Chapter 224: The Demon Dispatch Announcement.
Two days had passed since the intense rescue mission.
The academy’s grand training field, usually echoing with the clash of swords, the crackle of magic, and the heavy rhythm of drills, was strangely quiet for two days.
Professor Sylvia had ordered a break from normal training, giving the exhausted students a chance to recover.
Students lounged in the courtyards, sharing stories of the mission, some still boasting about their kills while others replayed terrifying moments in whispers.
In the faculty wing, Professor Sylvia sat in her office, sipping lukewarm tea while reviewing reports from the rescue mission.
The door creaked, and a young staff member hurried inside, holding a sealed scroll stamped with the Council of Clan’s crimson sigil.
"Professor Sylvia," the staffer said, slightly out of breath, "a letter... from the Council of Clan. It bears the highest priority."
Sylvia’s eyes immediately narrowed.
"Few messages carried such a seal, and none came without reason."
She broke the wax and unrolled the parchment.
The elegant handwriting was urgent:
"To the Arcadia Academy,
There is a rise of demon activity along the Arcadia region and the eastern territories.
Immediate extermination is required to prevent further incursions.
Designated danger zones:
– The Crystal Hollows
– Silverroot Glade
– Ashveil Library
...We request your academy’s swift action to contain these threats.
Council of Clan."
We have already sent a quest to another academy where the rise of demons is nearby.
Sylvia’s mind instantly returned to the words of one student, Kael, the quiet first-year who always seemed to notice things others overlooked.
(Just like Kael said... the demons are real.) she thought.
Before she could even set the letter down, heavy footsteps approached.
The door swung open with a soft thud.
Principal Alric entered her office.
Alric: "Sylvia, I assume you’ve read it?"
Sylvia: nods "Yes. The Council of Clan rarely calls on us unless it’s dire."
Alric: "Exactly. And that’s why I’m here. I want your first-year students to handle these three locations as this year’s official academy event."
Sylvia blinked, surprised.
Sylvia: "My first-years? Sir, I already planned a different event for them this term. Something far safer."
Alric: waves a hand dismissively "Use that next year. This mission is more than an event—it’s a chance to prepare them for what’s coming. The demons won’t wait for schedules."
Her brow furrowed.
She knew he was right, but part of her hesitated. The first-years had already faced danger in the rescue mission.
Still, demon activity was growing faster than anyone predicted.
Sylvia: "...Very well. I’ll gather them immediately."
The Ground One
A bell echoed across the academy, summoning all first-year students to Ground One.
The sound stirred the peaceful campus into motion.
Students poured in, buzzing with curiosity and nerves.
On the raised platform, Sylvia stood, scroll in hand.
Her presence silenced the murmurs when she entered the ground.
Sylvia: "Students, I bring urgent news. Two days ago, we completed a rescue mission. Today, a new event has emerged.
The Council of Clan reports a sudden rise in demon activity across the Arcadia region and the eastern territories."
A ripple of unease passed through the crowd.
Some first-years straightened with determination.
Sylvia: "Three locations have been identified as nests of demon presence:
– The Crystal Hollows, a labyrinth of shining caverns.
– Silverroot Glade, a dense forest infamous for ambushes.
– Ashveil Library, the ruins of an ancient knowledge hall.
Your mission is to clear these areas.
This will serve as this year’s major event."
The arena erupted with whispers.
"So the main event has started?"
"Didn’t we just come back from a rescue?", said Alina.
"The Council must be desperate..."
Sylvia raised her voice.
Sylvia: "I know you are tired. But this is an opportunity to prove your growth and protect the people beyond these walls."
"And also this event will also add marks in your final exams"
"Is Kael present?"
The students exchanged glances.
A few shrugged, others murmured.
"No, Madam. He’s still in the medical room, recovering."
"He hasn’t been cleared for combat yet."
Sylvia exhaled slowly.
Kael had been injured during the rescue mission, but she knew his insights could be vital.
Before she could respond, a clear voice rang out from behind the crowd.
"Yes, Madam... I am present!"
Heads turned as Kael ran toward the ground.
Sylvia’s eyes widened slightly in surprise.
Sylvia: "Kael, you should still be resting."
Kael: breathing hard but smiling faintly "If demons are rising, I can’t stay in bed. You’ll need every fighter you can get."
A few students murmured in agreement, impressed by his resolve.
(I remember almost all the events and the hidden skills in the events), Kael thought.
Not everyone shared Kael’s enthusiasm.
"Tch, hero complex much?", someone murmured.
"He’s just trying to show off."
"Or maybe he’s just braver than the rest of us."
Sylvia raised her hand, silencing the small chatter.
Sylvia: "Kael, since you’ve chosen to join despite your injuries, I expect you to exercise caution.
This mission will not be easy. Demons are cunning, and these locations are dangerous even for experienced hunters."
Kael nodded firmly.
Kael: "Understood, Professor."
As Sylvia finished outlining the details of the mission, team assignments, departure times, and safety protocols, Principal Alric stepped forward.
"Listen well, students. The demons may rise again and again but I suggest that you all should clear the area first.
Treat it as a real battlefield. Watch each other’s backs.
Return not only victorious, but alive."
As the assembly ended and students began forming small groups to discuss strategies, Alina and Isolde approached him.
"Are you sure you’re fit for this? You were half-dead two days ago."
"Half-dead is still half-alive. I’ll manage."
Isolde, "Typical Kael. Don’t make us drag you back to the infirmary."
Sylvia watched from a distance, a thoughtful expression on her face.
Kael’s presence always carried something... different.
A quiet confidence, an intuition about demons that even seasoned professors sometimes lacked.
(He saw this coming. How much does he really know?) Sylvia wondered.
"So the event is starting next week, and Madam has given us a whole week of holiday for training," Kael muttered to himself as he walked along the quiet academy path.
Kael, however, kept his hands in his pockets, deep in thought.
(A week to prepare... I can’t waste this time. I need to sharpen my sword skills and plan ahead.)
Just then, a familiar voice called out behind him.
Cecelia: "Kael! Wait!"
Kael stopped and turned slightly. Cecelia hurried to his side.
Cecelia: "Kael, are you alright? You’ve been pushing yourself so much lately. Are you... free? Maybe we could train together? I could use a companion."
Her hopeful tone lingered in the air. Kael looked at her for a brief moment, noticing the faint worry in her expression.
Kael: "Sorry, Cecelia. I’m busy."
Without another word, he gave a polite nod and walked away, leaving Cecelia standing in quiet surprise.
She watched him go.
Cecelia : "huh?"