A day had elapsed since the entrance ceremony.
At the Golden Aegis Academy, Arman traversed the courtyard, actively seeking Argus and Lilith. A handful of students caught sight of him, and in an instant, they surged forward, surrounding him with a wave of excitement.
"Hey! You're that fearless applicant from before, aren't you? Incredible! How did you manage to defeat that Cursed Goblin?" one student inquired with profound awe.
"Were you not placed in Class C? Ugh, I am intensely jealous!" another remarked from Class D.
"Your actions were completely insane! Even wounded, you still achieved victory—and the manner in which you decapitated that goblin! Truly wild!" a third added, his voice rising in volume.
Arman nervously scratched his head, overwhelmed by the attention. He was acutely aware of the truth behind the confrontation.
"Ah… it was merely luck," he stated shyly, forcing a humble smile.
He could not disclose what truly transpired. He was compelled to shoulder that burden in solitude.
The Day Before
After the ceremony, Anya and Elara had left, and Grandmaster Seren Aldric called each of them in for a private conversation. Once he finished speaking with the two girls, it was Arman's turn.
"My child," the old man said proudly, "I witnessed your courage firsthand. A heart like yours is rare indeed. Congratulations."
"I only did what I thought was right," Arman replied respectfully, kneeling before him.
"Stand, my boy."
The Grandmaster placed a hand on his shoulder. His tone softened, almost fatherly.
"Bravery isn't measured by how willing you are to die in battle," he said. "It's measured by how long you can endure—to stay alive, to keep protecting those who can't protect themselves."
The words struck deep into Arman's heart, strengthening his resolve.
"You risked your life for your companions, stood your ground against danger, and became their shield despite your wounds. That is what true valor is. You should be proud."
"Yes, Grandmaster! I'll do my best!" he answered with renewed confidence.
The old man nodded, then smiled. "There's one thing I'd like to ask of you."
"Anything, sir. You have my word!" Arman stood straight.
"Hmm. I hope you won't take this as an insult to your pride," the old man began carefully, "but I trust you'll agree nonetheless."
Arman thought for a moment. "Whatever it is, Grandmaster, I'll do it—for the academy!"
"Good. But before that… tell me—since you were with Mister Alioth—how well do you know him?"
The question caught Arman off guard.
"Ah, well… I didn't spend much time with them, sir. I don't really know much, except… they're different. Especially Miss Lilith."
"Different, you say? How so?"
"To be honest, Grandmaster… she gives off this strange feeling. She acts her age, sure, but…" Arman paused, remembering that terrifying moment.
"When she faced that Cursed Goblin—her eyes… It was like a beast was hiding inside her. Something not human."
"Ah, I see," the old man muttered thoughtfully.
Arman panicked. "I-I don't mean anything bad by that, sir! Please don't misunderstand!"
The Grandmaster chuckled softly. "It's fine, boy. I understand."
Arman sighed in relief, smiling faintly. "Even so… thanks to them, I'm still alive today. I owe them everything."
The Grandmaster's smile deepened. "That's good to hear. Now—my request. For now, I will take responsibility for the Cursed Goblin incident."
"What? Why, Grandmaster?"
"You see… Mister Alioth and Miss Lilith are secret evaluators of this academy. Their role is to observe applicants' combat ability. Their identity must remain hidden."
"W-Wait… you mean—?"
"Exactly," the Grandmaster said with a chuckle. "They acted only because lives were in danger. Nothing more."
Arman's eyes widened. "That explains why they were so strong! Amazing!"
The old man nodded. "Promise me you'll keep this between us. Everyone who saw the incident through the Mana Crystal has already had their memories altered. As far as the academy knows, you were the one who slew the Cursed Goblin."
Arman froze. "M-Me…?"
The Grandmaster smiled. "Bear that title proudly. You've earned it."
Arman bowed deeply. "I'll do my best, sir!"
And with that, he left the room.
The Present
Now hailed as a "hero," Arman was surrounded by cheering students, still overwhelmed by all the attention.
Then a familiar voice spoke behind him.
"Wow, really feeling yourself, huh?" Anya said sarcastically, clapping slowly.
"Congratulations, Arman!" Elara added with a sincere smile.
"Y-You two!" Arman quickly pulled them aside to a quiet spot. "You both know, right?"
"Of course," Anya said, raising a brow.
"Grandmaster Seren called each of us too," Elara added.
Arman exhaled deeply. "Then… did he also ask you about Brother Argus and Miss Lilith?"
Elara nodded. "Yes. We were just as shocked to find out they're secret evaluators."
"So that's why we passed… because of them," Arman murmured.
"Seems so," Elara smiled faintly. "Speaking of which, where are they? I still need to thank them properly."
The Mess Hall
Inside the cafeteria of Class C and D, Argus and Lilith sat together.
Lilith was gleefully devouring a pile of sweet bread, while Argus calmly sipped tea.
"Hmm! Master! Maybe this world isn't so bad after all! This thing is amazing! What's it called again?" she asked, her mouth full.
