Evilness, the all-consuming power that holds sway over life and death.

In our third year at the academy, Luyira and I witnessed something that forever etched itself in our minds—a spectacle that revealed the true power of our mother, a woman with five years of service to the institution. I still remember the moment I tried to save Ninaies from danger, filled with bravery yet aware of my own limits. But then, like a storm, our mother appeared, defying every expectation. With fierce determination, she wielded anything she could find to defeat our enemies, leaving all of us stunned. I can still picture her, swinging a massive branch like it was a weapon forged for battle, and the incredible leap she made to land right in the midst of our foes. Despite her small stature, she radiated strength that far surpassed most people. It’s why they call her the Retter Messiah who kills.

Yet, there are whispers. People say that a Retter Messiah shouldn’t take lives, that their purpose is to use violence only when there's no other choice. But even our mother, the fearsome warrior Frenia, is not immune to this so-called "weakness."

As we make our way toward the academy grounds, passing by towering mansions that dwarf even our own home, I can’t help but reflect on the world we live in. This is the realm of the true elite—where only 3,000 individuals reside in an area large enough for hundreds of thousands. The divide between nobility and commoners is glaring. Nobles, born with an innate combat prowess, can single-handedly vanquish a hundred foes. It’s awe-inspiring, terrifying even. But out on the borders, against demi-humans, the odds shift dramatically. Some of those creatures can take on five nobles at once. Their strength is something else entirely.

Being noble comes with its privileges, but it’s not a status that’s handed out freely. It must be earned, and only a rare few among them are considered unworthy. For commoners, being defeated by a demi-human isn't just expected—it's inevitable. One demi-human can wipe out 500 civilians without breaking a sweat. It's moments like these that remind me why the nobility is necessary, despite the resentment it sometimes stirs.

 

Across the five majestic capital cities of our vast empire, populations range from as little as 20,000 to as many as 120,000 in Neo Jerico, the grandest of them all. In the imperial city, the chances of dying from old age are high—one of the few luxuries the city offers. But out in the smaller towns and villages, where populations rarely exceed 2,000 or maybe 10,000 in the best of cases, life is more fragile. Even though humanity has steadily grown since the Holy Judgment, our greatest threat isn’t disease or the loss of technology. It’s the mutant beasts that ravage the land. These monsters attack without warning, their aggression unrelenting, even as their numbers dwindle. No one knows where they come from, but they haunt our lives like a shadow that refuses to lift.

In the north, the beasts press against the great wall that shields us from their titanic presence, making it the most dangerous region in all of America. The fear of stepping even a kilometer beyond the capital’s boundaries is real. Nature itself is unpredictable. The landscapes may be lush, but the wilds are filled with danger. And yet, there’s a glimmer of hope in the communal spirit we share—a sense that, together, we can endure. Stray too far from societal norms, however, and you risk more than just judgment. You risk your life.

Lost in my thoughts, I feel the comforting presence of Luyira at my side, her arm linked with mine. She never wavers. Always by my side, steady and loyal. Walking beside us, our mother radiates wisdom, a well of knowledge that others can only aspire to. As we pass through the bustling crowd, people move aside, greeting us with reverence. They recognize her as the esteemed teacher, and Luyira, with her fiery hair, as the Retter Messiah.

Ahead of us loom the grand doors of the academy, promising the familiar faces of students and respected figures. As we step onto the campus, we're greeted by royalty—the King, Queen, Prince, and Princess, each exuding their own brand of regal authority. And beyond them, standing with a serene smile, is Saint Mary, the radiant Retter Messiah known for her healing touch. Every year, she welcomes the students and nobility with the same grace, acknowledging the efforts of all with a gentle nod of approval.

Luyira’s teasing voice rang out beside me. "It's clear to me that neither the Saint nor the princess hold any importance for you."

I glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "And why do you say that?"

"Because she requires that which you hold dear!" Luyira smirked mischievously. "Such a mama's boy."

