After our mission, academy life slipped back into its usual, boring rhythm.

  Arlen and I, however, had become actual celebrities among the students. Half the academy started following us on social media, and during breaks, we were constantly surrounded by crowds wanting to hear our stories. Everyone wanted to be our friend. Almost every day after class, one—or sometimes even more—girls would invite us out just to confess their feelings, even senior-year students.

  But as they say, every miracle only lasts three days.

  I guess that was true for us too.

  Two weeks later, the students had gotten used to our presence. Instead of being treated like superstars, we were more like just… popular kids. Honestly, I think that’s for the better. And besides, since everyone at the academy was required to wear uniforms, we couldn’t even show off the expensive clothes Supervisor Carter had given us—they were just gathering dust in the closet.

  That thought lingered in my head as I sat in class.

  The instructor suddenly raised his voice to get everyone’s attention.

  “Kids, listen up for a moment! I have something important to announce. As you know, the academy’s annual championship starts next week. Like every year, it will begin with an inter-class competition, and those who advance will then face off in one-on-one matches to test their skills.

  “The rules are the same as always: you first-years will compete against the other first-year class in your grade. This is the biggest event of the year for the academy, and you’ll be performing in front of tens of thousands of people.

  “In addition, vice-captains and even captains often come to watch. That means this is a golden chance to get their attention. Don’t bring shame on your class or the academy’s reputation—give it your all!

  “As far as I’m concerned, you can train however you want; I’m not really interested in this whole thing. Honestly, I’d rather you prepared for the next math test, because that’s what I’m supposed to teach you—but, well, it is what it is.”

  The class erupted into chatter as soon as the announcement ended.

  During the break, Arlen, Arvian, and Toma gathered to talk.

  “So, what do you guys think about this championship?” Arlen asked, excitement in his tone.

  “I think we can easily win the team match against the other class,” Toma said with confidence. “The three of us together are unbeatable.”

  “That’s true! Let’s crush the other class together!” Arvian grinned.

  “For us, a little team match among the weaker students is no problem at all! We must make it to the next stage of the championship!”

  “Right!” Arden suddenly joined in, his voice full of determination. “Let’s give it everything we’ve got!”

  Before Toma even realized it, the week flew by.

  And then, the first day of the championship finally arrived.

  Early in the morning, the class was transported by plane to the arena. By the time they arrived, the other class was already there, waiting.

  The headmaster’s voice boomed across the field as he called everyone to gather.

  “Dear students, today is a wonderful day because the academy’s annual championship begins!

  This year, as always, the championship will follow the usual rules: first, an inter-class team competition, followed by one-on-one battles.

  For this year’s team event, we’ve chosen a Survivor Game.

  The rules are simple: you will be placed on a desert map, and your goal is to make your way to the pyramid at the far end of the desert. Once a certain number of people have passed through the gate, the game will end—so you’ll need to hurry!

  The map contains level-1 demons. There are oases with food and water, and finding them will increase your chances of survival.

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  This time, there is no team-vs-team class competition—everyone is on their own. You may form alliances with others, but you can also eliminate them.

  No one is allowed to use their abilities. Everyone will be given a katana, a watch you must wear at all times, and a survival pack: a backpack and two liters of water in a special canteen that keeps the water cold.

  The watch will detect if someone uses their powers, and they will be immediately disqualified. If you wish to forfeit, press the forfeit button on your watch.

  The oases provide food and water, so locating them will be wise.

  This game is about survival—it can last for several days, or even up to a week.

  You may only use the katana to fight demons, not other students. If you wish to fight another student, you must challenge them to an unarmed duel.

  The watch detects blows to your body and signals when a student is eliminated. A player is also eliminated if their opponent destroys their watch, which must be worn on the left wrist.

  Removing or covering the watch is forbidden and will result in immediate disqualification.

  Flying is also forbidden—travel is only permitted on land.

  And don’t be surprised if you see drones filming you. The academy will be broadcasting the entire event live.

  Finally, I wish all students a great time and the best of luck!

  Thank you for your attention.

  I now officially declare the academy’s annual championship… open!”

  The headmaster’s speech ended, and the atmosphere exploded with excitement.

