Chapter 7 - The One Who Walked In
Keal rubbed the back of his neck as he stared at the empty space in front of him. His breath was shallow, his hands slightly trembling. That strange vision—or whatever it was—still lingered in his head. The Demon King had appeared again. Dressed normally. Almost human. For a second, Keal had actually believed he was seeing someone else. But the presence... that energy. It was unmistakable. The same cold yet magnetic pull that always came with the Demon King.
He shook his head and muttered under his breath. "Maybe I really am going crazy."
Without thinking, Keal turned and started walking back down the rooftop steps, trying to brush off the feeling that someone had just walked through his soul. He stepped into the hallway, lowering his head, hoping not to draw attention. The last thing he needed was another confrontation with Mark or another confusing message from a demon.
The school halls were mostly empty. Just a few students moving around, heading back to their classes. Keal's feet dragged a little. His mind felt heavy. He'd barely slept last night, and when he finally did, it was just dreams about chains, swords, and unreadable eyes staring through him.
He walked past a couple of students who gave him a glance, whispered something to each other, and moved along. He ignored them.
"Whatever," he whispered. "Let them talk."
But what really bothered him wasn't the whispers or even Mark's constant mocking. It was the Demon King's words, echoing again and again in his mind.
"You already have the answers you're looking for."
What answers? Keal didn't know what he wanted anymore. Did he want power? Revenge? Just a normal life? Did he want to be left alone? Because the truth was, no one was leaving him alone.
As he stepped into his classroom, he paused for a second before walking to his desk. Mark was already there, sitting with that usual smug look on his face, eyes trailing Keal like he was prey. He didn't say anything, but Keal could feel the tension in the air like someone had drawn a string and was about to snap it.
Keal sat down slowly. He tried to focus on the blank blackboard ahead of him, pretending Mark didn't exist, pretending he didn't hear the soft chuckle coming from his direction.
More students began to walk in, one by one, filling the room with chatter and footsteps and the occasional laughter. Keal could hear Linda's voice somewhere behind him. He didn't turn. He didn't want to make eye contact with anyone.
Then the teacher walked in.
Ms. Arvella. People called her "The Cold Witch." Not just because of her icy personality, but because she was known to practice real magic. She didn't play favorites. She didn't tolerate nonsense. And she was probably the only teacher in this place who could silence an entire class with just a look.
The moment she stepped in, the noise didn't stop immediately. Some students were still whispering and laughing among themselves.
Ms. Arvella sighed and raised her hand, her fingers making a slow circular motion.
Without warning, a tap appeared on the mouths of every noisy student.
Keal nearly laughed, but he held it in. When he turned his head slightly, he saw Linda a few rows behind him covering her mouth, trying not to laugh herself. She looked up and their eyes met. Keal quickly looked away.
Ms. Arvella dropped her hand and the taps disappeared.
"I don't have time for your foolishness," she said sharply, her voice cutting through the air like a blade. "You are all here to learn. Whether you want to or not is your business. But the threat we face does not care if you're ready or not."
Everyone fell completely silent.
She stepped forward, walking slowly along the front of the classroom.
"The Demon King has returned," she said. "After more than a thousand years, he is back. No one knows how or why, but we do know this—every realm is on high alert. We do not know his intentions. We do not know his allies. And most importantly... we do not know who might be helping him from the inside."
A few students shifted uncomfortably in their seats.
"That is why you must all start taking your training seriously. Those of you who've slacked off, laughed through classes, or thought your powers were just party tricks—you'll be the first ones to fall if things get serious."
Keal stared at the blackboard, trying not to think too much. But Ms. Arvella's words echoed inside his head like a warning written just for him.
She continued speaking, her voice calm but heavy.
"Not all of you have discovered your true abilities. Some of you have. Some of you never will. But starting today, new drills will be held, new boundaries tested, and your loyalty... confirmed."
Keal swallowed hard. That last part didn't sit well with him.
Just then, Mark raised his hand lazily.
"Yes, Mark?"
Mark stood up slowly, making sure everyone could see him. He didn't look at the teacher. Instead, his eyes were locked on Keal.
"So... what happens to those of us with no powers?"
Some students chuckled under their breath. Others turned to see what Keal would do.
Ms. Arvella paused, her eyes narrowing.
"We'll deal with them when the time comes," she said plainly.
Mark smirked and sat back down, clearly satisfied with himself.
Keal kept his face blank, but inside, he was boiling. He wanted to say something. He wanted to throw something. But instead, he just clenched his fists under the desk and looked straight ahead.
Then Ms. Arvella added, "We have a new student joining us today. His name is Enzo. He's from the East Realm and currently undergoing power identification. I expect all of you to welcome him with the same respect you give each other."
Which, Keal thought, wasn't much.
Just then, the classroom door creaked open.
Keal turned his head slowly. A boy walked in.
Tall, confident, with a smirk on his face like he already knew the place was beneath him. He wore the school uniform, but somehow it looked sharper on him. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes…
His eyes locked on Keal instantly.
Keal froze.
His stomach dropped.
That face.
That smile.
That was him.
The Demon King.
But how?
Keal's mind went blank as the boy walked in further, still smiling, still staring straight at him.
And all Keal could do was sit there and watch.