A man burst into the office with hurried steps, almost stumbling through the door. His voice echoed in the small space, filled with urgency:

  —Hagane, the war for the altar is about to begin! What the hell are you doing sitting here like you don’t care at all?!

  In the center of the room sat Hagane, a man with slightly tousled long golden hair, crossing one leg over the other. The circular window behind him dimly illuminated him, giving him an almost divine air, though his relaxed posture ruined any hint of solemnity. His dark glasses concealed golden eyes, their irises surrounded by a ring of the same color. He tilted his head slightly to the left, letting out a sigh of boredom.

  —The war for the altar? —he yawned, stretching the words as he rested his chin on one hand—. Can Sasha come with me? —He raised his hand, adding sarcastically—. Or do you want me to solve everything with a snap?

  The man frowned, clearly annoyed.

  —Hagane, enough with the jokes! The Ascension Altar is crucial; it amplifies not just the power of weapons but also that of our students. Move it now!

  Hagane tilted his head back, letting out a light laugh.

  —Weapons, weapons... —he repeated, in a mocking tone as he raised his fist in front of his face—. Sometimes, a good technique is enough… maybe I should upgrade my knuckles. —A mischievous smile spread across his face.

  The man looked at him impatiently, crossing his arms.

  —It's for the students. Not everyone has your... “unfortunate heritage.” Now go to Jurtgenzan and do what you need to do.

  Hagane dropped his hand, staring at the ceiling as if considering something deeply.

  —Ah, I see. So my task is to save the poor mortals who don’t have my talent? —He stood up with a fluid motion, brushing off imaginary dust from his shoulders. He walked toward the door, stopping just before opening it.

  —Hey, you should find yourself a hobby. You'll give yourself a heart attack if you keep yelling at me. —He opened the door and stepped out—. You’re getting too old for this.

  The man gritted his teeth as he watched Hagane leave, muttering under his breath:

  —If only you knew what really awaits you…

  As Hagane strode confidently toward the courtyard, an arrogant smile spread across his face. His eyes sparkled with determination, reflecting his almost excessive confidence.

  —The old man speaks the truth —he murmured to himself, letting out a low, mocking laugh—. It would be good for Sasha to have an ascendant weapon.

  His mind spun around the idea, and he couldn’t help but imagine the possible threats lurking around his group. He paused for a moment, crossing his arms over his chest as he gazed at the clear sky.

  —If one day I’m not here —he said with palpable seriousness—, there’s a good chance enemies will attack. I can’t let that happen.

  With a slight shake of his head, as if dismissing any doubts, Hagane straightened up and began to walk again, this time with an even more determined air.

  —Alright, I’ll do it. —He snapped his fingers with enthusiasm. Then he let out a confident laugh as if he were sure everything would go according to his will.

  —Though, of course... who could possibly take me down?

  Hagane arrived at the central courtyard of the school, his footsteps echoing on the stone. The energy of the students seemed to vibrate around him, creating an atmosphere charged with expectation. He observed the thatched-roof buildings and crumbling walls, feeling that the place urgently needed a renovation.

  —This place needs an urgent makeover —he murmured to himself—. Maybe I should ask for help from Earth… something more modern.

  From a distance, the man’s voice resonated strongly:

  —How dare you mention Earth?! No one outside this world can know about us!

  Hagane raised his hands, feigning surrender.

  —Calm down, calm down. It was just an idea, “boss.”

  As he walked, some students recognized him and ran toward him.

  —Professor Hagane! Teach us one of your convergences!

  Hagane raised his hands with a confident smile.

  —Hello, everyone! I’m on a mission, but I can show you something in class. Remember, it's strictly forbidden to date a teacher.

  The students laughed as Hagane continued on his way and encountered Sasha.

  —Hey, come on. I’m off on a super secret and dangerous mission; do you want to come? —he said, striking a fun pose, but Sasha had other plans.

  —Ah… I’m sorry, Hagane, I have some things to take care of. —Ryuga felt disappointed, said goodbye, and left.

  He reached the center of the courtyard, where a majestic old tree stood like the heart of the school. He stopped in front of it, raised a hand, and carefully touched its bark.

  —Easy there, little one… you’ll rest soon.

  From behind, the man’s voice interrupted again:

  —Now you’re talking to trees?

  Hagane turned his head slowly, his gaze filled with mockery.

  —Are you messing with my tree? Choose your words wisely, old man, and take care of Sasha.