With that, she playfully bounced her bosom, making an exaggerated ‘boin, boin, boin’ sound, clearly mocking my affinities. I rolled my eyes, but before I could respond, our mother, Alidia, intervened, scolding Luyira for her lack of manners. Of course, Luyira made sure her outburst was loud enough for everyone nearby to hear, though most simply brushed it off—they were well aware of the dynamics between us. The approaching Saint, however, remained unfazed by the banter.

Saint Mary, with her usual serene grace, let out a soft lament. "So, I see I do not captivate you, my dear Aido," she murmured, gently caressing her chest with a melancholic expression.

 

I smiled, giving her a playful but honest response. "You, Saint, are the epitome of beauty. Your grace and charm make all other women green with envy. I just have a preference for something… a bit different."

Honesty flowed easily from me. It was the truth—I had no problem saying it. Saint Mary chuckled, though there was a hint of longing in her tone.

"Oh, don’t be shy with me, my dear Aido. I can provide anything your heart desires, as long as it brings no harm. And here I thought I had found my match," she teased, her words playful but with an undercurrent of sadness. Everyone knew she hardly slept, always preoccupied with something, while Luyira slept soundly through the night.

Before I could respond, Luyira interjected, wrapping herself around me and nuzzling affectionately. "Ah no, sister, get your own!" she declared with a grin, marking her claim. Though light as a feather, Luyira made her presence unmistakable.

Our mother swooped in again, this time with a playful scold for Luyira. "Itai o!" Luyira exclaimed, wincing dramatically. "I’m just telling the truth."

The others laughed softly at the scene, and soon Saint Mary leaned closer, whispering to me. "We need to discuss a few things, especially about your sister."

"I understand," I replied quietly. "Just let me know when you have the time, Your Holiness."

As we entered the academy, the grand hall greeted us with the usual array of royalty and nobles. I exchanged polite greetings with them, including the King, Queen, Prince, and Princess. In the hallway, we parted ways with our mother, who had classes to prepare for the upcoming field test. All of us in our third year were feeling the pressure of those tests, and it was on everyone’s mind.

As we walked further inside, Luyira turned to me, curious. "What does the Saint want now?"

"It’s nothing special," I replied, brushing off the question.

"She’s not going to marry us, is she?" Luyira teased, her eyes glinting with mischief.

I couldn’t help but laugh. "You really have a strange way of thinking."

She flashed me a playful smile. "That’s why you like me."

"And many other reasons," I added with a grin. Then, after a brief pause, I asked, "But if she really wanted to be one of my lovers, or wives, what would your opinion be?"

Luyira’s expression shifted, a mixture of honesty and vulnerability. "I am acutely aware of the truth of the matter, despite any jealousy that may arise. I would comply with your desires because, deep down, I also care for her. It’s complicated. On one hand, I could accept the situation. On the other, I still long to have you all to myself. But my love for you, Aido, remains unwavering."

I embraced her, feeling her body press against mine in a gentle dance of affection. It was a brief moment, but it warmed my soul. Luyira’s voice broke the spell, reminding me that class was about to start. Reluctantly, I placed a kiss on her cheek before releasing her. I could’ve held her a little longer, savoring the closeness between us, but there was no time.

As we headed toward the classroom, we spotted Sakura waiting for Luyira, with Carlos—her boyfriend—greeting me with a nod. They were our closest friends at the academy, partners in this journey of growth and learning.

"Luy!" Sakura called out, her voice bright with excitement.

Sakura was taken aback as Luy playfully leaped toward her. Instead of knocking her over, the two of them spun around, laughing and smiling. Despite not being a couple, they had a bond as close as two young girls in love. Luyira, despite her true age, always carried herself like an 18-year-old woman, while Sakura was 17.

Carlos clapped me on the shoulder. "Hey bro, how are you?"

I chuckled as I spoke, teasingly, "I’m doing well, as always tending to my dear little sister with care."

Luyira’s reaction was instant. Her face scrunched up in playful annoyance as she lightly punched my arm. "Oilo! I’m the oldest!" she huffed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Even when she tried to act serious, there was always that hint of playfulness that never failed to warm my heart.

