The battlefield had become chaotic.
Demon bodies covered the ground outside the academy walls. The Demon Hunters were fighting fiercely, cutting down wave after wave of monsters.
But something had changed.
A strange pressure filled the air.
Several experienced hunters suddenly stopped moving.
One of them whispered nervously.
"Do you feel that?"
Another hunter nodded slowly.
"Yes."
"This presence…"
On the academy wall, the tall figure in dark armor stood calmly as he watched the battlefield below.
His glowing red eyes were fixed on one person.
Ren Akatsuki.
The man spoke quietly to himself.
"So the rumors were true."
The wind lifted his black cloak slightly.
"You carry the shadow power."
Behind him, several demons knelt respectfully.
Unlike the other monsters, these demons were more controlled, almost disciplined.
One of them spoke.
"Commander Valther, should we begin the next phase?"
The man known as Valther looked down at the academy again.
"Yes."
His voice was calm.
"But I will handle the shadow boy myself."
Below the wall, Ren stood among the fallen demon corpses.
The high-rank demon he killed had already turned into ash.
Students nearby were still staring at him with shock.
One of them said quietly.
"That monster destroyed part of the academy wall."
"And he killed it like it was nothing."
Another student looked worried.
"That power… it's not normal."
Lyra walked toward Ren.
"You handled that well."
Ren said nothing.
His eyes were scanning the battlefield.
The demons attacking the academy had started retreating slightly.
That was strange.
Demons normally attacked mindlessly until they were destroyed.
But these creatures were pulling back.
Ren spoke quietly.
"They're waiting."
Lyra frowned.
"For what?"
Before Ren could answer—
A loud explosion echoed from the top of the wall.
BOOM.
The stone barrier shattered.
A dark figure dropped down into the academy courtyard.
The impact cracked the ground beneath his feet.
Students immediately stepped back.
Even the instructors became alert.
The man slowly stood up.
His armor looked ancient and battle-scarred. Long black hair flowed behind him, and his glowing red eyes scanned the courtyard.
Instructor Varis stepped forward cautiously.
"Who are you?"
The man smiled faintly.
"Commander Valther."
The name meant nothing to the students.
But several older instructors froze instantly.
Varis narrowed his eyes.
"That name…"
Captain Kael's expression turned serious.
"He's a high-ranking demon general."
Whispers spread through the students.
"A demon general?"
"That's impossible."
Valther looked around calmly.
"So this is the famous Demon Hunter Academy."
His gaze stopped when it reached Ren.
"There you are."
Ren stared back without fear.
Valther chuckled.
"I've been searching for you."
Kael stepped forward.
"You're not leaving this place alive."
Valther laughed softly.
"You misunderstand."
His aura suddenly expanded.
The pressure that filled the courtyard became overwhelming.
Several students dropped to one knee instantly.
Others struggled just to breathe.
Valther's voice echoed calmly.
"I didn't come here to fight all of you."
His eyes focused only on Ren.
"I came for him."
The demon general pointed directly at Ren.
Lyra moved in front of Ren immediately.
"You're not touching him."
Valther tilted his head slightly.
"How loyal."
Then he moved.
No one saw the moment he started.
One second he stood across the courtyard.
The next second he appeared directly in front of Lyra.
His speed was terrifying.
Lyra barely had time to raise her blade.
CLANG.
Valther blocked her attack with one hand.
His strength pushed her backward instantly.
Ren stepped forward.
Dark shadow energy spread across the ground again.
Valther smiled wider.
"Yes."
"That power."
He looked excited.
"I knew it the moment I felt it."
Ren spoke calmly.
"You talk too much."
The shadows wrapped around Ren's arm as he prepared to attack.
Several instructors rushed forward to assist him.
Kael raised his sword.
"All units attack."
But Valther raised one finger.
"Don't interrupt."
Suddenly—
A massive shockwave erupted from his body.
The instructors were thrown backward.
Even Kael slid several meters across the ground.
Only Ren remained standing.
Valther looked impressed.
"Interesting."
The two of them now stood face to face in the destroyed courtyard.
Ren stepped forward.
The shadows around him grew darker.
Valther slowly drew a long black blade from his back.
The weapon radiated demonic energy.
"Let's see how strong the shadow child really is."
The demon general lowered his stance.
Ren raised his arm.
Both of them moved at the same time.
Their clash shook the entire academy.