  Hagane closed his eyes, allowing the tree's energy to flow into him. Small glowing threads began to emerge from the bark, snaking toward his fingers like tiny currents of light. The contact was warm and pulsating, as if the tree itself recognized him.

  —Ah… this never goes out of style. —A confident smile appeared on his face as he tilted his head to one side—. See that, old man? This tree has always given me good energy.

  —Focus, Hagane! —came the voice from a distance.

  Hagane huffed in a mix of exasperation and amusement.

  —I’m working, don’t disturb me. Besides, this tree and I have a special connection. —He winked at the imposing trunk in front of him—. Easy there, little one. I know you’ll miss me when I cross over, but don’t worry, I’ll be back soon.

  The threads of energy synchronized with his own. The connection was complete. Hagane pressed his hand against the bark and whispered to himself:

  —The tree's energy must join with that of the user to enter the center of all dimensions. —Hagane recalled what he explained to his students in class. —But it’s much easier to use when there are strong or negative emotions. —He shrugged and added with a sly smile—. Luckily, I’ve always known how to leverage my abilities.

  He opened his eyes, the energy now shining in his golden pupils. He took a step forward, and the world seemed to open up. A doorway of light emerged in another place, and Hagane stepped through without hesitation.

  The change was immediate. Now he was in a place that seemed straight out of a dream: a colossal tree whose branches stretched beyond sight, as if connecting entire worlds. Its crystalline leaves emitted a gentle light that blended with the sky, where entire galaxies seemed to move slowly.

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  —Always so dramatic, huh, tree? —Hagane murmured, a mix of admiration and disdain in his voice. His gaze roamed over the bright leaves and the infinite paths of light winding between the branches. A light smile formed on his face.

  —I missed this place. —He placed a hand on the trunk of the tree, feeling the warmth radiating from its bark.

  —Do you remember when I was born, tree?! Surely you do. You gave me your blessing and the privilege of being the bearer of the primordial root —he said softly, as if expecting the tree to respond.

  Then something unexpected happened.

  Suddenly, his body froze. The air seemed to stop. The branches of the tree froze his movement, and time itself seemed to fracture. An enveloping energy filled the space, warm yet unavoidable, as if he were trapped in an embrace that was impossible to reject.

  Hagane couldn’t move. His hands, his legs, his whole body were immobile. Only his thoughts remained active, disordered, searching for logic in what was happening.

  ”What the hell is going on? Why can’t I...?”

  The sound of a whisper broke the silence, like the rustle of crystalline leaves in the wind, but it was more than that: a soft, ethereal feminine voice, charged with a force that pierced his mind and soul.

  —Yes, I remember —the voice whispered.

  Hagane tried to turn his head, searching for the source of that whisper that resonated everywhere and nowhere. The warmth of the voice was unlike anything he had ever heard before. Each word seemed to envelop him, penetrating his skin and reaching deep into his being.

  ”Who are you? Show yourself!” But he couldn’t speak. He couldn’t scream.

  The voice continued, as sweet as it was unsettling.

  —Hagane… I love you.

  Hagane’s heart seemed to stop. Incredulity, confusion, and an inexplicable sense of vulnerability struck him like lightning. His thoughts froze at that declaration. The voice, laden with a sweetness that almost hurt, reverberated in the air as if the universe itself were pronouncing it.

  —Will you come to visit me just because you want to… and not for a self-serving interest? —the voice asked, each word carrying a mix of hope and sadness.

  Hagane felt his mind trying to respond, but his body remained trapped. Emotions overwhelmed him: the initial confusion transformed into a deep sense of disorientation. Why did that voice make him feel exposed? Why did it seem to know him in a way no one else had?

  The silence that followed was absolute, almost suffocating. It was as if the tree itself held its breath, waiting for an answer that Hagane couldn’t give.

  Suddenly, everything returned to normal.

  The wind blew gently between the branches, the crystalline leaves shone again, and the galaxies in the sky resumed their slow, eternal movement. Hagane’s body regained control suddenly, as if a spell had been broken. He stumbled slightly, his breathing heavy.

  —Good morning, Hagane.

  Gugi's voice jolted him back to reality. The small creature emerged from his watch, floating awkwardly beside him as if nothing had happened.

  —What…? —Hagane blinked, still feeling the warmth of that ethereal presence. He shook his head, trying to focus.

  —What are you doing here, Gugi? You know I don’t need help. —He tried to regain his confident demeanor, although his voice sounded slightly shaky.

  Gugi tilted his head, as if sensing something strange in his master.