I laughed, feeling the familiar comfort of her energy beside me. Luyira’s been my constant, my anchor, through every storm life threw our way. In some ways, she was more than just my sister—she was a part of me.

Carlos’s voice brought me back to the present. His tone was more serious now, reflective. "This year’s the combat field exam," he said. "And, man, I thought I was nervous when we had our sex classes. Looking back, I was pretty lucky that Sakura was my partner. We were both clueless. No experience at all." He smiled, glancing over at Sakura, who was standing close to Luyira, as if they shared some unspoken understanding.

I couldn’t help but nod. "Yeah, I remember. While civilians jump into things as soon as they can, we nobles tend to focus on training, on combat. It’s like… our purpose is ingrained in us. Maybe that’s why we have fewer children. It’s the cost of being a hunter."

"I want ten!" Sakura declared with a laugh, but then her expression softened, becoming more serious. "But it’s true. I was so scared back then. We were all nervous. Except you!" She shot me a playful look, as if accusing me of being immune to fear.

Her words stirred something in me. The truth was, I had always approached those situations differently. Not because I didn’t feel nervous, but because I had learned early on that fear wasn’t something I could afford to show. It was something I had to bury deep, where no one could see.

Sakura and Luyira’s bond had blossomed through those shared experiences. I’d seen them grow closer, especially after our intimate lessons in class. Despite Sakura’s quiet demeanor, Carlos had confided in me once that, when it came to love, Sakura had a fire in her equal to Luyira’s passion.

Sakura's voice brought me back. "During the class, when everyone else was hesitating, Aido just… well, did his thing. No hesitation, like it was second nature."

"Well, I wasn’t always this confident," I replied, feeling a bit awkward. The truth was, I used to be a third-class citizen. I never had the luxury of overthinking things. It was survival. "Back then, things were different for me."

"I popped his cherry!" Luyira suddenly burst out, her voice full of pride, with absolutely no shame. "And I taught him everything he knows!" Her audacity stunned the group into silence for a moment.

I could feel the heat rising to my face. It was Luyira, after all. She never held back, never felt the need to filter her thoughts. After a long, awkward pause, everyone finally laughed. But none more than Luyira herself, her laughter like music, light and full of joy.

"What’s done is done!" she added with a mischievous grin, shrugging her shoulders as if her declaration was nothing more than a casual fact.

Carlos shook his head, still chuckling. "How did you find your way, Luyira, with no memories of your past? Like the Saint?"

"I just followed my instincts," Luyira said, her eyes softening. "I let go when it felt right."

"Nombre mujer! You're such a threat to virgins." Sakura laughed, a light teasing glint in her eyes.

"Nuh uh," Luy replied, shaking her head, her voice softening, almost serious. "My heart belongs only to Aido. No one else will ever touch me." Her words were spoken with such sincerity, a vow that felt like it reached across lifetimes.

Carlos raised an eyebrow. "But you allow him to touch others."

Luyira looked at him, her expression almost playful, but there was a depth to her words. "Really, Carlos? We just went over this. It’s like stepping on a landmine… or something."

I looked at her, feeling the familiar warmth that always came when we spoke like this. “You’ve always been fine with it."

"That’s because your touch comes from love," she said, her voice tender, but with an edge of possessiveness that always lingered beneath her playful nature. "You never engage with someone you don’t care for. That’s why the girls adore you."

Carlos leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "It’s like you have two sides—The Destroyer and the Gentleman. If only more were like you, life would be simpler."

I smirked, feeling the weight of that title. "And what about you, Sakura? What do you think?"

Sakura glanced at Carlos, and I could see the love between them, the way they shared the same heartbeat in everything they did. "I’m content with Carlos. Our love blossomed from friendship, and it’s a perfect match. Our families sync seamlessly, even though we lack siblings. They’re pleased with our bond."

Carlos nodded, his expression one of quiet pride."Yeah. In a world where polygamy and polyamory are accepted, I can’t imagine being with anyone other than Sakura. Even the demihumans, who are said to be open to such arrangements, don’t sway me. Just like you and Luyira—we’re inseparable. This year, we took it further and moved into the same dormitory."

