The arena remained silent long after the battle ended.
No one dared to approach Zareth Voidragon.
Students who once mocked him now avoided even making eye contact. Fear had replaced arrogance.
"…Monster," someone whispered.
Zareth heard it.
But he didn't care.
"Next phase," the instructor announced, his voice still slightly shaking. "Ranking assessment."
A large magical screen appeared above the arena, glowing with ancient runes.
"Your ranks will be determined based on your performance."
Names began appearing one by one.
Rank 10… Rank 9… Rank 8…
Students held their breath as the list continued.
Kael Draven's name appeared.
Rank 2.
Murmurs spread.
"Even after losing, he's still Rank 2…"
"Incredible…"
Kael, still leaning against the wall, clenched his fist.
"…Second…"
His eyes shifted toward Zareth.
Finally—
The screen flickered.
Then displayed:
Rank 1 — Unknown
Silence.
Confusion.
"What?"
"Unknown?"
"Is that even possible?!"
The instructor looked just as shocked.
"T-There must be an error!"
At that moment, Headmaster Valthor stepped forward.
His presence alone silenced the entire arena.
"There is no error," he said calmly.
All eyes turned toward him.
He looked directly at Zareth.
"Your power… cannot be measured by the academy's system."
A chill ran through the crowd.
Valthor continued:
"Therefore, you will be given a special classification."
The screen changed again.
Ancient symbols appeared—far older than the academy itself.
Rank: Irregular
Gasps filled the arena.
"Irregular…?"
"I've never heard of that rank!"
Zareth glanced at the screen, unimpressed.
"…Call it whatever you want."
Valthor's eyes narrowed slightly.
"…You truly haven't changed."
For a brief moment, tension filled the air.
But before anyone could question it—
A sudden explosion echoed from outside the academy.
BOOM.
The ground shook violently.
Students screamed as the sky darkened once again.
"What's happening?!"
"An attack?!"
Zareth slowly turned his head toward the source.
His expression didn't change.
But his eyes…
They sharpened.
From the distance, a massive wave of dark energy surged toward the academy.
It wasn't natural.
It wasn't normal.
Valthor's face hardened.
"…Barrier breach?"
A figure appeared in the sky.
Floating.
Covered in black aura.
Wearing a mask.
The same masked presence from the shadows.
"…Students of the Demon King Academy," the figure's voice echoed, distorted and cold.
"Today… you witness the beginning."
Zareth stepped forward slightly.
"…So you finally came out."
The masked figure paused.
Then laughed.
"…Zareth Voidragon."
The name echoed across the academy.
For the first time—
Others heard it.
"…This time," the figure continued, "your story ends properly."
Dark energy gathered in his hand.
The sky trembled.
Students froze in fear.
Even teachers hesitated.
Zareth, however…
Smiled.
"…You're still as pathetic as I remember."
A dangerous silence followed.
And in the next moment—
The real battle…
Was about to begin.