Snow had melted completely, leaving the academy grounds wet and muddy. Birds chirped in the distance, unaware of the destruction that had occurred only a month ago. Students moved through the corridors, murmuring in low voices, some still processing the aftermath of the alien invasion. The air was thick with tension—but also anticipation.
Hiko Shinoegami walked alongside Goru, who now carried the weight of the class president title. After Rougen's announcement, whispers about leadership, responsibility, and survival had filled every corner of the academy.
"They really chose me to lead them…" Goru muttered, running a hand through his hair. "I can do this. I have to do this."
Hiko glanced at him. "You'll be fine. Just remember, it's not about showing off. It's about keeping everyone alive."
Goru nodded, his expression serious for the first time in weeks.
The next morning, Rougen summoned the class to the main hall. His presence was calm, but there was a sharp edge to it—a reminder that nothing about this trip would be easy.
"Class-1C," Rougen began, "today we depart for the Great Forest. This expedition is not a game. It is a test of your survival skills, teamwork, and mental fortitude. You will camp along the way until you reach the Forest King's temple. Do not underestimate the dangers you will face."
Students exchanged nervous glances. Some shivered at the thought of venturing deep into the forest, while others straightened with determination, their confidence radiating.
Rougen continued, "Each of you will carry your own materials—food, tents, tools, and other essentials. Each tent accommodates four people. Your tent groups should be prepared for all eventualities. Leadership of this class during this journey falls to your president, Goru. Follow their instructions carefully. Their decisions may mean life or death."
The room grew silent as all eyes shifted to Goru. He straightened and nodded.
"Understood," Goru said firmly. "I won't let you all down. We'll work together. Everyone will survive this expedition."
A few students whispered under their breath, impressed by his confidence.
Then, Rougen's eyes swept over the class again. "Due to the previous alien invasion, it has become clear that additional protection is required. Therefore, I have assigned a Defender to this class. He will act as your shield and guide in matters of combat during this journey."
A sudden hush fell over the room.
From the shadows of the hall, a tall figure stepped forward. His aura was different from any student or teacher present. Mana flowed around him effortlessly, almost visibly, like a stream of silver light. His eyes were sharp, calculating, yet serene.
"Gold Prasso," Rougen announced, voice echoing through the hall. "Master Rank. One of the eight Radiances like me.Defender of Class-1C."
Gasps erupted from the students.
Hiko froze. "Gold Prasso… one of the Radiances?"
"Master Rank?" whispered another student. "He's a legend…"
Goru's jaw clenched. "He's here… for us?"
Rougen nodded. "Yes. His presence alone will stabilize this class during combat situations. He will instruct you on defensive formations, reaction times, and survival tactics. Pay attention and respect his authority."
Gold Prasso gave a slight nod, his expression unreadable. "I am here to ensure none of you die. Follow my instructions. Waver, and you will learn the consequences swiftly."
The students swallowed, their earlier excitement now mixed with fear and awe. Even confident students felt the weight of standing alongside a Radiance—the elite among sorcerers.
Rougen then addressed the practical details. "The bus will depart at dawn. After reaching the forest perimeter, you will proceed on foot. The journey will be approximately 125 kilometers. You are to maintain tent groups of four. I expect careful planning. Remember, survival is your top priority."
Hiko watched Goru consult with several classmates about tent arrangements. Leto and a few others quickly aligned themselves with stronger students, eager to secure protection. Hiko, however, found himself quietly analyzing the dynamics.
Inside his mind, the devil spoke softly. *Leadership, strategy, protection… this is going to be more complicated than you think. And now you have a Radiance watching you all.*
Hiko exhaled. *I've got to keep up.*
---
Three hours later, the students were lined up outside the academy, backpacks loaded with supplies. The bus—a reinforced magical transport designed for long-distance journeys—stood ready. Rougen's presence, along with Gold Prasso's calm aura, kept everyone from wandering too far or panicking.