"Congratulations!" Luyira beamed, her excitement genuine. "So, are you two officially tying the knot?"

"Not yet," she replied with a soft smile. "We’re fully devoted to becoming Cranked Hunters. We dream of building our own love nest one day, but we’ll wait until we reach our goals." Sakura replied with a serious face but still clinging to Luyira.

Her words made me think of my own future, of the people in my life. "The truth is, I love Luyira and my mother very much. But lately, I feel like there’s something missing in my heart. Especially after everything that happened in the village." My voice trailed off, the memories of the tragedy weighing heavily on me. "We’ve talked about it, but… I’ve been confessed to by more than one girl, and I’ve turned them all down. Something doesn’t feel right."

Carlos leaned back, his voice casual yet probing. "Not even as acquaintances with benefits, you ask?"

I shook my head, exhaling slowly. "No, I feel that's not my thing. Besides, if the children I fathered ended up as weak as I used to be, it could be a problem." The thought of bringing children into this world—into this chaos—made my chest feel tight. "And speaking of demi-humans, since you brought them up… that’s what seems to have everyone on edge this time."

At that, Sakura sighed, her face clouding over. "No way. I’ve had trouble sleeping ever since we finished last year. And if you get pregnant during the vacations, students are banned from entering combat. This year, five of the girls are pregnant, between two to five months along."

Carlos glanced at Sakura, a wistful smile tugging at his lips. "Honestly, I would've liked to get Sakura pregnant before we’re deployed… that way, she’d have to stay back in town."

Sakura’s expression shifted instantly, her eyes flashing with irritation. "As if I’d be happy sitting around while you and Luy go off to fight. But I could stay if Luy and you stay, Aido can go alone," she snapped, crossing her arms defiantly.

Luyira, always quick to speak with confidence, cut in with a bright smile. "Don’t be afraid! I’ll protect you and everyone else."

Her words were full of such fiery determination that I couldn’t help but smile too.  "I’ll do my part as well. And besides, our mother will be with us, and I’ve heard that the Warrior will also be in the field this year."

Carlos’s smile faded, replaced by a hint of worry. "That’s what’s troubling me. Have you heard the rumors?"

I nodded, my expression grim. "You mean the mutant beasts, right?"

At the mention of them, both Carlos and Sakura’s faces darkened. There was an unmistakable tension in the air, the kind that came when speaking of things far beyond our control.

While demi-humans were strong, they rarely caused fatal harm unless something went terribly wrong—sickness, madness, or some deep-rooted malevolence. Even then, their own kind shunned them, driving them out, so they didn’t live long. Most demi-humans were just trying to survive, stealing food or resources in the barren lands they called home. Society looked down on them, but they weren’t considered an overwhelming threat, not as long as the military intervened when things got out of hand.

Mutant beasts, though… they were a different kind of nightmare.

These creatures were relentless, violent, and impossible to reason with. They acted like wild animals, but worse—driven by some unexplainable hunger for destruction. Attempts to communicate with them had only ever ended in bloodshed. They would gather in places we called Nests, lurking there like soldiers standing guard, waiting for the right moment to strike. When they attacked towns, they never did so in small numbers. There were always casualties, and it felt like their numbers only kept growing.

And the rumors from recent months? Those were the most unsettling of all. Mutant beasts had started appearing in urban areas, seemingly out of nowhere—sometimes descending from the sky, leaving people on edge. It was like there was no place left to hide. Worse still, they were evolving. New, more terrifying forms of these creatures seemed to emerge with every attack.

Carlos’s voice broke through my thoughts. "That’s right. The tests always take place in the most conflict-ridden areas. This time, it looks like they’re sending us to the northern desert, past Tamaulipas."

I frowned, the weight of the situation pressing down on me. "The northern region… it’s desolate. Mostly barren, with only a few scattered outposts of people, barely holding on. The Hunters there—ranging from B to A ranks—live in constant fear, guarding what little civilization remains. They’re always outnumbered, always fighting back the darkness."

