Stargazers: World stage

No one knew how, but one of the Supremes' abilities worked like a restriction. With that power, information was massively controlled, from what could be passed and what could be said to others under the restrictions, under a certain age.

Currently, all students are free from the restriction, however the moment they were to graduate the alliance, the restriction was placed on them.

So, what the students were about to hear was first-hand information.

"The demons were ranked according to the number of wings they possessed. A single pair was the weakest among them down to the five pairs who reigned as their leaders, it was the most formidable of their kind. With their demon leader, they ravaged the world until, through the combined might of beings now known as the Supremes, the demon leader was defeated," Professor Martis explained, his voice steady, resonating through the lecture hall.

Vahn sat quietly, absorbing the information, his mind racing. 'Just five pairs...' He couldn't believe what he was hearing. What truly unsettled Vahn wasn't the secrecy. No, it was the memory of the being he had seen within the pod, the demon bearing ten pairs of wings: Lucifer.

Its power was beyond comprehension.

'They struggled to defeat a demon with only five pairs,' Vahn thought, his chest tightening with unease. 'If that thing were real...' The mere thought sent a chill down his spine. And that wasn't all. Alongside that demon, he'd seen an angel with ten pairs of wings, radiating an equally overwhelming presence. How many more beings like that exist?

Professor Martis continued, his tone unwavering. "After the final demon was slain, the battle was etched into history as the First Great War. What followed was a period of restoration and recovery. But the world was not at peace, as new threats emerged. These creatures were birthed from the remnants of demonic influence. These monsters, unlike the demons, were varied in form, characteristics, territories, and strength. The Supremes theorized that they were byproducts of the demons' corruption, lingering echoes of chaos."

The class listened intently as Martis detailed how these monsters came to be known as Marked Beasts. "These marked beasts then turned out to be more of a blessing than a new curse, and with time, we were able to group these new beasts. In time, more details will be passed. However, what you should know is abilities were also classified within these ranks, reflecting the power needed to confront such beasts."

Pausing briefly to let the information sink in, Martis shifted the topic. "Now, regarding your abilities. Each of you possesses one, I presume. The source of these abilities we all have is something we call Est."

A murmur spread through the class. Vahn listened closely. These were among the information they weren't privy to.

"Est manifests in various forms, which explains the diversity in abilities. As you progress in the Alliance, you'll learn more about Est and its mysteries. For now, this basic understanding will suffice."

The professor's gaze swept over the students. "I believe you already know the reason you are in this alliance. So, I will just go ahead and speak. Honestly, we would rather have you in the alliance, but we wouldn't also force you. Moving on, any announcements, maps, and schedules we have will be sent to your phones. Don't lose it, punishments are attached to it." 

"Bring out your phones, you are all going to have to use your phones now." With a beep sound from Martis' device, he continued, "Courses selections are now open. This year, you will undertake seven courses: three mandatory and four electives based on your preferences. Choose wisely. Changes cannot be made later. Any questions?"

A student hesitantly raised his hand.

"Yes?"

Before the student could speak, the classroom doors burst open.

Bang...

Three military officers marched in, their presence casting an immediate pall over the room. The class fell into an uneasy silence, all eyes shifting between the soldiers and Professor Martis, who gave a slight nod of acknowledgment instead of asking questions. After all, it was a rule to not disturb a superior's order.

The officer in the center stepped forward. "Student Vahn Clay. For ignoring summons related to disciplinary action, your punishment has been escalated. You are to come with us."

Vahn froze, confusion gripping him. 'What is going on?' His mind raced as his classmates turned to stare. Han and Carla's startled expressions had long betrayed his identity before he could even react.

"Hey, what happened?" Han whispered, shaking Vahn out of his daze.

Vahn forced a shaky breath. "It… it must be a misunderstanding." 

Rising from his seat, he followed the officers without protest, ignoring the whispers and sideways glances trailing behind him. Carla's gaze lingered longer than the others, her curiosity evident.

Afterward, Professor Martis resumed his lecture as though nothing had happened. After all, it was a common occurrence.

…

The military officers led Vahn to the top floor of the camp's main building, stopping before a door marked 'Major General'. One of the officers knocked sharply.

"Enter," a voice commanded from within.

Instead of stepping inside, the soldiers gestured for Vahn to proceed alone.

Swallowing his anxiety, Vahn pushed the door open.

The room was lavish, more akin to a luxurious lounge than an office. Glass tables gleamed under the light of an ornate chandelier; golden-trimmed furniture was arranged meticulously around a grand mahogany desk. Behind it sat a man whose presence radiated authority.

The Major General.

Dark hair slicked back, sharp red eyes, and military regalia adorned with medals and insignias that marked his rank and achievements. Yet, his piercing gaze held something more personal, a restrained disdain. After all, he was the man who had gambled everything to let Vahn awaken and it ended in a failure.

The major general frowned slightly so as not to reveal his full emotions. The truth was, he was already facing the repercussions of his actions, and it was still only in its beginning stages.

Now, here is a question. What would one do if they were in a situation to punish their mortal enemy?

Without a preamble, the Major General spoke. "Lying to an officer. Falsifying disability to avoid conscription. Ignoring disciplinary summons for over ten hours." He listed the accusations coldly. "Your punishment is one month in the dungeons, effective immediately."

"What?" Vahn jerked in shock.

"Take him."

Before he could protest further, the soldiers re-entered, and everything went black.

Later, the Major General's secretary entered, a poised woman with sharp features, clad in a tailored suit.

"You called for me, sir?" she asked.

Without looking up, he ordered, "Terminate Vahn Clay's enrollment. And locate his guardian or any known associates."

The secretary hesitated, frowning. "Sir? I thought he was sent to the dungeons."

The Major General gave a dark, twisted smile. "The dungeons are for those who haven't offended me."

A chill ran down the secretary's spine. She nodded swiftly and left without another word, suppressing a shudder.

Whatever Vahn had done, his days were now numbered, she thought grimly.