Crimson Sky Academy's Forbidden Zone was off-limits for a reason.
It was where the academy threw its problems—monsters they couldn't expel, and talents they couldn't control.
And standing at the center of the chaos was Raze, the "Mad Beast."
He was shirtless, breathing heavily, his knuckles cracked and bloodied. Around him lay three unconscious students, all A-rank.
Lohan stood across from him, unflinching.
> "I heard you like to fight gods," Lohan said coldly.
Raze looked up, his lips twisting into a wild grin.
> "Who told you that?"
> "You did. Two years ago. Right before they locked you in here."
Raze paused. That memory—it was buried deep.
This boy… he remembered it all.
> "You were there? Wait…"
"No way. You're that weak kid—Lohan?!"
Lohan stepped closer. His aura didn't flare. It didn't need to. It was suffocating without even trying.
> "I'm here to recruit you."
Raze tilted his head, amused.
> "You think I'll listen to someone weaker than me?"
Lohan smiled. A dark, slow smile.
> "You're welcome to try me."
---
Ten Seconds Later
Raze lay on the floor, gasping. The arena cracked under the pressure Lohan unleashed—just a fraction of his true strength.
He hadn't moved. He'd simply copied Raze's own technique and used it with terrifying precision.
> "You… bastard," Raze muttered, laughing. "You're a freak."
> "And I need freaks. You in?"
Raze laughed harder, then held out a bloody fist.
> "Hell yeah."
---
[Later – Academy Courtyard]
Winter sat on a bench, watching the moonlight.
Then she felt it. A ripple in the atmosphere.
Lohan appeared beside her.
> "We've got our first."
> "Who?"
> "Raze. The Mad Beast."
Winter blinked.
> "You recruited him?"
> "We need monsters to kill gods."
---