Sakura nodded, her expression tense. "And then there’s the famous wall. I bet they’ll assign us to a section of it."

Carlos shrugged, though his casual demeanor couldn’t hide the unease in his voice. "We’ve trained for this since childhood. It’s not going to be easy, but it’s not impossible either." He paused, then added, "But the real concern is the mutant beasts, titanic creatures, and demi-humans. We haven’t received any updates on changes in their behavior."

"From what I’ve heard, there have been attacks on villages and towns. Maybe not as frequent as the attack on our village, but still… there have been casualties. Anywhere from 5% to 25% of the population, depending on the region." I replied, with the little information I know, the radio and the television as keep us updated when they can.

Luyira’s eyes gleamed with determination, her voice steady and strong. "We’re not inexperienced. We’ve been training for this since we were kids. Sure, we might not be the best, but our teachers, and my mother… they’re exceptional. I’m not worried at all." Her confident smile, one that never wavered, made the tension in the air feel lighter, even for a moment.

Sakura, sensing the need to bolster the mood, chimed in. "Luy’s right. We’ve come far. And we’re stronger than any generation before us. We’ve surpassed them."

I nodded in agreement, feeling a flicker of hope amidst the dread. "She’s right. We’re not the same kids who started here. We’ve endured more than most. Whatever comes next… we’ll face it together."

Luyira immediately lit up, wrapping her arms around Sakura with her usual affection. There was something about their bond that always struck me—unspoken but strong, forged in the trials we all shared. As we exchanged pleasantries, the familiar sound of the class bell rang out, signaling the start of another day.

We entered the classroom, and immediately the atmosphere shifted. There was a palpable unease among the students, especially the male ones. Their faces were tight with tension, their thoughts clearly focused on the upcoming exam. I glanced around, noting that the usual balance was skewed. Traditionally, our academy maintains an equal number of students—20 men and 20 women in each year. But this year? There were only 14 men and 5 women.

The imbalance hit hard, a reminder of how unforgiving this world was. Some of our peers had failed to make it to the third year, perhaps too weak, perhaps broken by the challenges we face. And while some may speculate that a few of the missing women were absent due to pregnancy, we all knew that no one would willingly forgo their chance to become Hunters—destined protectors of this world, and of nobility.

It’s strange. I’d never given much thought to these numbers before, but now they seemed to loom over us like a shadow, a constant reminder of how fragile our lives were. The stringent selection process was meant to protect us, to safeguard this valuable resource—the nobility's bloodline—but at what cost?

As I finished surveying the room, a wave of déjà vu washed over me. Something about this moment felt… familiar, unsettlingly so. And then, just as that feeling began to settle in, she appeared.

A figure from the past. Gliding through the door with the grace of someone untouched by time. Saint Mary. Her entrance left everyone stunned, myself included. She hadn’t been expected here, and yet here she was, as radiant as ever. She moved to the podium with an effortless smile and, with a voice that could command both comfort and authority, she spoke: "Welcome to the enchanting third year of this journey!"

A collective murmur rose from the students, a mixture of excitement and confusion."Why, oh why?"

Saint Mary replied,"The whispers of looming threats from the north have reached us, particularly near the border towns and the ancient wall. This year, the third-year class consists of only five groups, totaling 68 adventurous participants."

A stunned silence followed her words. "Only 68? The smallest number yet!"

It was shocking, but also a reminder of the reality we lived in. When my mother entered the academy as a teacher, there had been 500 aspirants who graduated—500 hunters scattered across cities and villages, each one a beacon of hope in their own right. But now? 68. We were just a fraction of that legacy, a whisper compared to the roaring generations before us.

"Henceforth, it has been decreed that your seasoned mentors shall be closely present during the trials, ensuring your safety above all." Saint Mary words breathed new life into the room.

"Hooray, what a relief!",It was a temporary comfort, knowing our mentors would be there, but I could still see the nervous energy in everyone’s eyes. The trials would be brutal—there was no escaping that.

Francisco, one of our classmates, raised his hand. "Will you be joining us in the trials, Saint Mary?"

