The Darklord Who Just Wanted a Nap
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The first class began before the sun had fully risen.
A massive bell toll echoed across the sky, resonating through enchanted stone and hovering towers. The Academy Grounds lit up with magical pulses that guided students from every dorm wing to their assigned class zones.
Class Alpha was held in the Hall of Oracles, a grand amphitheater shaped from celestial marble and reinforced by mythril-veined pillars. Its ceiling shimmered with floating constellations that shifted to reflect the date, and the floor was layered in runes older than most kingdoms.
I yawned. Loudly.
Lyra stood beside me, fidgeting. Raen and Elira were a few seats over. The other nobles had taken their seats in elegant rows, clad in fine robes, armor, and smug smiles.
The atmosphere was thick with pride and politics.
The instructor stepped forward.
He was tall, lean, with long silver hair tied behind his back. He wore dark armor reinforced with crystal rings, and his cloak bore the mark of a Royal Class Warden.
"Instructor Rehlan Drayne," he announced. His voice echoed, not with volume, but gravity. "High Instructor of Class Alpha. Rank: S-Class Warden. Former commander of the Arcanian Front."
The students went quiet.
He turned to a massive spellboard behind him, and with a flick of his hand, a map of the world emerged—its continents glowing faintly with energy. Cities marked by seals. Void regions surrounded by darkness.
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"Know This World You Walk Upon"
"In this world, strength determines survival," Rehlan said. "From the kingdoms of men to the crawling depths of demon lands. There are no true equals. Only balances in flux."
The map zoomed in to show the central continent: Valdoria.
"This continent houses five ruling kingdoms. Our Kingdom of Caelveron is one of them—ruled by the royal family of Valciel, supported by noble houses like Vaelthorn, Drevarn, and Fenmere."
I saw a few glances when he mentioned Vaelthorn. I ignored them.
"Beyond these kingdoms lie the Forsaken Zones, Meridian Isles, Dread Hollows, and the Celestial Peaks. And at the center of this fragile world… magic."
He shifted the board again.
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"The Seven Combat Classes"
"The foundation of power is determined by what class your soul is naturally aligned to. There are Seven Primary Combat Classes in the current era."
The floating runes began to arrange themselves:
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1. Mage
Focus: Elemental manipulation, arcane arts, seals, curses, enchantments.
Subclasses: Fire Mage, Ice Seer, Stormcaller, Voidbinder, Lightweaver.
Ranks: F, E, D, C, B, A, S, SS, SSS, Archmage, Sage, Grand Arcanist
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2. Swordsman
Focus: Close combat, aura weaponry, blade arts, counter-technique mastery.
Subclasses: Sword Saint, Flameblade, Arcblade, Phantom Dancer.
Ranks: F to SSS, then Sword King, Blade Lord, Eclipse Knight
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3. Archer
Focus: Long-range attacks, spirit arrows, terrain manipulation, shadow quivers.
Subclasses: Sniper, Spirit Archer, Wind Ranger, Shadowshot.
Ranks: F to SSS, then Deadeye, Hawk's Eye, Sky Piercer
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4. Healer
Focus: Restoration, purification, divine light, soul stabilization, resurrection.
Subclasses: Light Priest, Blood Healer, Soulmender, Field Aegis.
Ranks: F to SSS, then High Cleric, Saint, Miracle Hand
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5. Invoker
Focus: Summoning beasts, spirits, constructs, familiars.
Subclasses: Beast Tamer, Phantom Caller, Rune Invoker.
Ranks: F to SSS, then Summon Lord, Mythbinder
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6. Berserker
Focus: Physical strength, rage amplification, battle instincts, resistance to control.
Subclasses: Warhowler, Bloodborn, Titan Fist.
Ranks: F to SSS, then Rage King, Abyss Beast
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7. Warden
Focus: Tanking, crowd control, magic absorption, frontline command.
Subclasses: Iron Sentinel, Magic Guard, Divine Shield.
Ranks: F to SSS, then Bulwark Sovereign, Eternal Wall
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Instructor Rehlan turned back to us. "Most of you belong to one of these. Some, like our more… unorthodox entries, may fall outside. That's what the Trial of Ascent is for."
He gave a pointed glance in my direction.
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The Bullying, Again
A girl to my left scoffed and raised her hand. "Instructor. Why is a commoner with a Tier 9 Gate score seated in Class Alpha?"
Lyra lowered her head. Quiet whispers slithered through the air like snakes.
I stood up.
"Because the Academy wants her here," I said, casually cracking my neck. "Got a problem? Apply for a desk transfer. Or shut up."
She paled. The class went dead silent.
Raen gave me a cautious glance.
Elira narrowed her eyes at me—scrutinizing, but curious.
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Raen & Elira Introduced
Instructor Rehlan finally moved on.
"Next. Two shining stars of this generation: Elira Valciel, Royal Bloodline of Caelveron, and Raen of no house—Top-Scoring Combatant in this year's Tier Evaluation."
Elira stood and curtsied, her aura subtly releasing royal light affinity. Noble girls clapped politely.
Raen bowed. "Honored to learn beside everyone," he said sincerely.
I yawned.
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The Trial of Ascent
Instructor Rehlan raised both hands. The lights dimmed. A new emblem flared on the board.
"The Trial of Ascent begins next week."
A three-phase trial testing combat, mana control, and adaptability.
Performance will redefine your class rank, dorm status, and future squad placement.
Special bonuses awarded to those who rank in the Top 10.
"And…" he said with a faint smile, "…voluntary pre-trials begin today."
Lucien Drevarn stood.
"I challenge Kael Vaelthorn to a friendly duel."
The class stirred.
I stood slowly.
"…You're loud."
Lucien smirked. "Don't tell me you're afraid."
I looked at the instructor. "Can I win by putting him to sleep?"
Rehlan smiled faintly. "Try not to kill anyone."
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