Isaac’s eyes gradually adjusted to the dim light, and he noticed a boy entering the room. The newcomer had unruly crimson hair and piercing eyes—partly hidden behind a black mask, as if he preferred not to reveal too much.

  “Where am I?” Isaac murmured, disoriented.

  The boy regarded him with a mix of calculation and warmth. “Name’s Karma. Welcome to Sunshine Orphanage. We’re somewhere in the continent of Midgard.”

  Isaac’s heart sank. “Midgard? I was on álfheimr… How did I end up here?” His voice trembled with disbelief.

  Karma offered a slight shrug. “Most of us got here in strange ways. I was attacked by a monster in Helheim and woke up here. It’s weird, but that’s the way it goes.”

  Before Isaac could ask more, the door creaked open. A small, elderly woman entered with a gentle authority. Her long white hair framed a deeply lined face, and neon-green eyes shone kindly from beneath. Leaning on a cane adorned with a snake motif, she smiled warmly. “Welcome, young one. I’m Agatha—though the children call me Granny. You’re safe here.”

  Isaac glanced between Karma and Agatha, trying to make sense of this new world. “Thank you… Granny,” he whispered, a faint glimmer of hope piercing through his confusion.

  Agatha then turned to Karma with a playful scold. “First of all, Karma, don’t you have chores to do, you slacker?” she chided lightly, tapping him with her cane.

  “Ow! What the—” Karma muttered, rubbing his head as he grumbled an apology.

  With her tone softening, Agatha looked back at Isaac. “After the attack on your home, a friend brought you here for safety,” she explained gently.

  Isaac’s face fell as the gravity of her words sank in. “My family… They’re dead, aren’t they?” His voice cracked with sorrow as tears welled up.

  Agatha placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “I’m so sorry, Isaac. There were no survivors.”

  Isaac choked back a sob, his face twisted in agony as despair crashed over him. Slowly, his grief curdled into blazing anger.

  After a heavy silence, Agatha’s voice dropped to a low, almost conspiratorial whisper. “Would you like revenge?”

  Isaac’s tear-filled eyes snapped up, burning with newfound fury. “Yes,” he replied, voice trembling yet resolute. “Absolutely.”

  Agatha’s gaze hardened. “Then listen carefully, Isaac. For the next seven years, you will train harder than ever before. When you come of age, you will take the entrance exam to the Aegis Academy in Castletown. There, you will grow strong enough to track down and confront those responsible for this tragedy.”

  Isaac’s resolve solidified, his grief merging with determination. “But… can I really pass the exam?” he asked, a flicker of doubt in his voice.

  With a knowing smile, Agatha leaned in. “A little secret: this orphanage is funded by the academy’s headmaster. As long as I vouch for your training, you’ll be admitted—regardless of your score.”

  Isaac’s jaw set firmly. “I’ll prove myself. I won’t just pass—I’ll be the top candidate. I’ll become stronger than any of them and kill those bastards.”

  Agatha’s expression softened, though she swiftly tapped his shoulder with her cane. “Mind your language, Isaac.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” he muttered.

  Turning to Karma, Isaac’s voice carried grim resolve. “Karma, will you join me? Come to Castletown and face this with me.”

  Karma raised an eyebrow, arms folded. “I’ve known you for less than five minutes.”

  Isaac grinned determinedly. “That doesn’t change the fact that I’m serious. Will you?”

  Before Karma could answer, Agatha interjected firmly, “You both have no choice. You’ll go to Castletown and train to become the heroes you must be.”

  Karma sighed and slumped his shoulders. “Yes, Granny, I’ll go.”

  “Good,” Agatha said with a knowing nod. “Rest up while you can.”

  With that, she left them in heavy silence, each burdened by the journey ahead.

  Moments later, Agatha closed the door to her office and found a man waiting—legs propped casually on her desk, a half-lit, amused grin playing on his lips. It was Ashe, the one who had brought Isaac here.

  “Thank you for taking care of those two,” Ashe said, his eyes glinting with sinister amusement. “I’m quite excited to see how they develop.”

  Agatha pressed a hand to her chest and bowed her head, the spiderweb tattoo on her hand pulsing with a dark purple light. “Of course, my lord. I am here to assist you in every way.”

  Ashe chuckled. “It’s always satisfying to have a… useful apostle.”

  Agatha lowered herself into a reluctant half-kneel, wincing as the effort betrayed her age. “I serve you gladly, Lord Ashe—greatest of gods, bearer of Despair.”

  Leaning forward with mock concern, Ashe said, “Please, do not strain yourself on my account. You’re one of the few humans whose despair I don’t relish.”

  “Thank you, my lord,” Agatha murmured, her voice reverent. “You truly are magnificent.”

  His gaze darkened as his tone turned cold. “Ensure they’re ready. They must become useful. And remember,” he added with malice, “do not mention to Isaac anything about his surviving family.”

  Agatha’s expression turned guarded. “Yes, my lord. It will be as you command.”

  A twisted smile crossed Ashe’s face, satisfied with her loyalty, as the room fell into charged silence.