"It's called sweet bread. Don't eat too much—it'll make you fat," Argus teased.
"I don't care! It's the best thing I've ever eaten! I could wipe out humanity if it meant I get to keep this all to myself!"
Argus groaned. "And who's gonna bake more for you after that, genius?"
Lilith froze mid-bite. "…Oh. Then I'll spare one baker." She grinned wickedly. "Just one."
Argus sighed. "You're hopeless."
The door to the mess hall opened. A tall, athletic woman with short black hair streaked with emerald walked in. The air shifted instantly—every student turned to look.
"Lord Alioth," she said calmly.
It was Kaiya Shadowbrook, S-Class Captain overseeing the C-Class students.
She sat across from Argus, her sharp gaze locked on him. Lilith continued eating, unfazed.
"I heard from Grandmaster Seren," Kaiya began. "You're one of the academy's secret evaluators. Is that true?"
"Ah… so that's how it goes. A master like him already knows the moves before they're even needed. Not so bad… maybe even satisfying," Argus thought, a hint of intrigue curling in his mind.
Lilith raised her head, cheeks puffed with bread. "That's right, muscle woman! He's the judge, I'm the executioner!"
"Lilith!" Argus hissed.
even if it were true, no one would let the woman grasp the meaning behind Lilith's words.
Kaiya ignored the remark. "I'm Kaiya Shadowbrook, Captain of the C-Class division. I'd like to test your strength, Mister Alioth."
Lilith whistled. "Ooooh, a challenge~."
"For what reason?" Argus asked flatly.
"I know what really happened with the Cursed Goblin," she said firmly.
"Then you know it wasn't me," Argus replied.
"I do. But controlling a cute weapon like her isn't an exemption." Kaiya smirked. "It proves just how powerful you really are."
Lilith's eyes sparkled. "Did you just call me cute? I like you already, sis masculine!" Lilith said while waving thumbs up.
The tension in the room spiked instantly. Students froze, sensing the weight of power between them.
"I don't seek unnecessary fights," Argus said calmly. "Besides, being good at battle doesn't always make one a good teacher."
"Oh? Are you saying an S-Class Captain like me is weak?" Kaiya's tone sharpened.
She stood, the air trembling. Every student stopped moving, holding their breath—except Lilith, who kept eating.
"What's wrong? Are you afraid of an unexpected fight?" Kaiya taunted.
"I just don't want anyone getting hurt," Argus replied with a faint smile.
Lilith giggled. "Careful, miss muscles. This world's too fragile to survive your ego."
Before Kaiya could respond, laughter echoed behind them.
"Well, well. Looks like everyone's having fun here," Grandmaster Seren said, stroking his beard as he entered.
"Grandmaster!" the students chorused, bowing.
"Hi, grandpa!" Lilith waved, still munching.
The old man chuckled and patted her head.
"Mister Alioth, why not humor her? A friendly match would be quite entertaining."
Argus sighed. He couldn't refuse. "As you wish."
The Holy Arena
Throngs of people—students, instructors, and even external observers—flooded the stands, all eager to witness the duel between S-Class Captain Kaiya and the enigmatic evaluator, Argus Alioth.
Arman, Elara, and Anya hurried to join the rush.
"An S-Class Captain versus a secret examiner!? Let's go!" one student yelled excitedly as they sprinted past.
When the trio arrived, Argus and Kaiya were already poised, facing each other across the vast expanse of the arena.
"Sir Argus…? Captain Kaiya?" Arman murmured in utter disbelief.
Lilith materialized beside them, still holding a piece of bread. "Yo, mortals! Are you enjoying the spectacle?"
"Miss Lilith, what exactly is happening?" Anya asked, a note of panic in her voice.
"Oh, this? The muscle woman issued a challenge to my master! Go, muscle girl! Try your best not to perish!"
"Wait, are you not supposed to be supporting him?" Arman questioned.
Lilith giggled mischievously. "Of course I am! However, she did call me cute earlier, so~ priorities!"
The trio could only stare, speechless.
High above, Grandmaster Seren observed from the balcony as the light mages activated a powerful light barrier enclosing the arena.
"Lord Alioth!" Kaiya declared loudly. "I shall not hold back, even if this is merely a spar. Is that understood?"
Argus exhaled softly. "Do as you wish."
Kaiya launched herself skyward and forcefully slammed her fist down.
KRUUUM!!
The ground immediately fragmented. A shockwave rippled violently through the entire arena structure.
"Holy—she is truly monstrous!" students screamed as the earth itself quaked.
"That's an S-class for you!" Another student said
"Hold onto something solid!" Arman roared.
Thick smoke permeated the air. When it cleared, Argus had vanished from sight.
"You evaded that, did you?" Kaiya smirked.
"You are fast," Argus said, standing composedly behind her, "but predictable."
"Oh really? Let us test that assumption."
