The next day, Ryo went to work. He worked directly with the most powerful royal families. Not out of loyalty, but simply because his power made him a valuable asset.

  Most often, his duties involved protection—guarding shipments, securing convoys, and overseeing transportation. But sometimes, he was tasked with special assignments.

  That morning, Ryo received a new order from House Valderen, one of the most influential royal families, to oversee the delivery of a critical shipment and ensure its safe arrival.

  "I can reveal the identity of the Masked One."

  "But... for a price."

  One of the nobles raised an eyebrow. "How much?" he asked.

  "50,000 phoenix."

  The family members exchanged glances before one finally replied, "250,000 phoenix? That's a lot of money."

  Ryo received no response regarding payment. It wasn't a refusal, but it was a clear answer nonetheless.

  Ryo: "I'll continue working with you... Let's postpone this matter for a later time." ...

  That day, a grand celebration was held in the academy's central courtyard. Students, professors, and high-ranking officials from across the country gathered.

  Among them was the country's ruler himself, a man rumored to be one of the most powerful magic practitioners of the era.

  Standing beside the academy's director, he began to speak in a calm, resolute tone:

  Ruler: "The academy appears as strong as ever... How is training going? Is the new generation promising?"

  Headmaster (smiling confidently): "Certainly, Your Excellency. This year's students possess exceptional potential. We have talents unparalleled in decades!"

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  Ruler (nodding his head): "Good. The strength of our nation depends on these mages, and I expect the academy to continue producing only the best."

  But then...

  Suddenly, the ground shook...!

  A terrifying pressure swept through the courtyard—the air felt stifling, as if death itself had descended upon them.

  A dark, monstrous aura pervaded everything.

  Time seemed to freeze, even the air itself felt as if it were being sucked out.

  Ryo fell to his knees—his body unable to withstand the overwhelming force!

  On the other side of the courtyard...

  Raven also collapsed, his eyes widening in shock.

  "Impossible... What is this force?!"

  As everyone else was consumed by panic, one person moved calmly through the chaos.

  He walked with steady steps, heading straight for Lord Yvren, the head of one of the most powerful royal houses.

  Standing before him, his glowing eyes were like a demon emerging from the depths of hell.

  "It's time to pay for what you've done." His voice was calm, but it carried the undeniable promise of death.

  He reached behind his back and unsheathed a massive black sword—a sword that seemed to devour even the light around it.

  Then, with one smooth motion, he struck.

  A violent metallic shriek tore through the air.

  And at that moment...

  The Academy's sacred crest, a symbol of its power, split in two.

  The crest fell to the ground, shattering before the stunned audience.

  Zairos stood in the middle of the courtyard, his aura filling the space with overwhelming presence.

  "I am the Vice-Commander of Arcadia."

  His eyes glowed with a mysterious power, and his deep voice carried a subtle threat. As he spoke, his aura continued to radiate, pressing down on everyone like an invisible force.

  He continued in a cool, measured tone:

  "You interfered with our operations... and stopped our workers' shipments. We lost money on this business. Such actions cannot be ignored."

  Lord Evren stood frozen, sweat dripping from his brow. His voice trembled as he replied:

  "We didn't know it was yours! We'll compensate you for whatever you want. Just let's resolve this peacefully!"

  Zairos looked at him with deep contempt.

  "The compensation must be appropriate... It must cover the lost profits from your intervention, plus an additional sum as an apology. Let's say... 800 million phoenix."

  Lord Evren's eyes widened in shock. He clutched his head, unable to comprehend the sheer amount. His voice broke as he muttered, "800 million?! How... and why this amount?!"

  Zairos replied firmly, "You must pay... unless you want trouble with us."

  Without giving them a chance to argue, he disappeared in an instant, leaving behind a suffocating silence and the lingering fear of what Arcadia was truly capable of.