Slayers' Academy — Three Days After the Tournament
The inter-class tournament was over.
But its consequences were only beginning.
Throughout the Academy, the same feeling persisted:
that they had witnessed something that went far beyond a mere school event.
Holographic screens still replayed slow-motion footage of Diopha Hitari versus Isaac Ifrey.
The President's intervention.
The forced halt of the duel.
And above all…
the mark left on the arena.
Courtyard — Late Morning
Diopha walked calmly, uniform slightly open, bag slung over his shoulder.
All eyes followed him.
No hostility.
No fear.
A quiet acknowledgment.
Since his return from the White Zone, he officially ranked among the Academy's Top 3.
But to him, nothing had changed.
I'm still the same guy struggling to get a girlfriend…
He sighed internally.
Milim and Douriel Appear
"You're walking alone again."
Douriel fell into step beside him, posture straight, voice calm.
Milim followed, arms crossed, gaze sharp.
"You better not pull the same stunt as during the tournament," she said.
"Disappearing without warning is stupid."
Diopha shrugged.
"I had things to handle."
Milim studied him for a few seconds.
"…As long as you come back alive."
No blush.
No hesitation.
Just a firm statement.
Douriel smiled slightly.
"Classes have resumed normally. But the atmosphere has changed."
"Of course," Diopha replied.
"After what we showed…"
Silent Exchange — The Three Friends
They walked together.
Three silhouettes tied by a childhood bond.
Milim, upright, strong, refusing to show any weakness.
Douriel, loyal, thoughtful, always analyzing beyond the present.
Diopha, able to joke one moment… and become relentless the next.
Anyone who challenges them…
A shiver ran through the air.
Diopha's Dorm — Evening
Diopha collapsed onto his bed.
"Status window."
Data scrolled briefly before disappearing.
Mini-Zenkai sat cross-legged on the desk, phone in hand, eyes glued to the screen.
"…Episode 9 had better animation than 10," he commented without looking up.
"Seriously?" Diopha sighed.
"I nearly die every other day and you're comparing animation?"
Mini-Zenkai finally looked up.
"Exactly. If you die, you miss the next episode. So keep progressing."
Diopha chuckled.
"Always so motivating."
Mini-Zenkai swiped the screen.
"The world is reorganizing. Governments are moving. Guilds are coming."
"And the Special Class hasn't even shown its cards yet."
"I know."
"You're not the strongest. Not yet."
Diopha closed his eyes.
"I will be. In my own way."
Classroom — Official Intervention
A man in a government uniform stood at the front of the auditorium.
"From today, some information will no longer be reserved for high-level officials."
Silence.
"Official guilds will be authorized after you complete your training."
"Minimum: Class S."
Whispers spread through the room.
"Specialized ability analysis agencies will be established."
"Paid. Regulated. Controlled."
Milim remained impassive.
Douriel was already calculating.
Diopha, however, noted one thing:
They want to understand what they cannot control.
End of Chapter — Diopha's Thought
Back in his room, Diopha stared at the ceiling.
He thought of Isaac.
Of his rage.
Of his sister.
We're more alike than I want to admit.
Mini-Zenkai, without looking:
"The next few months will define your future."
"I know."
"And what are you going to do?"
A smile appeared.
"My quests. My training. And live normally."
"Normal doesn't exist for you anymore."
"Then I'll pretend it does."
The tournament was over.
Classes had resumed.
But the world itself was entering a new phase.
To be continued…
What do you think the world will do when Diopha finally shows his full strength?