She unleashed a torrent of kicks and punches, each blow generating concussive waves that crashed against the barrier. The crowd gasped as the very atmosphere vibrated.
Kaiya laughed savagely as she persisted. "Don't tell me the rumors are true—that your only skill is evasion!"
Argus offered no reply, having already repositioned himself behind her yet again.
Kaiya smashed her fist onto the ground. The arena floor fractured, massive stones erupting as a tremendous shockwave exploded outward. Students shrieked, desperately clinging to their seats.
Arman and the others instinctively shielded themselves.
Lilith merely cheered, enjoying her bread. "Go, muscle girl! Punish my flirty master!"
Argus vaulted through the rising debris, ascending high into the air. Kaiya channeled power into her legs and followed, rocketing upward like a missile.
"Holy crap! That is the power of an S-Class!" Arman shouted in sheer awe.
Up above, Argus gazed into the sky, the moment seeming to stretch infinitely.
"What is my purpose here?" he contemplated. "Why did I consent to the goddesses' trifling game?"
Memories flooded his mind—the ancient wars, the desperate screams, the judging of countless souls. The name Valerius Kael echoed in his consciousness.
He then looked down at Lilith, still contentedly eating below. He smiles
"…Peace. That is the reason."
He confronted Kaiya as she closed in, her fist raised in preparation.
"Here I come, Argus!"
The sky seemed to tremble in anticipation.
BOOOOM!
The resulting impact sent a devastating shockwave that rattled the entire arena.
"Reinforce the barrier!" the Grandmaster commanded.
The audience screamed, embracing one another as the magical containment field cracked under the strain.
Kaiya's eyes widened in horror—her attacking arm was now shackled by dark chains, which pulsed with a crimson and black aura.
"W-What is this? My power… it is being drained!" she gasped.
She looked up—and froze.
Argus's eyes now shone with a brilliant gold, his sclera pitch-black. The profound, unsettling gaze of a god who passed judgment on souls.
"W-Who are you?" she stammered.
Argus offered no response. He pulled the chain, drawing her forcibly near.
For an instant, the world fell silent.
The winds ceased. Dust hung midair. Even the ripples of mana froze, afraid to move beneath his gaze.
Kaiya's fist trembled inches from his chest — and in that stillness, she understood.
What stood before her was not a man.
It was judgment itself, wearing flesh.
His voice resonated—deep, primordial, and devoid of warmth.
Then drop it:
> "My apologies… the verdict is… not guilty."
"He delivered a single, brutal strike to her abdomen. The arena floor shattered beneath her as Kaiya plummeted like a missile, gouging a massive, smoking crater into the stone."
The subsequent explosion of power sent several nearby mages flying as the barrier finally shattered into dust.
Even Grandmaster Seren stood petrified, his eyes wide in disbelief.
"The Demon God… the Adjudicator," he whispered. "By the Four Goddesses—I pray that your decision was sound."
Argus descended gently, his ominous aura dissipating. His eyes returned to their normal shade.
"Grandmaster," he called out calmly, "the woman survives. But she requires immediate treatment."
The Grandmaster instantly motioned for the healers to approach.
Cheers erupted across the stands.
"Did you witness that!? One single blow!"
"He shattered the barrier as well!"
"That was utterly unreal!"
Arman stared in bewildered awe. "Miss Lilith… who is Brother Argus, truly?"
Lilith pouted, her cheeks puffed out. "Hmph! He is famous again! So irritating! Remember this, everyone—he belongs to me!"
Before Arman could speak further, Lilith jammed the remaining piece of bread into his mouth and bounded away to meet Argus.
Four Captains
Meanwhile, high above in the shadows of the arena, four S-Class Captains watched: Cyran Heartvale, Lyra Ventus, Jaxom Curvus, and Silas Adelridge.
"Captain," Lyra said, "the Grandmaster was right."
Silas spoke calmly. "A demon god walking among us… how fascinating."
Jaxom crossed his arms. "Are the goddesses insane for sending one here?"
"Jaxom!" Lyra snapped. "Mind your tongue! That's blasphemy!"
He glared. "Tell me, Lyra—since when is summoning a demon 'normal'?"
"Enough," Cyran said firmly. "Whatever he is, the goddesses don't make mistakes. For now, keep watch over him. We'll need to see what happens next."
"Yes, Captain!" they answered in unison.
Meanwhile, Elara and Anya stood speechless, the image of Argus's terrifying eyes still burned into their minds.
In the quiet hallway outside the arena, Lilith caught up with Argus.
"Master!"
He glanced at her, unreadable.
"I'm glad you finished your bread," he said teasingly.
"Hmph! Don't change the subject! You just had to show off, didn't you!?"
"I had to end it fast. What, did you want me to kiss her instead?" he teased.
Lilith puffed her cheeks in anger. "I knew it! You were planning something, weren't you!? Master!"
Argus chuckled as they walked off together.
From a nearby rooftop, a dark figure watched silently—then smiled faintly before dissolving into shadow.
To be continued…