She sighed softly, the weight of her duties evident in her voice. "Alas, I would love to, but my responsibilities in the capital and at the Crystal Palace prevent me from leaving. However, two of your classmates will receive special instruction, and at times, the rest of you will join them in their lessons. Everyone will receive specialized training from now on."

I already knew who she was referring to. Luyira and me. I could feel the weight of expectation settle on my shoulders, but it wasn’t unwelcome. We had both earned it. Luyira’s abilities as a Retter Messiah, impervious to harm, made her nearly unstoppable on the battlefield. She could fight with a reckless abandon that I admired, even though her strength was tempered by her fierce loyalty to those she loved. And I, with Destroyer by my side, was protected from harm in ways few could understand. "I understand you will personally instruct Luy in the healing arts?"

Saint Mary’s kind smile softened as she met my gaze. "That’s correct, Aido. Luyira will be my dedicated student, particularly after school hours."

Luyira’s reaction was immediate, her possessiveness shining through as she grinned and crossed her arms. "Oi, what a brave woman, flirting right in front of me! Aido belongs to me!"

Saint Mary only chuckled, her voice a gentle melody in the air. "For now, Luyira."

There was mischief in her eyes, but it wasn’t malicious. Her words danced around Luyira’s fierce claim like a playful breeze, as if she knew that, despite Luy’s protectiveness, there was no real threat. Yet the atmosphere between them was charged with a curious tension. I stood there, watching the subtle exchange, feeling the silent waves of connection that passed between them.

Luyira huffed playfully, but I could see her eyes glinting with amusement. She was fierce, but not so much that she couldn’t enjoy the banter.

I had always admired Saint Mary—her strength, her grace, and the way she commanded respect with just a glance. But seeing her here, now, playfully challenging Luyira’s claim over me, made me realize something. There was a deeper connection forming between all of us, something more than just titles, roles, or destinies. We were bound by something greater—by the trials we had faced and the ones still to come.

Saint Mary stood at the front of the room, her presence commanding and serene, ready to lead us through the curriculum for the semester. Today, our focus would be on the history of the world—specifically, the parts rarely discussed in the open. As she began to speak, large screens flickered to life behind her, displaying visual aids to guide us through the story.

The first image appeared, and I felt a strange ripple of tension in the room. On the screen was a man with brown hair and striking blue eyes, a sword at his waist, dressed in a sleek greenish shirt, jeans pants, and a long coat. His posture was both elegant and intimidating. Accompanying him were two girls and a young boy. The figure stood out in the history books, not just for his role but for the legacy he left behind—a legacy both revered and feared.

St. Mary raise her voice, "The story we are about to explore is not as far away as it might seem. But to understand it, we must start from the beginning. Two thousand years ago, this young man—his name was James, though the world knew him as ‘The Demon’—played a pivotal role in shaping our history. Not only in the human world but also in the realm of the demi-humans."

The room grew quiet, the weight of the tale settling over us. James was a complex figure, hated by some and hailed as a hero by others. The expressions on the students’ faces mirrored my own—serious, thoughtful. This was not just a lesson; this was a glimpse into the fabric of the world we lived in.

James had been a legendary figure, not just for his skill but for his ability to recover ancient technology. St. Mary explained how his team was comprised of an S-rank close-combat hunter, an S-rank medical assistant, and a young boy whom he had rescued from the brink of death. They had traveled together during a time when survival seemed impossible, and it was in his era that the great northern wall had been erected—forty meters high, thirty meters wide, stretching for miles. The wall had been built to protect humanity from the colossal beasts that threatened to wipe us out.

But the wall wasn’t enough. The sacrifices made during its construction were staggering. Nobles, commoners, even entire families had given their lives to erect this symbol of hope, but it was James’ genius that had helped turn the tide. He had salvaged technology from ancient ruins, developed firearms, and introduced weapons like Zora’s cannons, capable of holding back the mutant beasts. Those early innovations had given humanity a fighting chance, in the end the number of Hunters is small compared to civilians, which using firearms are more able to figh than using swords, spears or hammers.

