Zero gazed out the window, taking in the bustling streets below. The city was alive with diversity—humans, dwarves, elves, halflings, orcs, demons, and countless other races walked side by side, going about their daily lives. Some rode on mechanical mounts, others floated with the aid of magic, and a few even darted between buildings using strange energy-powered wings.
His mind raced as memories of Arcades flooded in.
Over 8,904 playable races.
That wasn't even counting the ones that were non-playable, hidden, or extraterrestrial. Entire civilizations existed beneath the surface, in the skies above, and even beyond the stars. This world was a melting pot of species and cultures, each with their own histories, conflicts, and ambitions.
And now... he was living in it.
[Zero]: One, can you tell me more about the Academy's Trials and that racist teacher? I'd rather not accidentally give him a drink.
His voice dripped with mock innocence, but the sheer malice behind his words made the driver break into a cold sweat, his hands gripping the controls a little too tightly.
Unaware of the absolute menace he was exuding, Zero absentmindedly twirled a small glass vial between his fingers. The liquid inside shimmered with an unsettling purple hue, tiny bubbles forming and popping in an unnatural rhythm. It looked like the kind of substance that could kill someone just by touching it.
The driver gulped.
[One]: Just... don't poison the teacher, okay? He still suspects you were the one who spiked his coffee with diarrhea herbs during the interview.
She crossed her arms, sighing dramatically.
[One]: Which, to be fair, you absolutely did—because he insulted me.
Zero took a deep breath, only for a sudden, violent cough to escape his throat. His chest burned, as if something toxic had settled inside him.
He glanced down through the window and froze.
A demon—an Ash Demon, to be precise—was riding a flying motorcycle beside their taxi. Rare, dangerous, and feared, Ash Demons were known for their strength and destructive nature.
And this one... was staring directly at him.
She had ashen-gray skin, crimson eyes, and wild silver hair that flowed behind her as she kept pace with their ride. But it wasn't just her appearance that unsettled him—it was the expression of fear on her face.
Her scarlet eyes locked onto his with a look of pure fear. That was... strange. Demons rarely got scared, especially not the powerful ones.
And then it hit him.
He knew her.
And not in a good way.
[One]: Hey, Rose! Is your brother doing okay?
The demon—Rose—gripped the handlebars of her bike tighter, her tail twitching in agitation.
[Rose]: No, thanks to your psychotic brother who poisoned him with bleach and stabbed him fifty-five times!
Her glare intensified, flames flickering in the depths of her ashen-red eyes.
[Rose]: Look, I get it. He was an asshole for trying to rob you, but don't you think that was a bit much?
[One]: Well..., he did try to rob his neighbors—us. And, you know, we're running an illegal pharmacy, fully armed, and capable of handling ourselves.
She grinned.
[One]: Besides, we all had a good laugh in the end. No cops were called, so it worked out, right?
Zero just sighed. What kind of life had he walked into?
[Rose]: "Since you paid Dr. Tender to patch him up, everything's fine... mostly."
Her voice held a wary edge, like she was trying to convince herself. Then, her gaze hardened.
[Rose]: But, please, Zero—don't stab him again at the Academy. He just started walking again, and he's actually waiting for us there.
Zero leaned back in his seat, arms crossed. His red eyes gleamed with something unreadable.
[Zero]: Hmph. That depends.
[Rose]: Depends on what?!
she snapped.
[Zero]: On whether he learned his lesson.
Rose groaned, rubbing her temples as if fighting off a headache. One, meanwhile, just laughed.
[One]: Well, I suppose we'll find out soon enough. But, brother, do try not to cause another 'incident' on the first day.
Zero smirked but said nothing.
[The Academy Gates]
The flying taxi hovered down onto a floating platform in front of the Academy gates. The entire scene looked like something pulled straight from a fantasy-sci-fi epic—towering spires of glass and metal reaching into the sky, magic-infused street lamps glowing softly, and students of all races walking through massive runed archways into the campus beyond.
Zero stepped out first, adjusting his coat, while One practically bounced beside him. Rose landed her bike nearby, hopping off with practiced ease.
[Rose]: Alright, let's get this over with. Just—
She shot Zero a look.
[Rose]: Try to be civil.
Before Zero could respond, a familiar voice called out.
[???]: YOU!
Zero turned.
A lanky, sickly-looking demon stood at the gates, gripping a cane for support. His ashen-gray skin was still healing from deep scars, and his left arm was wrapped in enchanted bandages. Despite his battered state, he grinned at Zero like an old friend who had been waiting for this moment.
Zero blinked.
Oh.
It was him. Charly—the one Zero had stabbed.
[One]: Oh! You're standing now. That's progress.
[Charly]: Hahaha! Zero, you bastard! And One—how's the slum flower doing?
Zero raised an eyebrow. Charly's broad grin didn't match his half-mangled state, and the way he clapped a bandaged hand on his cane sent a faint echo through the air.
[Zero]: You're... cheerful for someone I nearly sent to the underworld.
[Charly]: HA! You kidding? That was the most fun I had in years!
He threw his good arm around Zero's shoulder like they were old war buddies.
[Charly]: Taught me a damn good lesson too—never mess with the slum's 'Phantom Twins' unprepared. Ain't that right, One?
[One]: Yup! I did tell you not to rob us. But nooo, you had to try and 'borrow' half our stock.
Charly gave a mock wince, rubbing his side where Zero had stabbed him all those times.
[Charly]: Yeah, yeah... look, all water under the bridge now, right?
Zero narrowed his eyes.
[Zero]: We'll see.
Charly chuckled but wisely kept some distance this time.
The group stepped through the massive archway, and Zero took in the Academy's Grand Plaza—a sprawling space filled with students of every race imaginable.
Towering statues of past champions lined the pathway to the main building, floating banners shimmered with magical emblems, and various academia-clad figures were either walking, flying, or teleporting around.
Zero barely had time to admire the view before a mechanical voice boomed from the sky.
[Automated Announcement]: Attention, all new students! The entrance trials will commence shortly. Please proceed to the designated testing grounds.
Charly stretched his shoulders, cracking his neck.
[Charly]: Welp, guess it's time to see if I can still fight after my little 'vacation' at Dr. Tender's place.
[Rose]: Try not to get stabbed again.
[Charly]: No promises.
Zero just smirked.
[One]: Alright! Time to show these nobles and prodigies why they should fear us.
With that, the four of them headed toward the testing grounds, ready to face whatever trials the Academy had in store.
[Chapter end]
[The Hero's End]
"You, the great hero, stood victorious over the demon lords and the eldritch invaders, a beacon of hope in the darkest of times. Yet, in the end, it was not monsters that struck you down, but those you once called allies. Betrayed by your companions, condemned by the very kingdom you bled for, your strength became your curse. Your body now hangs at the gates as a grim warning—proof that even heroes are not immune to fear and treachery."