Lucifer: Godless Reawakening

"There is a thin line between confidence and idiocy." That was the final line of the one-and-a-half-minute speech delivered by the old man seated across the table.

William stood quietly with his hands in his pockets, his expression calm, as he waited for the Headmaster to finish speaking. He neither interrupted nor reacted, allowing the words to settle in the room.

A few instructors were present inside the office at the moment, including the vice-headmaster and Instructor Russel. Every single one of them shared the same stance. None of them supported what William had requested.

A dungeon trial attempted alone was something almost unheard of. There had been rare cases in history, yes, but never from one of the Five Great Academies, institutions bound by traditions and unbreakable regulations. These academies trained students to face life-threatening situations, but they did not encourage recklessness. Allowing a student to walk into a dungeon alone, especially during their first trial, was nothing short of madness.

William finally exhaled and spoke, his voice calm. "If I wanted to, I could have entered another dungeon. The one under the academy's control isn't the only dungeon in the world."

That statement immediately shifted the mood.

All five academies possessed a dungeon under their control. These dungeons existed to allow students to test their limits, gain real combat experience, and earn their first official ranking while still enrolled.

But they were not the only dungeons in existence.

There were dungeons controlled by major hunting guilds, some governed by powerful nations, and others that existed illegally, managed in secret. The difference was simple. Illegal dungeons did not grant recognition or stars, but they still offered experience and monetary rewards. And for someone like the son of a Count, gaining access to a legally operated dungeon would not be difficult at all.

The teachers understood that clearly.

William was not bluffing. If he wanted he could have gained his first stars.

"Even so," David finally spoke, his tone firm, "we cannot allow you to enter that place alone. You may be strong, but that dungeon does not only test strength. This will be your first raid. Think wisely. Form a team."

William let out another sigh, slower this time. "I can't do that. As I said, I'm going in alone. And if I actually fail because I don't have supporters, the dungeon staff will pull me out in time, won't they?"

The academy dungeon was monitored by numerous staff members during every raid. Their sole purpose was to ensure that no student lost their life inside. That was the biggest difference between academy-controlled dungeons and all the others scattered across the continent.

The academy ensured their students survived…while out there, you are on your own to get out.

David frowned deeply at the continued insistence. No wonder he had never liked this stubborn brat.

Before he could say more, Russel spoke up, her tone calm but probing. "May I know the real reason behind this decision? Are you trying to prove something?"

William shook his head immediately. "No. I'm not trying to prove anything. I just know my strength. And every single time I fight alongside others, I end up getting restricted."

Russel raised a brow. "Does that apply to everyone? I've heard your synergy with Emma has been quite good."

William nodded without hesitation. "It does. Emma is the same. We're both strong, but more often than not, we end up getting in each other's way."

Russel fell silent.

The truth was, they hadn't seen William fight alone very often. The only clear instance was when students had challenged him for his position in the Goblet of Honor. And from those battles, it was observed that William was an unstoppable force.

One thing none of them could deny was his strength.

After a brief pause, the Headmaster finally spoke again. "I will allow you to enter the dungeon alone."

The words sent a ripple through the room.

"Headmaster?" David protested instantly.

Edward raised his hand, stopping him before he could continue. "But I have two conditions."

William's lips curved slightly into a wry smile. Suppressing the words he truly wanted to say, he nodded. "Please, tell me."

Edward leaned forward slightly. "First, if you fail to conquer at least the second floor, we will not acknowledge you as a challenger. You will not be granted a star."

William frowned. That condition had caught him off guard.

Edward's meaning was clear. If William wanted to break one of the academy's fundamental rules, then he would have to accept the consequences. Failing early would mean the academy would not recognize his attempt, regardless of effort.

Still, William did not argue. "I understand," he said. "What's the second condition?"

Edward's gaze sharpened. "Tomorrow, you will spar against Instructor Xavier. Based on your performance, we will decide whether you are fit to enter the dungeon alone."

The room stiffened.

William turned his gaze toward the man standing beside Russel. Instructor Xavier remained calm, his expression unreadable. He did not look surprised in the slightest, making it clear that this had already been decided.

The Headmaster had never intended to outright reject William's request. But he also had no intention of letting him walk forward without resistance.

William chuckled softly and shook his head. "Alright. If that's what you want."

He did not linger. Turning around, he left the office. Russel followed soon after, and Xavier stepped out as well, leaving only the two older men behind.

The moment the door closed, David spoke up. "Is this really wise, Edward? Letting him face a four-star warrior?"

Edward nodded grimly. "Make sure no students witness the battle tomorrow."

David frowned, then suddenly froze as realization dawned on him. "You think William might actually defeat Xavier… so you're trying to save him from humiliation?"

Edward snickered. "That's rich coming from you. You witnessed him annihilate hundreds of monsters. You felt his strength from that close."

David fell silent.

The memory surfaced against his will. That shockwave. The pressure in the air. The collapsing bridge. He remembered how it felt even from a distance.

Edward sighed. "This assessment isn't just about approval. It's to show him the kind of pressure he might face inside that place."

David asked quietly, "And if he loses?"

Edward shrugged. "Then we take away his opportunity. The Great Hall representatives arrive the same day. We give the chance to someone deserving instead."

"Kevin," David said with a warm smile.

Edward hummed in agreement. "Yes. But first… let's see how William performs tomorrow."

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A/N:- Thanks for reading. If you have been enjoying the story so far…lemme know in the comments.

Was thinking, should I mass release on Christmas. Dunno..