The academy's halls were no longer filled with mocking laughter or cruel whispers when Aether passed by.
Now, silence followed him.
And eyes. Too many eyes.
Some filled with fear.
Some with interest.
And some... with greed.
The dungeon test was over.
But the real hunt was just beginning.
Deep beneath the academy, in a sealed marble room lit by floating runes, the Guild Representatives watched a glowing orb showing footage from the dungeon.
It paused on the moment Aether devoured the Flame-Tusk Berserker in one hit.
"...That shouldn't be possible," murmured Guildmaster Kael of the Azure Spear guild.
"Not unless he's hosting something ancient," said Elder Myra of the Twilight Veil. "A relic? A sealed demon? Or worse…"
"Should we eliminate him before he awakens further?"
Kael tapped the table. "No. We observe. If he is what we think he is…"
"…then he's worth more than the Academy itself."
Secret Quest Given: [Silence the Hunger]
Objective: Investigate and control the boy known as Aether.
Target Classification: Potential World-Class Threat.
That night, Nahida sat in the elven dormitory, her fingers trembling over a scroll.
"He moved like Beelzebubb."
"He fought like... like that day…"
Flashes came back.
Blood. Betrayal. A scream.
She saw Aether — not now, but from before. Dying. Holding her hand. Whispering her name.
"No… this can't be. That was just a dream... wasn't it?"
Her hand went to her chest.
Her heart raced — not from fear, but from memory.
"Who are you really, Aether?"
The marble halls of the Celestial Order echoed with metallic footsteps.
A tall figure knelt before a throne of gold and starlight.
"My lord," he said coldly, "the Devourer has reawakened."
A voice, ancient and cruel, answered:
"Then why does he still breathe, Silvian?"
"I'll correct that mistake."
Assassination Order Initiated
Target: Aether, Human Male
Codename: Devourer
Status: Pre-evolutionary Threat
Executioner: Silvian of the Starblade Order.
Aether stood under the old flame-tree on campus, watching students walk past. No one dared approach.
Except one.
Nahida.
She walked slowly, unsure, but determined.
"Can we talk?" she asked quietly.
He looked at her. The wind rustled her silver hair.
"You remember, don't you?" he said.
Her eyes widened. "Then it's true... you're—"
Before she could finish, a sudden ripple tore through the air — like glass shattering.
Spatial Tear Detected
Incoming Threat
BOOM!
A silver blade struck the ground where Aether had stood — missing by inches.
Dust exploded. Students screamed.
Floating in midair stood a man in white armor laced with starlight. His eyes glowed like a dying sun.
"Target confirmed," Silvian spoke. "Begin termination."
"Run, Nahida," Aether whispered.
"But—"
He didn't wait. The cloak fell from his shoulders.
Chains of void lashed out, intercepting the next blade strike.
Emergency Skill Engaged: [Devourer's Guard]
Cooldown: 6 Hours
Effect: Halve damage from higher beings for 10 seconds
Aether ducked, spun, and his hand struck the ground.
Black spikes erupted upward, forcing Silvian back.
"Impressive," the assassin smirked. "But you're still in your infant form."
Silvian raised his palm. Stars gathered — forming a stellar lance aimed at Aether's heart.
Fatal Strike Incoming
Aether clenched his fist.
"I'll survive this. I swore I would."
Abyss Maw: ACTIVATED.
The world trembled.
Black and starlight clashed in the skies above the Academy, and the world watched as a forgotten nightmare began to stir once more.
Some would try to cage it.
Some would try to use it.
Others would try to kill it.
But Aether?
He would consume them all.
Evolution Progress: 59%
Trait Mutation Pending…
Hidden Title Nearing Activation: [World-Ender: ???]