The Most Satisfied Reincarnate

A colossal blue crystal loomed before them, filling the vast expanse with its majestic presence. Its contours seamlessly merged with the curves of its surroundings, a perfect match. Unlike the previous dust and glitter that emitted a pure, white radiance, this crystal exuded an intense darkness, akin to pitch-black ink.

"Remain in your positions, students!" the collective voice of the white-robed figures resounded, sending shivers down the spines of the panic-stricken students who stood transfixed, their gazes fixed upon the enigmatic figures.

Meanwhile, Desmond's curiosity piqued as he observed the towering structure of the black crystal. Casting a glance around, he noticed that most of his fellow students stood petrified, their feet rooted to the ground like statues frozen in time.

With all eyes focused ahead, one of the white-robed figures stepped forward, lowering her hood to reveal the mature countenance of a lady. Cascading down her side, her white hair partially obscured her right eye, lending an air of mystique. A scar marred her otherwise beautiful cheek, adding a tantalizing allure to her appearance.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Jessy, entrusted by the king to assess the potential assets of our kingdom," she proclaimed, her voice resonating with authority.

In a swift motion, Jessy snapped her fingers, causing a parchment to levitate from her robe. It hung suspended in the air beside her, bearing the stamp of the royal family. Her slanted yellow eyes scanned the students one by one, leaving no detail unnoticed.

"After the tragic incident that claimed the life of our first king at the hands of the Demons, we have honed the spell created by our ancestors to effectively discern the genuine from the counterfeit," Jessy paused, her gaze sweeping across the assembled students.

"Therefore, to ensure that no non-human entity infiltrates our ranks, we will conduct a comprehensive examination. The black tower before you will emit a surge of energy that will permeate your bodies. I implore you, do not resist, lest you face the consequences."

Jessy locked eyes with each student once more, her face now etched with solemnity. "I shall reiterate once again: no matter what transpires around you, remain steadfast in your positions!" Her voice, this time slightly amplified, echoed through the air.

As Desmond absorbed her words, he couldn't help but marvel at the ingenuity of their problem-solving method. Brilliant, he thought, not only does this safeguard against the grooming of enemies within, but it also eliminates the possibility of espionage. Moreover, it boosts the morale of the future generation, solidifying their stance against outsiders. He silently applauded their astute approach.

However, his attention was momentarily drawn to a young man standing beside him, evoking a frown. There was an absence of fear or seriousness in the young man's eyes—only a peculiar tranquility, even as his feet incessantly tapped the ground.

"Commence!" Before Desmond could delve deeper into his observation, Jessy's sudden command shattered his train of thought.

The invisible barrier enveloping the island shimmered to life, revealing a translucent blue shield that repelled the onslaught of high-pressure winds. Concurrently, additional layers materialized behind the barrier, siphoning energy from their surroundings until they assumed the form of colossal, ethereal swords.

The hovering swords, chained to the invisible barrier, took aim at each and every student. To the untrained eye, these spectral weapons appeared harmless, but the pallor on the students' faces spoke volumes about the sheer dread they evoked.

Desmond observed the mesmerizing spectacle with awe as swords materialized throughout the invisible barrier, forming an impenetrable network of ethereal blades.

"Phase one complete! Proceeding to phase two!" Another voice resonated across the vast expanse, echoing through Desmond's ears.

His gaze turned to Jessy, who stood unwavering on the same spot, her eyes a mix of wariness and concern as she surveyed the students. Desmond quickly estimated that there were over seven hundred young individuals gathered in this place.

Suddenly, Desmond's attention was drawn to the shimmering glitter and white dust that had settled on each student. To his amazement, they seemed alive, subtly siphoning away their energy at irregular intervals.

The other students initially panicked upon sensing this drain, but they quickly composed themselves under Jessy's stern glare. However, Desmond could discern signs of fatigue and weakening among most of his peers due to the energy consumption. Only students like Clark and Elizabeth appeared unaffected, while even the burly Gibson seemed unperturbed.

Their eyes met once again, yet this time, Gibson chose to avert his gaze. Desmond, however, remained fixated on the young man who continued to smile at him.

Unable to resist his curiosity any longer, Desmond accessed his internal scanning system.

"System, scan."

[Scanning the target...]

[Scan Complete!]

[Name: ???

Gender: ???

Age: ???

Race: Demon

Class: Imp

Occupation: Scout

Unique Energy: 0.50

Strength: 33.00

Agility: 47.00

Stamina: 0.50]

"Kekeke, finally found our queen's target," the young man suddenly spoke in a demonic, hoarse language that eluded human comprehension. His smiling visage transformed as his body shrank, two black dots piercing his head and gradually growing into menacing horns. Wings sprouted from his back, expanding to twice the size of his demon form.

A tail emerged from his rear, twitching in the air before swiftly darting toward his body.

Simultaneously, the demon launched itself at Desmond, its elongated claws poised to strike from above.

Initially frozen, Desmond's instincts kicked in, and time seemed to slow as he perceived every minute detail. He beheld the demon in its entirety, mere inches away from his face, feeling the pressure of the impending attack. A minuscule droplet of green liquid glistened on the tip of the demon's claws.

Yet, Desmond's expression remained calm as he stood his ground.

*Clank!*

The gigantic swords hanging from the invisible barrier abruptly materialized, shrinking to the size of ordinary blades. In a swift motion, they deflected the demon's claws away from Desmond's face, while another sword flew through the air, aiming to impale the demon from all directions.

*Roaar!*

The demon unleashed a thunderous roar, causing its wings to harden and crash to the ground. Undeterred, the demon tore its wings off and employed them as makeshift shields against the onslaught of attacks.

*Clank! Clank!*

However, unlike the swords that safeguarded Desmond, the blades assaulting the demon remained their original size, effortlessly passing through the hardened wings and ultimately slaying the creature.

*Crash!*

"One insect down!" A voice emerged from thin air, accompanied by sudden energy fluctuations rippling before Desmond. As his eyes adjusted to the radiant light, Jessy materialized before him, her hands ablaze with energy. Beneath her feet, a cyclone formed, solidifying into a sturdy foothold.