  Seven years had passed. Every day, Isaac and Karma trained relentlessly for the entrance exam, and now, on the eve of that fateful day, change and familiarity mingled in unexpected ways. In the bathroom, Karma spotted Isaac—his tired eyes heavy with sleepless nights. Despite his unwavering dedication, Isaac still remained shorter than most, even as his peers, had grown taller. A long zipper wrapped around his left arm from his middle finger to near his elbow, while his right hand bore intricate magic circles etched in blood.

  “What are you up to, shorty?” Karma teased with a grin.

  Isaac rolled his eyes. “Shut up, I’m not that short…am I?”

  “Yeah, you are. What did you expect? No sleep, no growth,” Karma quipped before softening his tone. “So, what are you doing?”

  Isaac sighed. “I’ve asked Granny to enroll me in the academy under a false name. I still need to change my appearance, just in case.”

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  Karma arched an eyebrow. “Worried about running into the Crows before you're strong enough for revenge?”

  Isaac shook his head. “Not them—someone far scarier. The Fafnir’s have a long tradition of arranged marriages. There was a girl I was likely meant to marry. She’d recognize me in a heartbeat. Even as kids, she was terrifyingly powerful. I’m sure we’ll cross paths at the exam.”

  Karma smirked. “That’s the first time I’ve seen you mention a woman. I always thought you weren’t interested in them.”

  “I’m sorry I’m not like you—having every girl chasing after you,” Isaac retorted with a half-smile.

  “You’re one of a kind, Isaac. Your look is pretty distinct—it’ll take a lot to change that,” Karma observed, his tone light yet sincere.

  “Summon a healing spirit—I'm about to do something pretty brutal, and I need you to reduce the pain. It’s going to hurt like hell,” Isaac requested.

  “Watch your language, or Granny will hit you with her cane,” Karma teased as a soft, pink glow emerged from his hands.

  A diminutive, pink spirit materialized—a little ball with tiny arms and a goofy face. With grim determination, Isaac yanked out his own horns. Using his ability, he mended himself—but he altered the shape, creating sleek, gazelle-like horns. Karma then directed the spirit to envelop Isaac, dulling the agony.

  “Thanks… that really hurt. Now, the next step is simple, cover up my demonic eye,” Isaac said. He unzipped a strip along his hand, releasing a trickle of blood that dripped onto his green eye, disguising it as an ordinary red one. Finally, he blended some blood into his white hair, adding red highlights for effect.

  “All done. From now on, you’ll call me Fyodor,” Isaac declared with a slight bow.

  Karma grinned. “Mind if I keep your horns? They’d fetch a fortune.”

  “Only if I can rip out your eyes and sell them,” Isaac shot back.

  “Fine, keep your stupid horns—they looked dumb anyway,” Karma retorted, pouting. Then, with a teasing smirk, he added, “I still find your combat style gross.”

  Isaac shrugged nonchalantly. “I’m useless in sunlight. I have to rely on ranged attacks and demon summoning—plus, I have near-infinite blood reserves for that.”

  “Sure, but why choose such grotesque demons? They smell like rotting corpses,” Karma teased.

  “That’s because they are rotting corpses—but believe me, they pack quite a punch,” Isaac replied with a wry smile.

  “Please, my spirit summons are far superior. I only sacrifice mana, not blood like you,” Karma insisted.

  “There are five avenues of power in this world, and we’ve both chosen the hardest—spirit and demon summoning,” Karma chuckled.

  Isaac sighed. “I’m too frail for martial arts. Our abilities are passive by nature, and hardly reliable in a real fight. The stars never blessed us with regalia, and on both my mother’s and father’s side, my innate powers suffer a double debuff in sunlight.”

  Karma grinned. “At least you’re a force to be reckoned with at night. And thanks to your vampire mom, your blood manipulation is even stronger.”

  Isaac smirked. “Your innate abilities aren’t too shabby either—if only they weren’t so wildly destructive. I suppose that’s why you always hide behind that mask.”

  “If you ever need to rely on mine, I’ll use them,” Karma said, his tone turning serious.

  Isaac nodded. “I know how much you despise using them. I won’t force you.”

  “Thanks,” Karma chuckled.

  The next day, Isaac and Karma set out for Castletown with no turning back. Though a long journey lay ahead, Isaac’s eyes burned with resolve as he left what had become his home.

  By the gate, Granny Agatha shuffled out to see them off. Her once-sharp gaze had softened with time, but her words still carried the warmth of the only motherly figure they’d ever known.

  “Well, it seems today I finally get rid of you two troublemakers,” she teased, her voice both tender and laced with mischief. “I don’t think the orphanage has known peace since you started training together.”

  Karma laughed, his mischievous spark undimmed. “You’re the one who always told us to get stronger. Can’t blame us for putting in the work.”

  Her smile faded as she looked at Isaac. “Isaac, you’re so different now. Are you sure you’re ready for this path?”

  He said nothing, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon—a future of challenges and irrevocable choices.