"Attention," Rougen said, "board in your assigned tent groups. Goru, ensure everyone understands their responsibilities during the trip."
Goru clapped his hands. "Alright! Tent groups, stay together. Help each other with loading, rationing, and equipment checks. Let's make sure no one is left behind."
The students moved carefully, arranging themselves into four-person groups. Some debated silently, while others deferred to Goru's guidance.
Gold Prasso walked among them, inspecting gear and subtly adjusting positioning. His eyes scanned every strap, every pack, and every spell seal on the students' supplies. Occasionally, he would stop and correct posture, stance, or grip, his calm voice sharp but concise.
Hiko noticed how the students stiffened at his instructions. Not because Gold Prasso shouted—he didn't—but because his presence demanded attention. Even Goru, usually confident, paused and consulted him briefly.
"Your spacing while moving through the forest must account for ambushes," Gold Prasso said, pointing to the map projected in the air. "Even the smallest mistake will be exploited. Maintain a formation, trust your tent mates, and above all, conserve mana. Only expend what is necessary."
Some students muttered under their breath, shocked at the thoroughness.
"He's… serious," whispered one of the quieter students. "I thought we were just camping…"
Gold Prasso's expression didn't change. "This is the reality of the world outside the academy. Survival is training. Death is teaching. Choose which you will learn from carefully."
Hiko shivered slightly at the words.
The bus ride itself was tense. Students tried to talk, laugh, and distract themselves from the enormity of the upcoming journey, but Gold Prasso's presence made the cabin feel heavier than the roof over their heads.
Goru took the front seat near the driver. "Everyone, relax, but stay focused. This is going to be long, so use this time to rest and mentally prepare."
Leto and several others nodded, but a few students kept fidgeting nervously.
Hiko stared out the window as the academy disappeared behind them, replaced by rolling hills and thickening trees. The forest was dense, stretching endlessly toward the horizon. Mist rose from the ground in patches, and the air smelled faintly of earth and rain.
Inside his mind, the devil murmured. *That forest is older than anything you've ever studied. It's watching already.*
Hiko shivered.
---
Hours passed as the bus rumbled along winding roads. Gold Prasso finally spoke, his voice calm and deep.
"The forest is alive. You will not simply walk through it; it will test you. Observe, adapt, and do not underestimate the environment. Even a single misstep can lead to injury or death. Goru, keep your group coordinated at all times."
Goru nodded, swallowing. "Understood. I won't fail."
Hiko noticed the other groups leaning into their own leader or tent mates, whispering strategies, sharing rations, or silently examining the forest from the windows. Anxiety, excitement, and determination mingled into a dense energy inside the bus.
As the sun began to lower, the bus finally reached the perimeter of the Great Forest. The trees towered impossibly high, branches intertwining so thickly that sunlight barely touched the forest floor. A thick fog hovered, giving the forest an almost otherworldly appearance.
Rougen signaled the students to disembark.
"Prepare your packs," he said. "Check your gear. Tent groups, maintain cohesion. You will begin the trek immediately. The journey to the temple is 125 kilometers. Pace yourselves and follow orders precisely."
Goru stepped forward, checking in with each group. Gold Prasso stood nearby, his aura calm, yet impossible to ignore. Every student felt the weight of his presence, a constant reminder that survival depended on following instructions and staying disciplined.
One student whispered to another. "That man… he's one of the Radiances… he could wipe out the forest if he wanted to."
Hiko nodded silently, feeling the truth in that statement. Gold Prasso didn't need to fight to command fear; his very presence demanded respect.
As the first steps into the forest began, Hiko noticed the shadows among the trees. Not movement—just a sense of being watched.
Inside his mind, the devil spoke quietly. *This is only the beginning. The forest itself will test you before the king ever sees you.*
Hiko gritted his teeth. *I'm ready.*
Hiko always remembered his savior- Gold Prasso.
The journey had begun. And with Goru leading, Gold Prasso guarding, and the devil whispering inside his mind, there was no turning back.
Let's do this. The devil said.