Son of darkness

David looked at her and thought, "I've seen her somewhere before... but where?"

Suddenly, the massive academy gates began to open. David watched as they slowly parted.

As the gates fully opened, the two of them walked inside. While moving forward, David thought to himself,

"This academy... it's beautiful. On the right are training grounds, and on the left, a peaceful garden."

He reached a small bridge, crossed it, and found himself at the main entrance.

Upon entering, he stepped into a massive corridor filled with kids his age.

As he walked by, he overheard some of them talking:

"How did you get through the Prologue?"

"It was really tough... but I made it."

Hearing this, David glanced at them.

"Children of noble clans... I'm surprised. Even though they've trained their whole lives for the Prologue, they're still scared?"

He turned and headed to the cafeteria.

He didn't care about the gossip or the other students.

All he wanted was food... and a place to sleep.

Once in the cafeteria, he grabbed a tray of food and looked around — every seat was taken.

But then he noticed a girl wearing a blue blindfold.

He walked over and sat next to her, quietly starting to eat.

His thoughts drifted:

"She's a prophet... white hair, the blue blindfold, and those clothes...

If she can see the future, she might be a valuable ally.

Although... now's not the time to think about that."

After eating, David stood up and made his way to the auditorium, where the orientation for the new Prologue survivors was being held.

The doors were open.

He stepped inside, spotted a seat near the back, and sat down to wait.

Twenty minutes later, the hall was full.

That's when a man walked out. He looked about fifty, with a towering build and bulging muscles.

"Alright, let me introduce myself first. I'm the commander of the southeastern army. My name is Vincent."

Upon hearing the name, some noble clan kids started whispering:

"Is that Titanium Vin? I heard when the southeast was attacked, he crushed the entire enemy force almost by himself!"

"Now, let's begin.

First off, congratulations on passing the Prologue. Over a thousand students have enrolled this year.

But... the next trial will be very different.

Only one hundred of you will survive."

Silence filled the hall.

David was stunned.

"Only ten percent?"

"Yes, it means your chance of survival is ten percent.

I know it sounds harsh."

"A month from now, on the night of the full moon, you'll all be sent to the Trial of Fate.

Until then, we, the instructors, will train you as much as we can."

"You're dismissed."

Everyone began to leave.

Suddenly, a voice rang through the corridor:

"All students who haven't been tested for elemental affinity, please proceed to Room Seven."

David heard the message and turned toward the room.

As he walked, someone tried to shove him from behind. David dodged it smoothly.

The guy who tried to bump him clicked his tongue and snapped,

"How did a blind bastard like you even pass the Prologue? Just looking at you pisses me off!"

David gave him a cold look.

"Screw you."

With that, he entered Room Seven.

The guy was furious but knew that fighting was forbidden on academy grounds.

Inside, David spotted a familiar face.

"Dmitri!"

"Hey, David. So... how was the Prologue?"

"Not bad. Got through it."

"Hah, good to hear. Well then, let's see how all that effort paid off. You ready?"

"Yeah."

"Start by placing your hand on the crystal. Let's check your energy levels."

David touched the crystal.

Dmitri froze in shock.