Later that day, after the final bell rang, the three boys walked through the courtyard together.

  “Kind of wild that we’re the ones who got picked,” Arlen said.

  “I’m not that surprised,” Toma replied with a small shrug. “We’re clearly stronger than the rest.”

  “I agree,” Arvian added.

  Arvian Lysell — fifteen, 175 centimeters tall, with sharp blue eyes and silver hair — came from the prestigious Lysell Clan, the largest noble family in the country. Despite his background, he’d grown up in the same quiet village as Toma and Arlen.

  That afternoon, the trio made their way to the teachers’ room.

  Waiting inside were the headmaster and a man in a sleek black suit and dark sunglasses.

  “Welcome,” the headmaster began. “As you already know, you’ve been chosen for the academy’s elite practical program. This is an opportunity given only to the top students of each year.”

  He turned to Arvian.

  “Arvian, as Captain of the Ice Division, you’ll be training with Captain Lysell. Your grandfather and I have already made arrangements for you to begin tomorrow.”

  Then his gaze shifted.

  “Toma, Arlen — you’ll be assigned to Inspector Carter.”

  The man in the suit stepped forward and gave them a sharp smile.

  “Name’s Carter. Just Carter is fine.”

  He gestured to the door.

  “I see you’re packed. Let’s get going.”

  Outside the academy gates, the three of them were met with a crowd of curious students staring at something.

  “Why is everyone just standing around…?” Arlen muttered.

  “That would be my car they’re admiring,” Carter said, strolling past them. “Now if everyone could kindly step aside.”

  Toma’s eyes went wide.

  “Wait. Is that… a limo?!”

  “Of course,” Carter said smoothly. “Get in.”

  They climbed into the luxurious black vehicle. Toma sank into the plush leather seat like it was made of clouds.

  “This is insane…” Arlen murmured.

  “Come now, it’s really nothing,” Carter said, chuckling. “But while we’re riding, I want to get to know you both a little better.”

  He pointed at Toma.

  “You first. Blue-haired boy.”

  Toma blinked. “Uh—first of all, this is my natural hair color.”

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  “Of course it is,” Carter smirked. “Go on.”

  “I’m Toma Sorien. I'm fifteen. I want to become a warrior. I like football. I’m from Gorimbol.”

  Carter leaned forward, resting his chin on one hand.

  “Interesting. What’s your ability?”

  “Blue Nova. It’s a Nova-type… but a lot more destructive than the standard kind.”

  The inspector’s eyes gleamed with interest.

  “Rare powers… I love those.”

  He turned to Arlen.

  “And you, redhead?”

  “Arlen Keel. Fifteen. Also from Gorimbol,” Arlen said confidently. “My ability is fire. I am firepower.”

  Carter chuckled. “I see. Very good.”

  He leaned back in his seat.

  “Well, I guess it’s my turn now. Inspector Carter. Twenty-five years old. I like anything spectacular — the flashier, the better. So keep things cool, and keep things exciting.”

  He pointed at Toma with a grin.

  “Toma, I like your style. Especially that bluish hair of yours. Looks sharp.”

  “Uh… thanks?”

  “Now, onto business. Here’s your mission. We’re heading to New Hale — third-largest city in the world.”

  Both boys straightened up in their seats.

  “Our objective is to investigate and, if necessary, eliminate a criminal organization. This is real fieldwork — not a simulation. You’ll be part of a live investigation.”

  Arlen lit up.

  “Investigating? That sounds awesome!”

  Toma, ever the cautious one, narrowed his eyes.

  “Wait… who exactly are we investigating? What do we know so far?”

  Carter snapped his fingers. “Good question, Toma. I like that you’re sharp.”

  He reached into his jacket and pulled out a manila envelope.

  “New Hale has been experiencing a strange pattern of demon attacks. Not your usual kind. Normally, demons show up in packs — passing through cities at random, almost like migration.”

  He spread out the contents — two blurry photographs.

  “But in New Hale, they appear one at a time. And right after one is eliminated, another appears shortly after. Consistently.”

  The boys leaned in closer as he laid the photos on the table between them.

  “That’s not the weirdest part. During multiple attacks, surveillance caught two mysterious figures near the scene. Same time. Same place. Watching the chaos.”

  He pointed at the first photo.

  “Here’s the first one. Tall, thin face. Black hair. Looks early twenties.”

  He moved to the second.

  “This one’s taller, with messier brown hair, tied back. Also early twenties.”

  “Do we know who they are?” asked Arlen.

  “Not a clue. No names, no records. These shots were caught by chance on public cameras. Our goal is to track them, figure out if they’re connected to the attacks… and if they are, stop them.”

  Toma nodded.

  “Understood.”

  “Same here,” said Arlen.

  “Good boys,” Carter said, smiling. “That’s all for now. We’ll be arriving soon, so just relax until then.”

  Ten minutes later, the limousine slowed to a stop.

  The driver turned slightly.

  “We’ve arrived.”

  Carter stretched his arms.

  “Alright, out you go, boys. Time to get to work.”

  As the limousine doors opened, Toma and Arlen stepped out into the shadow of a massive skyscraper.

  The building loomed above them like a tower from another world, surrounded by other equally enormous structures of glass and steel.

  “This is the hotel,” said Inspector Carter, striding toward the entrance. “We’ll be staying here for a while. I’ll give you a tour of the city later, but first, let’s check into our rooms.”

  Toma and Arlen followed, both visibly stunned by the scale of everything around them.

  Inside, the lobby was a masterpiece of modern luxury. Chandeliers glistened from the ceiling, marble floors stretched endlessly beneath their feet, and a massive fountain gurgled quietly in the center of the room.

  They had never seen anything like it.

  “Whoa…” Arlen whispered.

  “This place is insane…” Toma added.

  Carter handled check-in at the front desk like it was routine.

  Within minutes, they were inside the elevator, ascending rapidly.

  “Fifty-first floor?” Arlen said, wide-eyed.

  “Fancy,” Toma muttered.

  Once they reached their floor, room keys were handed out.

  “Arlen, you’re in 514. Toma, 515. I’ve got 516, right next door,” Carter said. “Unpack, rest up, and be ready. We head out in one hour.”

  ***

  Inside his hotel room, Toma placed his bag down and looked around.

  The space was sleek and spotless. A massive wall-mounted TV hung across from a plush king-sized bed. The windows offered a stunning view of the glittering skyline of New Hale.

  “Wow… everything here is so fancy,” he said, walking over to the bed. “And this bed… it’s actually super soft.”

  He flopped down, then sat up again, shaking his head.

  “But I’m not here for a vacation,” he reminded himself. “This is a serious mission.”

  Toma took a deep breath, staring out the window as the city bustled below.