  —Is everything okay, Hagane? The energy here… it feels different. Stronger than usual.

  Hagane raised an eyebrow, trying to hide his discomfort.

  —Bah, it must be because I’m here. The tree just missed me —he joked, forcing a smile as he gave Gugi a light pat on the head—. Now go back to the watch. Today is a day just for stars, and you’ve had enough of the spotlight.

  Gugi seemed to hesitate, but finally disappeared again into the watch.

  Hagane continued walking along the branches of the tree, but something in his gaze had changed. His mind kept returning, again and again, to those words.

  “I love you, Hagane…”

  —I love this place —he murmured, as if trying to convince himself that everything was fine. But with each step he took, he felt watched, as if the tree itself were observing him, searching for something within him.

  The branches seemed to stretch toward him, gently twisting as if trying to touch him. It was a warm, almost reverential gesture. Hagane sighed, trying to regain his confident demeanor.

  —It was just… nothing. Just the tree playing a trick on me.

  But as he moved toward the light door waiting for him in the distance, he couldn’t help but place a hand on his chest. He felt a strange warmth there, as if the voice had left something in him, an invisible mark.

  ”Who are you…?” he thought, but the question remained unanswered.

  —The NecroRune… —he said, trying to distance himself from that feeling—. This artifact allows control over energy and magic for creatures that are not magical. Sometimes I wish I could get rid of it, although it is, of course, as important as my heart.

  In the distance, a doorway of light began to form. Hagane smiled, his eyes shining with excitement.

  —There it is. Time to shine.

  Without wasting another moment, Hagane ran toward it and jumped.

  Hagane emerged from a tree, crossing through it just as he had entered. He looked up and surveyed the place.

  The atmosphere had changed abruptly upon crossing. He went from the majesty of the tree to a desolate and gloomy field. The ground was covered with bodies, and the air was thick, laden with the promise of more death.

  Hagane landed gracefully, brushing dust off his shoulders.

  —Well, well… what kind of depressing place is this? —he looked around disdainfully—. This place urgently needs a renovation by Hagane and Sasha! Right, Sasha? Ah… right.

  Before he could move forward, a creature from the void emerged from the shadows. It was an imposing being, with black wings like blades and a natural armor covering its body, reflecting a dark green hue. Its eyes glowed with malice, and its claws scraped the ground with a metallic sound.

  The creature roared, lunging at him ferociously. Hagane barely moved, elegantly dodging the attack with a swift turn.

  —Really? —he asked with a mocking smile as he assessed his attacker—. Was that it? I’m disappointed, friend.

  With a quick motion, he struck the creature’s armor with a fist wrapped in energy, sending it crashing to the ground.

  —There you go. Show off my mark before you heal.

  The creature growled, rising with difficulty, but Hagane had already leaped to the side with grace. He watched as the being opened a rift in the air and vanished into the void.

  —Hmm… magical creature. Interesting. —He removed his dark glasses, carefully stowing them in his pocket—. Though, of course, even with tricks, you won’t stand a chance against me.

  Ryuga could see the creature’s energy moving from side to side; it was a good technique, but his Tree Eyes were perfect against that Advanced Maneuver.

  A future vision appeared in his eyes; in just three more seconds, the creature would attack.

  The air seemed to tense as the creature reappeared, diving from above like a predator. Without hesitation, Hagane raised his arms, forming a scissor shape with his fingers.

  —Time to show you my divine gift… to a beginner. —A dark portal materialized in front of him, enveloping the creature in a shadowy flash.

  —A good advanced maneuver of the void for a creature of the void.

  The creature roared in defiance, but the portal absorbed it without resistance. Hagane closed his scissors, cutting the air with precision, sealing the portal as if he were closing a wound in the fabric of reality.

  —But my Divine Gift gives me the advantage of taking you to my own world. —He turned calmly, dusting off his hands.— You don’t deserve to die. I’ll free you when all this is over, simple beast. You would too, right Sasha?

  Hagane continued on his path, facing warriors, mages, and stronger creatures as he progressed. Each enemy fell before him, sent to his pocket dimension. Finally, he reached the Ascension Altar, thinking "I would have enjoyed this more if you had been here with me..."

  The place was an open grave. Bodies scattered across the ground contained truncated stories. Pain and despair were frozen on their faces, as if even in death they resisted letting go. Blood and fragments of broken weapons covered the field, while faint traces of residual energy crackled in the air like the last gasps of life.

