The morning after their trip to the sea…
The Royal Academy erupted into chaos.
“…THEY’RE HOLDING HANDS!”
A second-year student nearly dropped his breakfast tray.
“No way…”
“The Ice Princess?”
“…And Kael?”
Dozens of students turned toward the academy entrance.
There they were.
Kael Ardyn.
Lyra Valen.
Walking side by side.
Their hands comfortably intertwined.
Neither looked embarrassed.
Neither tried to hide it.
Instead…
They simply smiled at each other.
Inside the Infinite Sword Archive…
Scarlet burst into laughter.
“Our Master actually did it!”
“I honestly thought he’d stay oblivious forever.”
Astra smiled gracefully.
“They look happy.”
Fenrir snorted.
“They’ve earned this peace.”
Aurelius quietly watched from his throne.
“…Treasure these moments.”
“They rarely last forever.”
The whispers spread through the academy like wildfire.
“They’re dating!”
“When did that happen?”
“I thought Lyra hated everyone!”
Cedric sighed.
“I lost before I even entered the race.”
Victor laughed loudly.
“You were never in the race!”
Even Cedric couldn’t argue.
Mira approached the two with a bright smile.
“So…”
“You finally confessed.”
Lyra nodded confidently.
“Yes.”
Mira looked genuinely happy.
“Congratulations.”
She hugged Lyra warmly.
“I’m happy for you.”
Lyra returned the hug.
“Thank you.”
Kael smiled.
He was glad nothing awkward came between them.
Friendship remained friendship.
A loud bell echoed across the academy.
DONG!
DONG!
Every student immediately headed toward the Grand Assembly Hall.
The Headmaster stood upon the massive stage.
Behind him…
Several unfamiliar figures waited.
Each wore black cloaks embroidered with golden swords.
Professor Roland’s expression became serious.
“They’re here…”
“The Royal Hunters.”
The students immediately became excited.
“The elite organization?”
“They only recruit S-Rank Hunters!”
The leader stepped forward.
A long scar crossed the bridge of his nose.
His presence alone silenced the hall.
“My name…”
“…is Gareth Draven.”
“Commander of the Royal Hunters.”
He scanned the crowd.
His gaze briefly stopped on Kael.
Then continued.
“The Royal Tournament begins in three weeks.”
“It will determine the strongest young hunters in the kingdom.”
A giant magical screen appeared.
Countless names illuminated the hall.
1,024 Participants
Only one would become champion.
“The winner…”
Gareth continued,
“…will receive three rewards.”
A new list appeared.
First
One Legendary Artifact.
Second
One audience with His Majesty the King.
Third
Entry into the Hall of Heroes.
The hall erupted into cheers.
Kael quietly asked the Headmaster,
“What exactly is the Hall of Heroes?”
Before the old man could answer—
A familiar voice echoed inside the Infinite Sword Archive.
Selene.
“It isn’t merely a hall.”
“It is a vault.”
“A place where the greatest weapons, records, and memories of the ancient civilization remain hidden.”
Kael frowned.
“So that’s why everyone wants to enter.”
Selene nodded.
“There is something else hidden there…”
“…something even Aurelius failed to claim.”
Aurelius opened one eye.
“…The Crown.”
Selene nodded solemnly.
“The Crown of the First Sovereign.”
Every Divine Sword fell silent.
Even Scarlet.
The Headmaster suddenly spoke again.
“There is one important announcement.”
The atmosphere instantly became serious.
“During this year’s tournament…”
“…foreign academies will also participate.”
The hall exploded into discussion.
“Foreign students?!”
“An international tournament?”
Professor Roland looked worried.
“This has never happened before.”
A new list appeared.
Confirmed Participating NationsKingdom of AstralisEmpire of ValtherionRepublic of SolisNorthern Frost DominionEastern Dragon Empire
Kael’s expression darkened.
The Eastern Dragon Empire…
In his previous life…
It had fallen first.
Lucien quietly walked beside him.
“You remember.”
Kael nodded.
“It shouldn’t exist.”
Lucien looked toward the magical screen.
“History continues changing.”
“Which means…”
“Our enemies are moving faster.” New chapters come out on g.com first.
Far away…
Inside the Abyss Continent…
Malachar stood before seven towering thrones.
Each throne belonged to a Demon King.
Each seat was occupied.
One by one…
The rulers opened their eyes.
“The Second Sword Sovereign has appeared.”
Malachar smiled.
“So…”
“Who wishes to kill him first?”
A giant demon covered in molten lava laughed.
“I’ll crush him.”
A woman with six black wings smiled coldly.
“No.”
“I want the Moon Child.”
Another Demon King cracked his neck.
“Then I’ll take the boy.”
The room filled with killing intent.
At the center…
An empty throne remained untouched.
Upon its backrest was engraved a single symbol.
A sword…
Wrapped in endless black chains.
Back at the academy…
The assembly ended.
Students began discussing strategies for the tournament.
As Kael and Lyra walked through the academy gardens…
She suddenly stopped.
“Kael.”
“Hm?”
She gently held up her silver pendant—the one he had given her at the beach.
“It resonates whenever you’re nearby.”
Kael smiled.
“I noticed.”
She stepped closer.
“Then promise me one more thing.”
“What is it?”
“No matter what happens in the tournament…”
“…don’t carry everything alone.”
Kael looked into her silver eyes.
Then gently squeezed her hand.
“I promise.”
She smiled.
“And this time…”
“We’ll keep that promise together.”
The pendant glowed softly.
Far beneath the academy…
Hidden deeper than even the Infinite Sword Archive…
A forgotten chamber slowly awakened.
An ancient throne covered in dust cracked apart.
A pair of brilliant golden eyes opened.
A calm voice echoed through the darkness.
“So…”
“My successor has finally found someone worth protecting.”
The throne room trembled.
One after another…
Eleven empty pedestals began to shine.
Only one remained completely black.
Above it…
Ancient words slowly appeared.
“When the Twelve Sovereign Blades unite…
the Thirteenth shall awaken.”
The coming tournament…
Would be far more than a competition.
It would be the beginning of a war.
End of Chapter 24