  After receiving their katanas and strapping on their watches, the game began.

  A massive crowd of students rushed into the desert all at once.

  But Toma, Arlen, and Arvian held back. They didn’t move right away. Instead, they gathered for a quick strategy meeting.

  Arvian was the first to speak. “We don’t fight each other! All three of us have to advance. So let’s head off in three separate directions.”

  “Okay!”

  “Alright!”

  The three of them high-fived, then split up. Toma went left, Arlen veered right, and Arvian charged straight down the middle.

  Toma began walking.

  And walking.

  And walking.

  Through the scorching desert sand, under a brutal sun that showed no mercy.

  After about an hour, something flickered on the horizon—dark shapes in the distance.

  “What the hell? Probably just some mirage,” Toma muttered, dragging his feet. “Man, I’m exhausted from this stupid heat. No oasis anywhere… damn it!”

  But as he kept moving forward, the shadows also seemed to move.

  His eyes narrowed. “Am I just imagining this… or are they coming straight for me?”

  In one swift motion, Toma drew his katana from its sheath and sprinted forward.

  The shapes became clear—three demons, charging at him with murderous intent.

  He cut down the first one instantly, using the momentum of his sprint.

  But two more lunged at him at the same time.

  Spinning on his heel, Toma lashed out with a kick, striking one demon square in the stomach.

  The other pounced, claws extended, but he dodged and countered with a sharp kick to its back. Then, without hesitation, he hurled his katana straight into its skull.

  “Okay, only one left!”

  The last demon roared furiously, its sharp claws slicing through the air as it rushed straight for his face.

  Toma grabbed the demon’s arm, twisted it hard, and with a powerful kick, sent the demon flying. Its arm tore clean off as it slammed into the ground.

  The beast struggled, dragging itself upright despite the loss.

  Meanwhile, Toma strode over, yanked his katana free from the other demon’s head, and turned back to face it.

  The armless demon let out another roar, pure hatred fueling its final charge.

  But Toma was faster.

  He dashed in, delivered a savage kick to its head, and followed up with a clean strike of his blade—splitting the demon in half.

  Silence fell.

  The corpses lay scattered in the sand.

  Toma exhaled. “Good grief… what a pain. As if the heat wasn’t bad enough, now I’ve got demons too?”

  His eyes caught something in the distance—a tall sand dune.

  “From the top of that, I might be able to spot an oasis. But first… I need a drink.”

  He lifted his canteen and drank about a quarter of the water before capping it again. Then, he started climbing the dune.

  But no matter how many times he tried, the loose sand betrayed him, sending him sliding back down every time.

  Once. Twice.

  Six times in total.

  By the end, his temper snapped.

  “Damn it! How the hell am I supposed to climb this pile of crap!?”

  Frustrated, he stomped back, dropped onto the corpse of one of the demons, and took a few more sips of water.

  After a short rest, he rose again, determination burning in his eyes.

  This time, he charged at the dune with all his strength.

  He made it more than halfway before slowing down.

  So he stabbed his katana deep into the sand, using it as an anchor to hold himself in place.

  Still, he wasn’t at the top yet.

  “No other choice…” Toma muttered, gritting his teeth. He grabbed his canteen and splashed the precious cold water ahead of him. The dampened sand clung better to his boots, giving him the traction he needed. Step by step, he clawed his way higher until he finally reached the top of the dune.

  But the sight that greeted him made his stomach sink.

  “Damn it… I wasted all that water for nothing!” he cursed. The horizon stretched endlessly, shimmering under the merciless sun. Not a single oasis in sight.

  Frustrated, he yanked out the academy-logo sweatshirt from his pack and threw it on the slope.

  “…Might as well make this climb worth something.”

  He sat on the sweatshirt and pushed off.

  “WHOA! This is awesome!” Toma whooped as he slid down the dune, the hot wind whipping against his face. For a brief moment, he forgot the burning sun and the exhaustion.

  But his fun ended abruptly when the sand gave way beneath him.

  “Wha—!?”

  The next second, he was falling.

  With a heavy thud, Toma landed in a deep ravine. He groaned, dust flying around him. When he staggered to his feet and looked up, his jaw tightened.