Bryan let out a laugh as soon as Raye was declared the winner against Elias.
And with a smirk on his face—
'He went beyond my expectations. He's really something else!'
He declared that in his head.
Then, immediately turning to the staff members from the other academies—
"Looks like your students weren't quite up to the task, huh?"
His tone was light, almost casual—
But the mockery in his words was clear.
"Well, don't feel too bad. Raye just announced that he'll stop fighting now."
Bryan added, flashing them a knowing grin.
The staff members from the other academies groaned in irritation.
They couldn't say anything back.
Because no matter how much they hated it—
Raye alone had taken down the [Elite Four].
And that was an undeniable fact.
Bryan leaned back in his seat, amused by their frustration.
But just then, as he was relaxing his body...
A wave of pressure suddenly crashed down on the entire arena.
Bryan's smirk disappeared.
They flinched, eyes widening as chills ran down their spines.
It wasn't just strong.
Their heads snapped toward the source of it.
In the middle of the arena—
A noble-looking man with blood-red skin.
Large black horns protruding from his forehead.
Wings—massive and dark as the abyss—spreading from his back.
It was pierced straight through Raye's stomach!
Bryan's eyes widened in shock when he saw that, a frown appeared on his face.
And before he could even say a word—
Ramiel dashed off toward tha arena!
(The head professor of [S Class].)
Meanwhile, in the arena—
The students were stunned.
Their minds couldn't process what they were seeing.
His body was limp. His blood dripped from the demon's claws.
No one could breathe.
Jerusha's scream ripped through the silence.
Screams filled the air.
Students bolted from their seats, shoving past each other, their fear turning the entire stadium into utter chaos.
Lycus and Devin shot forward, their instincts taking over.
They sprinted toward the arena, their eyes blazing.
Their bodies moved before their minds could think.
Lena gritted her teeth, her hands flying up—
A surge of mana flared around her.
She was already chanting a High-Rank spell!
Sofia stood frozen, her hands trembling.
Her mind screamed at her to move, to act.
Horror filled her face.
And not far from them—
Leon and Allen launched themselves out of their seats.
Their bodies blurred, their speed tearing through the ground.
They were rushing toward the arena—
Their weapons are already drawn.
Winds surged around her as she flew toward the arena, her body moving on pure instinct.
Her breath was ragged.
But none of that mattered.
She had to reach him.
She had to save Raye—!
Raye's eyes widened in shock as he stared down at the crimson hand protruding from his stomach.
The warm, sticky sensation of blood spilling down his body sent a shiver through him.
Raye concluded that in his head.
'What the hell is happening?! This is way too early... They weren't supposed to appear until the closing ceremony of the competition!'
Raye exclaimed in his head.
His heart pounded erratically.
He coughed up blood, his vision blurring as his strength drained from his body.
"You're a strong one, kid. You would've been trouble in the future."
A cold, emotionless voice came from behind him.
Raye gritted his teeth.
His body was weak. His mind was hazy.
But hearing those words—
He felt anger flare in his chest.
A fist, wreathed in raging red mana, shot past Raye's face—aimed directly at the demon!
The demon swiftly leaped back, dodging the incoming strike with ease.
Charles, his expression twisted in fury, landed in front of Raye. His fists were clenched so tightly they trembled.
But he didn't waste time.
With one swift motion, he caught Raye's collapsing body.
He launched himself away from the demon, carrying Raye to safety.
The demon watched with mild amusement.
A smirk tugged at his lips.
Charles landed softly on the ground, crouching as he carefully laid Raye down.
His gaze darkened as he looked at the wounded student before him.
Ans opening his mouth...
Charles muttered, frustration lacing his voice.
For not preventing this.
For not being fast enough.
"Heh… It's no problem…"
Raye weakly chuckled, brushing it off with a smirk.
A sudden shift in the air.
The demon appeared behind Charles—
His claws gleaming, ready to tear through him.
Looking up at the demon—
"Too slow, motherfucker..."
A deafening explosion erupted!
A shockwave tore through the arena—
The demon was sent flying back, crashing outside the platform in a burst of rubble and dust!
And where he once stood—
Expression cold. Gaze sharp.
His usual calm demeanor was gone. His jaw clenched. His fury barely restrained.
Charles straightened, stepping beside them.
His eyes burned with resolve.
"I'll pay them back for hurting one of my students."
And seeing those three—
Their strong, unwavering figures standing before him—
His body started disappearing.
'Burn to hell you fucking demon!'
Raye shouted in his head.