  Hagane advanced slowly, his golden gaze laden with unusual bewilderment. With each step, the echoes of battle seemed to resonate in his mind: the clinking of metal, the roars of magical creatures, the cries of those fighting to survive.

  He stopped beside the body of a young NecroRune user who still clutched a spear with both hands, as if he had defended it until the end. His youthful and serene face contrasted sharply with the brutality of his death.

  —Why risk so much for an altar? —Hagane murmured, kneeling beside the boy. His fingers brushed against the shaft of the spear, now stained red, as if he wanted to understand the sacrifice this boy had made.

  Around him, the motionless bodies of Gerfeniles lay in defensive positions, their worn and bloodied claws a testament to their struggle. Vanpelusgos with broken teeth and shattered fangs had collapsed over their own shields. Vacuvalijes, emotionless creatures, lay like the remains of crushed insects. Each one told a story of resistance and valor.

  Hagane closed the eyes of a fallen Gerfenil, whispering to himself:

  —I’ll never understand it. This isn’t a sacrifice... it’s a waste.

  He stood up, feeling a strange weight in his chest. He lifted the young man's spear, now broken and worn, and placed it on the altar. He bowed his head in respect.

  —This won’t bring them back, but I hope their sacrifice isn’t in vain. We must learn from this.

  With a solemn voice, he conjured the words that activated the altar:

  —????????, ??? ??????, ????? ????. ?????. —"God, light and war, beginning and end. I have arrived."

  The altar began to glow with a blinding intensity. The spear levitated between his hands as runic symbols appeared in the air, spinning in a slow but constant cycle. The first, "?", was absorbed by the weapon. Then, "?" was etched into the sharp tip. Finally, "????????" covered the entire spear like a new layer.

  When it hit the ground, the spear was no longer the same. The worn shaft had been replaced by pure wood from the Interdimensional Tree, and the blade seemed to shine with a celestial glow. Hagane took the weapon, feeling the energy flowing through it, and murmured:

  —A weapon worthy of such a high sacrifice.

  However, as he gazed at the battlefield, something inside him shattered. The arrogance that normally defined him seemed to have faded, replaced by a feeling of impotence.

  —Sasha… I wish you were here. Maybe you would understand better what I feel now.

  With one last look at the battlefield, he activated his Divine Gift and vanished, leaving behind a place marked by tragedy.

  The strongest disappeared into the void and fled from there.

  When Hagane returned to the school, crossing a dimensional rift with the spear in hand, the man who had sent him awaited him. His arms were crossed, and his expression was one of impatience.

  —How did it go?

  Hagane remained silent for a moment, his gaze distant. He could still hear the cries from the battlefield, feel the weight of the spear in his hands as a reminder of all those who had fallen.

  "I feel bad… Change your attitude, Hagane. Death is natural; there’s nothing wrong with it… it’s the course of life," he thought to himself, forcing a smile.

  —Hagane? —the man insisted, frowning at the sight of his distant expression.

  Hagane lifted the spear with a theatrical gesture, sporting an arrogant smile.

  —Perfect, as always. There’s no challenge the great Ryuga Hagane can’t handle.

  The man frowned, showing no trace of humor on his face.

  —Get off your cloud, Hagane. What’s at stake here isn’t a spectacle to feed your ego.

  Hagane feigned placing a hand on his chest, as if the words had hurt him.

  —You’re so tough, old man! But fine, I forgive you. It’s hard living in my shadow, I understand.

  Without waiting for a response, he continued walking toward his office, but his pace was slower than usual. The students greeted him as he walked by.

  —Professor! When will you teach us your technique?! —one asked excitedly.

  Hagane raised a hand with an elegant gesture, regaining some of his confident demeanor.

  —Someday, kids. All in good time. You’re not ready for something so spectacular yet.

  When he reached his office, he closed the door and sank into his chair with a long sigh. The spear leaned against the wall, and for a moment, he stared at it in silence.

  —Another flawless mission completed… —he murmured to himself, though the words lacked their usual energy.

  Suddenly, he felt the cold edge of daggers brushing against his neck, exuding a divine energy that reminded him of the spear, but this was different.

  —Hello, Hagane.

  Without flinching, he smiled calmly.

  —Ah… I had seen this. Three seconds into the future, of course.

  —Exactly. —The figure leaned slightly toward him—. Your golden eyes are impressive, but how much more can they see?

  Hagane raised an eyebrow, amused.

  —I hope you show me something interesting; remember, my students will be watching. I’ll need to show off a bit.