  “Goodbye, you brats,” Agatha called, a note of sorrow hidden beneath her gruff tone. “The headmaster has gifted you each a teleportation crystal—custom-made for you two. Break them, and you’ll be whisked straight to the academy. Don’t disappoint me—I expect you both to pass.”

  “Goodbye, Granny,” Karma grinned, waving carelessly. “See you around!”

  Isaac’s voice, low and steely, promised, “I’ll win, Granny. I’ll make sure of it.”

  They withdrew their crystals—small emerald stones pulsing with quiet magic. Karma, concealing his face behind his mask, bit the top of his crystal with a determined crack, while Isaac crushed his in his hand, its sharp edges drawing a thin line of blood that mingled with emerald dust. In an instant, a brilliant glow enveloped them, and the world blurred into a dizzying cascade of colors.

  Moments later, they found themselves standing in the heart of Castletown. The city was a marvel of towering spires, stone-paved streets, and a vibrant throng of people. A shimmering barrier of purple and silver light pulsed protectively around the town, as if the very air was alive with magic.

  To the east loomed ancient dormitory halls, carved from stone and enchanted glass, while the western side bordered a sprawling, foreboding forest—a realm of silent danger where shadows whispered secrets. Everywhere, bustling shops displayed rare spell-infused trinkets, enchanted weaponry, and exotic goods. Blacksmiths hammered glowing metal into swords and alchemists sold elixirs that bubbled with promise, all underscored by the irresistible aroma of freshly cooked food.

  At the center of it all stood the academy—a colossal tower of dark stone inlaid with veins of enchanted silver. Elegant balconies offered sweeping views of the city, while ornate carvings and stained-glass windows depicted legendary heroes in battle. The massive entry gate, flanked by colossal statues of mythical guardians, opened onto a grand atrium, welcoming the new arrivals.

  Isaac and Karma weaved through the bustling streets, drawing curious glances and hushed whispers as they passed. Suddenly, Isaac’s shoulder brushed against an upperclassman, halting both of them.

  “Watch where you’re going, freshman,” the man snapped. Kurt, much taller than Isaac, wore a sneer of arrogance and disdain. “You newcomers need to learn your place.”

  Isaac’s tired eyes narrowed, locking onto Kurt’s with an eerie calm. Around them, a crowd of students gathered, eager for a showdown—smirks exchanged among upperclassmen who knew Kurt’s violent streak well.

  At the fringe of the gathering, two freshman siblings watched with worry. June, with long crimson hair and a pair of striking red wings, stood tense and alert, her eyes fixed on Isaac. “Should we help him? This isn’t looking good…that boy might be in trouble” she murmured, glancing at her brother.

  Her brother Mars, sporting square black glasses and unruly black hair with intense yellow eyes, folded his arms. “If we did nothing, Dad and Uncle would be disappointed,” he replied, his tone low and resolute.

  Just then, Karma, noticing the siblings, glanced back and playfully shushed them with a wink, signaling that things were under control.

  “Karma,” Isaac said coolly, “would it be terrible if I killed him?”

  “Yeah, you dumbass—just knock him out,” Karma smirked.

  Kurt’s face twisted in rage. “What did you say?” he bellowed, lurching forward with a punch.

  Effortlessly sidestepping, Kurt’s blow passed harmlessly by. In response, Isaac delivered a swift kick to Kurt’s leg, buckling it and forcing him to one knee. The crowd gasped as Isaac’s next brutal strike connected with Kurt’s jaw, sending him crashing down.

  A tense silence fell as Isaac stood over the battered upperclassman. With unnerving focus, he knelt beside Kurt and continued his assault with relentless punches, blood splattering across his face. Lost in a dark intensity, he barely noticed the growing concern in the crowd.

  At that moment, June pushed through and unfurled her wings gracefully, intercepting Isaac’s next strike. “The fight’s over,” she commanded. “He started it, but he’s unconscious now—you don’t need to go any further.”

  Isaac paused, then turned to Karma with an unreadable expression. “Karma, did I go too far?”

  Karma sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, dumbass—you scared everyone. I was planning to charge the crowd for the entertainment, but now I can’t even do that.”

  Isaac’s gaze softened. “Sorry for ruining your plan.”

  June rolled her eyes, gently pressing a feather from her wing to Kurt’s wounds to begin healing. “Don’t apologize to him—apologize to the guy you nearly turned to pulp!”

  Isaac blinked in confusion. “Why? He started it.”

  “Obviously—because you almost killed him,” Karma countered, raising an eyebrow.

  Isaac shrugged, his disinterest palpable. “But I don’t really to. Do I have to?”

  Karma chuckled. “It’s a lost cause anyway. He’s out cold, and honestly, it’s kind of nice watching someone else take the hit instead of me.”

  Isaac smirked, though fatigue lingered in his eyes. “You started most of these fights, remember?”

  June shook her head in exasperation. “You two are impossible. Mars, come on—we don’t have time for this. The entrance exam’s about to start.”

  Mars chuckled and waved a casual goodbye. “See you, crazies.”

  As the siblings departed, Karma nudged Isaac. “Alright, enough entertainment. The letter said to head to the auditorium—we’re running late.”