The first day of preparation began in silence.
Not peaceful silence—
But the kind filled with tension, fear, and urgency.
The entire Demon King Academy had transformed overnight.
Training grounds were overcrowded.
Magic circles covered nearly every inch of the field.
Instructors shouted commands without rest.
"Again!"
"Focus your mana!"
"If you hesitate, you die!"
Students pushed themselves harder than ever before.
Not for pride.
Not for ranks.
But for survival.
Zareth Voidragon stood at the edge of the field, watching.
Arms crossed.
Expression calm.
"…They're inefficient," he said.
Lyra, standing beside him, sighed.
"They're scared," she replied. "People don't fight well under fear."
Zareth glanced at her.
"…Then they should overcome it."
Lyra frowned slightly.
"…Not everyone is like you."
Zareth didn't respond.
At the center of the field—
Kael Draven trained relentlessly.
His flames burned brighter than before, more controlled, more precise.
Each strike he made carried intent.
Purpose.
"Again!" he shouted, pushing his limits.
An instructor launched a magic attack toward him.
Kael countered instantly, his flames cutting through it cleanly.
"…Better," the instructor admitted.
But Kael wasn't satisfied.
"…Not enough."
He turned—
And his eyes met Zareth's.
"…Teach me."
The entire training ground went silent.
Lyra blinked.
"…Did he just—"
Zareth looked at Kael for a moment.
"…No."
The answer came instantly.
Kael clenched his fist.
"…Why?"
Zareth turned away.
"…Because you wouldn't survive it."
The words hit harder than any attack.
Kael gritted his teeth.
"…Try me."
For a moment—
Silence.
Then—
Zareth sighed.
"…Fine."
The air shifted instantly.
Students stepped back, sensing something change.
Zareth walked toward the center of the field.
"…Attack me."
Kael didn't hesitate.
Flames erupted around him as he charged forward at full speed.
"Flame Burst!"
A powerful wave of fire shot toward Zareth.
Zareth didn't move.
The flames reached him—
And split in half.
As if something invisible stood in the way.
Kael's eyes widened.
"…What?"
"Too slow," Zareth said calmly.
In the next instant—
He disappeared.
Kael's instincts screamed.
He turned—
Too late.
Zareth stood behind him.
"…Your reaction speed is lacking."
A light tap—
BOOM.
Kael was sent flying across the field, crashing into the ground.
Dust rose.
Students gasped.
"…He didn't even try…"
Kael forced himself up again.
"…Again!"
Zareth didn't argue.
The second round began.
Kael moved faster this time.
Stronger.
More focused.
His attacks came in rapid succession, each one more refined than the last.
But—
Zareth avoided everything effortlessly.
Not a single hit landed.
"…You're thinking too much," Zareth said.
Kael swung again—
Missed.
"…Your movements are predictable."
Another attack—
Blocked.
"…And your power…"
Zareth raised his hand—
"…Is unstable."
CRACK.
Kael's flames shattered.
His body froze mid-motion.
"…What—?!"
Zareth stepped closer.
"…You're forcing your limits without understanding them."
A pause.
"…That leads to death."
He released him.
Kael dropped to one knee, breathing heavily.
"…Then what should I do?" Kael asked, frustration in his voice.
Zareth looked down at him.
"…Control."
Silence.
"Power isn't about how much you release," Zareth continued.
"It's about how much you can hold back."
Kael's eyes widened slightly.
Zareth turned away.
"…Learn that."
For the first time—
Kael didn't argue.
Lyra watched from the side, thoughtful.
"…He's teaching him."
Even if indirectly.
Elsewhere—
Inside the academy's core chamber—
Valthor activated a massive defensive formation.
Ancient runes lit up across the academy walls.
"…This should buy us time."
But his expression remained tense.
"…Not enough."
Far away—
The five remaining traitors stood together once more.
Dark energy surged violently around them.
"…He's preparing," one said.
Another laughed softly.
"…Good."
A third stepped forward.
"…Let him struggle."
The leader spoke last.
"…In three days…"
Silence filled the chamber.
"…We end this."
Back at the academy—
Night fell once again.
Zareth stood alone, looking at the sky.
"…Two days left."
His eyes glowed faintly.
"…Come prepared."
A faint smile appeared.
"…Because I will be."
The wind howled softly.
And across the academy—
Training continued without rest.
Because now—
Everyone understood.
This wasn't just survival anymore.
This was the final preparation—
Before destruction.