Carlos raised his hand, his voice cutting through the silence. "That’s what Master Alfredo explained to us—that all hunters must carry large, bladed weapons. They’re the only things that can do real damage to mutant beasts. Rapid-fire weapons are better against demi-humans since their skin is thinner, and they feel pain."

St. Mary smiled softly at Carlos, her eyes gleaming with approval. "That’s correct, Carlos. For a hunter, it is indeed preferable to rely on weapons rather than firearms. But a civilian… they would naturally choose a firearm over a sword. They’re weaker, untrained. A typical sword weighs at least ten kilograms. For a hunter, that’s no more than a feather, but for a civilian, lifting it would feel like moving a mountain. And they lack the training, the finesse that comes with swordsmanship." She paused, letting the point settle before her eyes sharpened, taking on a different edge. "But let me ask you this—what are your thoughts on demi-humans?"

Her question hung in the air, unexpected. It was an odd inquiry, especially considering our training. We had been taught to contain demi-humans, capture them when necessary, and eliminate them only as a last resort. But now, her question seemed to challenge the very foundation of what we had learned.

I felt compelled to answer. "I don’t believe they pose a significant threat to human life. The first commandment forbids us from killing pure-hearted beings, and the second mandates the destruction of beasts. In our community, demi-human attacks have been sporadic. It feels more like a game of cat and mouse, rather than a true enemy. They don’t repeatedly target the same villages."

St. Mary’s gaze softened as she turned to me, and for a moment, there was an unspoken understanding between us. "A Retter Messiah’s nature is to protect all living beings. We must accept destinies that sometimes seem to go against that very purpose. But I agree with you, Aido. The demi-humans are not inherently evil. They’re struggling to survive in a world that is often hostile to them. Even I, living for centuries here in the capital, know how much people despise them. Who hasn’t lost someone to the mutant beasts? The demi-humans, who resemble the beasts, are hated without cause, even if they’ve done nothing wrong."

A quiet voice from the back of the room spoke up. Alexis, one of the younger students, looked uneasy. "I’ve never seen a demi-human in real life. Only in picture books. But I can’t imagine they’re worse than the beasts."

St. Mary nodded thoughtfully. "That’s good, Alexis. But one day, you’ll learn the truth."

Alexis blinked, confused. "The truth? What do you mean?"

St. Mary’s voice lowered, her tone becoming almost conspiratorial. St. Mary: "Their origin."

The air in the room shifted instantly. All of us straightened, eyes wide, drawn in by her words. Even I felt the tug of curiosity, an unsettling realization creeping over me. What could she mean by that?

St. Mary continued, her gaze sweeping over us. "Yes, we haven’t told the whole truth… because we didn’t have all the information. But now, with new technology, we’ve been able to investigate further. And what we’ve uncovered will shake the very foundations of everything we know. The world is about to change."

A murmur rippled through the room. Alexis, wide-eyed, offered a guess. "I think the demi-humans are descendants of humans who went extinct because of the disaster."

St. Mary shook her head slowly. "We don’t truly know their origin. What we do know is that the demi-humans appeared long ago, living alongside humans. But the beasts… they came much later."

Sakura, always sharp, asked the question on everyone’s mind. "So… the beasts aren’t related to the demi-humans?"

St. Mary: "Exactly. The investigation revealed something far more disturbing. The mutant beasts and demi-humans share some similarities, but their origins are different. When we studied their DNA, we found something alarming. Both demi-humans and beasts have a similar structure to humans, but part of the mutant beasts’ DNA has been completely altered—changed in ways that shouldn’t be possible."

The room fell into stunned silence. We had always thought of the mutant beasts as wild creatures, uncontrollable and savage. But now, this revelation made it clear that they were far more than that. They were something else entirely.

Saint Mary voice raise a question, "And the most common mutated beasts we see today? Canine types. But there’s something deeper going on, something we are just beginning to understand. The physical characteristics of a mutated beast are far from natural."

