it, the same symbol from before appeared on his right hand. A dark energy emerged from the symbol, transforming into a one-handed sword. The weapon was forged from a black metal with a purple prism in its guard, radiating an eerie energy.

"Let's see if you're worth anything," Lian muttered, looking at his sword. He instinctively knew the voice he had heard before was connected to the weapon, though he didn't fully understand how. As he was distracted, the robot charged at him at high speed.

Lian's father had been a retired hunter and had taught him how to fight from a young age. He knew how to wield a sword like a seasoned hunter. When the robot lunged at him, Lian swiftly assumed an offensive stance and dashed forward.

As they closed the distance, the robot threw a punch aimed at Lian's face. With agile reflexes, Lian ducked under the robot's fist, positioning himself behind it. In one quick upward slash, he sliced the robot in half, leaving it no chance to retaliate.

Ark furrowed his brow slightly, clearly impressed by Lian's skill, though his expression didn't change much. What intrigued him most, however, was the boy's weapon. He had never seen a completely black weapon before, and the sword's strange aura was unsettling. Yet he chose to ignore it for now.

When the test concluded, Lian removed the training suit and approached Ark. Despite his success, Lian was still nervous, as Ark's expression remained unchanged, cold and dismissive, as though he were still looking at trash.

Just then, a woman entered the room. She appeared to be a secretary, with long, straight brown hair and beautiful eyes. Ark looked at her and spoke.

"The boy's in Class A. Take him to the dormitories." With that, he walked away.

"Follow me, sir," the woman said in a soft voice.

Lian grabbed his belongings and followed her.

As they walked, the woman commented, "It seems the vice-director took an interest in you."

Lian looked confused and replied, "What? Every glance he gave me felt like he wanted to strangle me. If that's what interest looks like, I'd hate to see how he treats people he doesn't like."

The woman chuckled softly at his comment. "I've worked with Mr. Ark for many years, so I can distinguish some of his expressions. He's a man who doesn't like to reveal what he's thinking."

As they talked, they arrived at a large building that looked like a hotel from the outside. "This is the Class A dormitory," the woman said, leading him to his room on the 7th floor, number 713. She opened the door, and Lian was surprised by the space. The room was cozy and spacious, featuring a queen-sized bed, a large wardrobe, a bathroom, and even a balcony.

"When I think of a military academy, I imagined students would have to get by with very little," Lian remarked, furrowing his brow.

"The vice-director probably told you that strength is what matters here. The stronger you are, the more resources you receive," the woman explained, her tone almost proud of the academy's system. "Right now, you're in Class A, the highest-ranking class in the academy. However, you can be demoted, so be careful."

As she was about to leave, she turned back as if remembering something. "Classes don't start until February, but there are training fields, a library, and even a private monster portal exclusive to our academy. Only Class A and B students can use it. Make good use of your free time, Mr. Lian." With that, she left.

Lian stepped into his room, and memories of his family filled his mind, this time, happy ones. "Mia, Mom, Dad... I will avenge you. I promise." Lian knew the path ahead would be difficult, but his resolve was clear. He wouldn't stop until that cursed race was eradicated.