The academy had never been this silent.
Not during exams.
Not during battles.
Not even during emergencies.
But today… was different.
Zareth Voidragon stood at the center of the ruined arena, his presence alone enough to keep everyone frozen in place.
Moments ago, a powerful enemy had been erased from existence.
Not defeated.
Not killed.
Erased.
Whispers slowly began to spread among the students.
"…Demon Sovereign…"
"That title… it's forbidden, isn't it?"
"I thought it was just a myth…"
Fear had taken root.
Deep and unshakable.
Zareth glanced around, unimpressed.
"…Pathetic."
To him, their fear meant nothing.
If anything, it was expected.
Headmaster Valthor stepped forward, his expression calm but his mind racing.
"Everyone," he said firmly, "return to your dormitories immediately. Today's assessments are concluded."
No one argued.
No one questioned.
Students rushed out, some stumbling, others looking back at Zareth as if afraid he might disappear—or worse, follow them.
Soon, the once crowded arena was empty.
All that remained were a few instructors… and Valthor.
Zareth turned to leave.
"Wait."
Valthor's voice stopped him.
For a moment, silence lingered between them.
"…You knew," Zareth said without turning around.
Valthor exhaled slowly.
"…I suspected."
Zareth finally faced him.
"And yet you said nothing."
Valthor met his gaze.
"I needed confirmation."
A faint tension filled the air.
Then—
Zareth chuckled softly.
"…Cautious. That suits you."
Valthor didn't relax.
Not even slightly.
"You've returned far earlier than expected," he said. "And far stronger than the records suggested."
Zareth's eyes narrowed slightly.
"…Records?"
Valthor hesitated.
Then spoke carefully.
"Fragments of the past still exist. Hidden knowledge. Forbidden texts."
Zareth's expression darkened.
"So… they failed to erase everything."
"Not completely," Valthor replied.
Silence followed.
Then Zareth spoke again.
"…How much do you know?"
Valthor didn't answer immediately.
"Enough," he finally said, "to understand that your return will change everything."
Zareth turned away again.
"It already has."
Meanwhile…
Inside the academy dormitories—
Chaos had erupted.
Students gathered in groups, whispering, arguing, panicking.
"That was real, right?!"
"He erased him like he was nothing!"
"No spell… no chant… just gone!"
Lyra Moonveil stood quietly near the window, her arms crossed.
Her expression was serious.
"…Zareth Voidragon," she murmured.
She had felt it.
The moment he used his power.
That overwhelming presence.
"…That wasn't just strength."
It was something deeper.
Something ancient.
Behind her, a group of students argued loudly.
"There's no way he's the Demon Sovereign!"
"That's impossible! That was thousands of years ago!"
Lyra turned slightly.
"…Then explain what you saw."
Silence.
No one had an answer.
Back in the academy's restricted chamber—
Valthor stood alone.
Ancient runes glowed faintly across the walls.
"…He's back," Valthor whispered.
He placed his hand on a sealed artifact.
"If the others find out…"
A deep rumble echoed.
"They will move."
Far away…
Beyond the borders of the demon realm—
A council gathered.
Seven figures.
Each cloaked in darkness.
Each radiating terrifying power.
"The seal has been broken," one of them said.
"…No," another corrected.
"He has returned."
Silence followed.
Then—
A cold voice spoke.
"…Zareth Voidragon."
The name carried weight.
History.
Fear.
"He should have remained forgotten."
Another figure leaned forward.
"We underestimated him once."
A pause.
"…We will not make that mistake again."
Dark energy pulsed across the chamber.
"Prepare the execution."
Back at the academy—
Night had fallen.
The moon hung high in the sky, casting a pale glow over the silent grounds.
Zareth stood alone on a balcony, looking out into the distance.
"…So they've started moving already."
His voice was calm.
Almost bored.
"I expected nothing less."
A soft sound came from behind him.
"You're surprisingly relaxed."
Zareth didn't turn.
"…You followed me."
Lyra stepped forward, her gaze steady.
"I had questions."
Zareth remained silent.
"…You're not normal," she said. "That much is obvious."
A pause.
"…And you're not just some powerful student either."
Zareth finally glanced at her.
"…What do you think I am?"
Lyra met his eyes.
"…Something dangerous."
For a moment—
Silence.
Then—
Zareth smiled faintly.
"…That's the most accurate answer I've heard today."
Lyra didn't react.
"…Are you really the Demon Sovereign?"
The question hung in the air.
Zareth looked back at the sky.
"…Does it matter?"
Lyra frowned.
"It does if you're going to destroy everything."
Zareth chuckled softly.
"…Destroy?"
He shook his head.
"I have no interest in ruling this world again."
Lyra was surprised.
"…Then what do you want?"
A brief silence followed.
Zareth's expression darkened slightly.
"…Answers."
The air grew colder.
"And those who betrayed me…"
A faint killing intent leaked out.
"…will pay."
Lyra felt it.
That pressure.
That promise.
And for the first time—
She realized something.
This wasn't just a powerful being.
This was a storm.
And it had only just begun.
Zareth closed his eyes briefly.
"…Enjoy your peace while it lasts."
Lyra narrowed her eyes.
"…That sounds like a warning."
Zareth opened his eyes again.
"…It is."
Far in the distance—
A crack appeared in the sky.
Almost invisible.
But real.
Zareth stared at it.
"…They're coming."
And this time—
The war would not remain hidden.