A chill ran down my spine. If what she said was true, the implications were terrifying. What were we really fighting? And how much did we actually know about the world we lived in?

I glanced at Luyira, who, for once, looked just as shaken as the rest of us. Even the fiercest of warriors can be unnerved by the unknown.

“That's interesting… If demihumans and beasts aren’t the same, perhaps their origins differ as well."Alexis voice wavered slightly, as though caught between the curiosity gnawing at her mind and the unease creeping into her thoughts. Her eyes, usually sharp, softened momentarily—searching, perhaps, for an answer that still eluded them all.

"We still have a long way to go before we can grasp the truth," Saint Mary said, her tone measured, though there was an undercurrent of weariness. "But one thing is clear: they are two distinct races."

St. Mary’s words, cloaked in the crisp authority she always carried, rang with an unsettling certainty. She stood like an immovable pillar of knowledge, her gaze cold and far-reaching, as if staring deep into some unknown abyss that the others could only imagine. The weight of it pressed down on the room, thickening the silence.

"But… the beasts… they are monsters. They shouldn’t even exist." Francisco voice trembled with disgust, but it was more than that—it was fear. The words left his mouth as if spoken from a place deep within, where the horror of the beasts festered like an open wound. His fists clenched as if trying to suppress a rising panic.

St. Mary’s gaze flicked toward him, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "Their existence… hangs in the balance, shrouded in layers of mystery." Her voice, low and deliberate, cut through the tension like a blade. "We are on a relentless quest, one where we shall unveil their origins and quash their emergence. Every day, as the protective walls stand tall, we press on, reclaiming lands lost to the shadows, eradicating the foul nests of these abominations."

Her words were almost surgical in their precision, each one laced with a cold determination. The others exchanged glances, caught in the web of her certainty, but beneath the surface, doubt gnawed at them. "Rumors…" She paused, letting the word hang in the air, the weight of it drawing everyone’s attention. "Rumors swirl that these nests are more than just breeding grounds. They are hives of terror, dark cradles where something far worse than we’ve imagined may dwell."

The room seemed to shrink with her words. The atmosphere thickened, like the air had suddenly grown heavier, pressing down on their chests. Francisco shifted uncomfortably, the implication of her statement settling like a stone in his gut. Alexis said nothing, her eyes distant as if she were already lost in the implications of what was meant to come.

Carlos broke the silence, his voice tentative yet cutting through the thick air like a blade. "Is it true that the first time a Titanic beast fell was because of the Zora Cannons?"

His question lingered in the air, as if he himself wasn’t sure whether he wanted the answer. The mention of the Titanic beasts alone was enough to send a chill across the room, but his eyes were locked on Saint Mary, searching her for some shred of confirmation, some sliver of hope that the rumors were true.

Saint Mary met his gaze, her eyes steady and unflinching. For a moment, the silence grew heavier, as though her very stare was weighing him down. When she finally spoke, her voice was measured, each word deliberate.

Her words settled over the group like a shroud, filling the space with an undeniable truth. Frenia’s legacy, James’s ambition—it all tied back to the great beasts, the walls, and the fragile balance they now found themselves precariously maintaining. The room seemed darker, as if Saint Mary’s revelations had drained the last remnants of light.

For a long moment, no one spoke. The tension was thick enough to suffocate, the burden of their duty pressing in from all sides, reminding them of the enormity of the task that lay ahead. They each felt it in their own way—Carlos, his curiosity now weighed down with a sense of dread; Alexis, her mind spiraling deeper into questions of origin and fate; Francisco, his earlier fear only deepening as the reality of their mission closed in around him.

And then, faintly, as though from another world, the bell rang once more. Its sound was hollow, distant, echoing in the silence like a ghostly reminder that life outside these walls carried on, untouched by the horrors lurking just beyond.

But for those gathered here, the bell wasn’t a reprieve. It felt instead like the tolling of a great clock, counting down to something inevitable—something darker. It signaled not an intermission, but a reminder: time was moving forward, and with it, the weight of their choices.

The beasts, the wall, the empire—it all hung by a thread, and that thread was now in their hands.