CHAPTER 2: Arrival

  “Wow… this is a lot crazier than I ever expected,” Nathan muttered to himself as the massive iron gates creaked open in front of him.

  The structure looming beyond was more a castle than a school. Jagged spires cut into the sky like blackened claws, and the stone walls seemed impossibly ancient—etched with symbols that glowed faintly red under the sun. A wide, polished courtyard led up to the entrance, with statues of past demon hunters standing vigil, their faces worn but proud. The place pulsed with eerie energy—equal parts holy and unholy.

  Nathan stepped through the gate, his shoes clicking against stone. “Uhh… excuse meee? Is anybody homeee?”

  He paused. Something shifted to his right—energy. A presence.

  “What is that?” he whispered, narrowing his eyes.

  A voice snapped through the air. “Hey, kid. Who the hell are you?”

  Nathan turned to see a man in his mid-thirties, tall, broad, with messy dark hair and a long coat that brushed against the stone. His eyes were sharp, like someone who’d seen too much to be surprised anymore.

  “Uh, hi,” Nathan said. “Name’s Nathan. You know, usually we start these kinds of things with introductions. So how about you tell me who you are?”

  The man raised an eyebrow. “Cute. Look, kid, we don’t let fans in here. This isn’t a place to play games.”

  But then he paused.

  The man’s expression changed as he noticed something—Nathan was inside the barrier. Completely unaffected. The magical wards meant to repel intruders didn’t even seem to register his presence.

  “…So, Nathan. Seriously. What are you doing here?”

  Nathan shrugged. “Well, I used to go to church every Sunday. One day the priest said I had this weirdly high tolerance for cursed energy or something, and that I should enroll here. Said I had potential to become something great… blah blah blah. Honestly, I forgot most of what he said.”

  The man gave a long sigh. “Right… the priest. We were told someone was coming. A kid, sixteen, with unusual potential.” He crossed his arms. “Listen, this life? It’s not easy. You’ll see friends die before you can even process it. Some don’t even get a chance to scream.”

  “You’re right,” Nathan replied, more serious now. “I had doubts before coming here. But the truth is… I’ve always been able to see demons. Feel them. They’ve never harmed me, but I know they’re there. I’ve seen ghosts too. It’s like… my heart aches to learn more. About this world—good or bad.”

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  The man studied him for a moment, then gave a half-nod. “You’ve got heart. That’s something. Not everything, but it’s something. Priest vouched for you, so… guess we’ll give it a shot. Come on. Follow me.” He turned and started walking. “Name’s Kyle. I patrol the perimeter. Make sure nothing demonic slips past the barrier.”

  Nathan looked back at the gate. “You mean that barrier?”

  Kyle stopped in his tracks. “Wait… you can see it?”

  Nathan nodded. “Kind of like a shimmer in the air, right?”

  Kyle looked stunned. “Only hunters who’ve fought multiple demons and survived have enough Demonic Presence to see that. And you’re seeing it like it’s nothing?”

  “Demonic Presence?” Nathan asked.

  “You’ll get the full explanation once you’re enrolled,” Kyle muttered. “Come on. Let’s get you registered.”

  The two of them approached the castle-like building. Enormous double doors opened to a grand hall lit by floating lanterns, casting flickers of gold and crimson across towering portraits and weapon displays. Ancient blades with infernal runes, shattered demonic horns, glowing orbs trapped in glass—all lined the walls like museum trophies.

  “WOOOOW” Nathan breathed.

  “Keep your voice down,” Kyle snapped, trying to hide a smirk. “We don’t get many kids your age. Just one guy and two girls in your age group. Guess you’ll even it out.”

  “Sounds perfect to me,” Nathan said.

  As they walked, he found his thoughts drifting.

  I wonder if they’ll think I’m weird. I’ve always been faster than anyone I’ve met… my punch could break walls even though I’ve never trained for it. I’ve hidden it from my parents, but here? I might not be able to hold back anymore…

  “We’re almost there,” Kyle said, slowing as they reached an imposing blackwood door with glowing red carvings. “This is the Director’s office. Be respectful. Please.”

  Nathan grinned. “Of course. After all… I’m Prince Charming.”

  Kyle gave him a flat look.

  Nathan stepped inside.

  The office was nothing short of infernal beauty. Dark stone walls flickered with dim red runes. Demonic weaponry hung on racks behind the desk—spears made from spine bones, blades pulsing with heat, and a gauntlet still dripping with crystallized demon blood. In the corners, black candles floated midair, flickering despite the absence of wind. A massive mounted skull loomed above the bookshelves—twisted, with four horns and empty eye sockets.

  Behind a stone desk sat a man dressed in deep crimson robes, his silver hair pulled back tightly. His eyes, pale and sharp, regarded Nathan like a puzzle he wasn’t sure he liked.

  “You look different than what I expected,” said Director Sylvaine.

  “Sylvaine? Really?” Nathan raised an eyebrow, playful.

  “Sit down, kid,” the director said, unamused.

  Nathan obeyed.

  “What’s your full name?”

  “Nathan Alexio.”

  “Alexio… could it be… Emma and Robert Alexio?”

  Nathan blinked. “Yeah, that’s them. Uh, why?”

  The director leaned back in his chair. “They were excellent students of mine. One of the best pairs we had. They left the life behind to start a family. I guess they did a damn good job.” He looked Nathan over again. “You’re completely unaffected by the demonic presence I’ve layered throughout this room. No nausea. No headache. Impressive.”

  This kid… Sylvaine thought. His potential is sky-high. Even I feel pressure from this room, but he’s not flinching.

  “We’ve got dorms for under-twenty and over-twenty students,” the director said. “You’ll be paired with someone in U20—goes by the name Bryan. Try not to get into trouble.”

  “I didn’t realize I was staying here,” Nathan said, slightly worried. “I should tell my parents…”

  “They already know” Sylvaine replied. “Your mother used to live in those very dorms. Go ahead and give her a call.”

  Nathan stepped into the hall and pulled out his phone. The line picked up instantly.

  “Oh, Nathan, my sweet darling! Are you okay?” his mother’s voice rang warmly.

  “Yeah, Mom. Just letting you know I’ll be staying in a dorm for a while. It’s not far—I can still visit.”

  “I know,” she said softly. “I already packed your bags and had someone send them over. This is a life I left behind, but I can’t deny your potential. I’ve known since you were young… I just wanted you to have a normal childhood. But now? I know Sylvaine will take care of you. Give him my regards. And as always, we love you.”

  “I love you too, Mom.”

  Nathan returned to the office. “So, uh, which way is my dorm?”

  “Take the stairs outside and follow the signs,” Sylvaine said. “You’re in U20, dorm D10. Don’t give Bryan a hard time.”

  Nathan headed down the hall, his steps echoing softly. The dorm wing was quieter, less intimidating than the rest of the school. He followed the signs until he stood before a door with bold lettering: D10.

  “Oh boy,” he muttered. “Here we go.”

  From behind the door, music was blasting—loud, chaotic, and strangely catchy. Nathan opened it to find a boy his age, shirt half-off, mid-air jump as he absolutely jammed out in front of a speaker.

  Nathan blinked. “…I guess this is Bryan.”