The Nihility Chef

The Trials were over. An hour had passed. One by one, everyone reappeared in the square. Some looked disappointed, others satisfied, and some were severely injured.

Samael materialized, his clothes as pristine as when he entered. It seemed as if he hadn't fought at all. However, the great sword he had taken from the weapon rack was completely shattered, leaving only the hilt in his hand.

The other four soon reappeared. Alice looked utterly drained, her energy sapped by the trial. Xiao Ying seemed pale, her aura diminished—the countless holograms she had faced had exhausted much of her power. In contrast, Feng Yutu and Acala appeared energized. Feng Yutu, ever lively, grinned as if she had just finished a warm-up. Acala, on the other hand, was calm yet exuded a quiet excitement, the afterglow of battle still flickering in his eyes.

"Well done, guys," Sami said, approaching them with a relaxed smile. "Think you did well?"

"All we can do now is wait for the results," Acala replied, his voice returning to its usual composed, gentle tone.

A moment later, a staff member stepped forward. "Alright, everyone. You have completed your trials. In a few moments, the rankings will appear, determining your class placement."

The crowd quieted as the explanation continued. "There are 250 students in this year's freshman combat class. The top 25 will be placed in the Heaven Class, ranks 26 to 100 in the Earth Class, and the remaining 125 in the Mortal Class."

A hushed murmur spread through the students as anticipation built.

"Additionally," the staff member added, "defeating higher-tier holograms is commendable, but remember—the holograms represent only the average strength of their realm. Against a true genius of the same level, you could be overwhelmed in an instant. Never grow complacent—continue striving for improvement."

A massive translucent screen materialized, and names began to sort themselves into their respective rankings. As the list finalized, the top rankings were revealed:

Samael - Rank 1: 127 Floor 3 Transcendence Realm holograms defeated (3,810 points).

Acala - Rank 2: 92 Floor 1 Transcendence Realm (3,680 points).

Alice Brego - Rank 3: 90 Floor 1 Transcendence Realm (3,600 points).

Imum Augur - Rank 4: 85 Floor 1... (3,480 points).

Zi Tian - Rank 5: 86 Floor 1... (3,520 points).

Eos - Rank 6: 170 Tier 8 Holograms... (3,400 points).

Long Ke Ai - Rank 7: 169 Tier 8 Holograms (3,380 points).

Marianne Dracul - Rank 8: 80 Floor 1... (3,200 points).

Feng Yutu - Rank 9: 150 Tier 8 holograms (3,000 points).

Xiao Ying - Rank 10: 289 Tier 8 Holograms (2,890 points).

...

Bellona Drusus - Rank 17: 31 Floor 3 Transcendence Realm (1,860 points).

...

Rosa Ahau - Rank 25: 100 Tier 9 Holograms (1,000 points).

A wave of emotions rippled through the students—shock, admiration, frustration. Samael's rank, in particular, left many dumbfounded.

"Those in the top 25 will receive private courtyards. Your tokens act as keys—do not lose them," the staff member continued. "Ranks 26 to 100 will receive two-bedroom houses, and the remaining students will reside in shared dorms. If you prefer, you may live outside the academy's pocket world, but the residences here have increased aura density, significantly aiding cultivation."

"Furthermore, every three months, there will be a re-ranking. If you wish to climb the ranks and gain better accommodations, you'll have your chance. Those in the top ten may challenge their seniors for even greater privileges. However, be warned—the senior ranking extends to 2,500 combat students, many of whom have yet to reach the Emperor Realm."

With that, the runes beneath them glowed, and in an instant, they were transported back to the main square. Floating above them was a striking figure—the dean, Elina Kinsley.

"Congratulations, everyone. You are now officially part of the Academy of Monsters!" Her voice rang through the air, filled with both authority and inspiration. "I was once a freshman like you—small, weak—but through relentless training and an iron will, I became a powerhouse recognized across the world."

She scanned the crowd, her piercing gaze unwavering. "I won't tell you that anyone can reach the top, because they can't. But willpower—true, unbreakable will—is an undeniable element of success."

With a casual wave of her hand, reality twisted, and in the blink of an eye, everyone found themselves standing in their respective new residences.

Samael glanced around, taking in his new courtyard. It was vast, its architecture echoing the elegance of Ancient East Asia. The size rivaled a mansion, complete with multiple guest rooms. Wandering deeper, he discovered an outdoor patio with an artificial waterfall. A sense of serenity washed over him as he sat in a meditative position, recalling the final swing of his sword during the trial.

The memory came vividly.

Eighteen holograms remained. The pressure was suffocating as the opposing forces of life and death, light and dark, twisted into an overwhelming assault. The sheer aura radiating from the attack threatened to obliterate the confined cube-shaped battlefield.

For the first time, Samael felt true danger. His very bloodline trembled within him, screaming—You won't be unscathed if you're hit!

Steeling himself, he compressed his domain, forcing it inward. In that moment, an archaic, terrifying energy surged from within, grafting onto his sword. The blade shimmered, its presence erasing space itself. As he swung, it was as if the universe fractured—an indescribable collision shook the battlefield.

Back in the present, his body unconsciously radiated the same energy, star-like motes of power orbiting him. At that moment, his very existence seemed like the center of a cosmos, a black hole pulling in all surrounding energy.

The others entered his courtyard, freezing in their tracks as they saw the transformation. Even Alice, usually unshaken, stared in awe.

Samael finally restrained his aura, his body ceasing to glow as he stood and faced them. "Hey, guys."

"What the fuck was that?!" Feng Yutu blurted, wide-eyed.

Samael hesitated. Their gazes locked onto him, unrelenting. He sighed. "Alright, I'll explain—but this stays between us." His eyes lingered on Feng Yutu, who was known for having a loose tongue.

"I promise!" she said, drawing out the word with exaggerated innocence.

Taking a breath, Samael revealed everything—his physique, the Aether Element, the stars within his Dantian. It reminded him of when Acala had entrusted them with his own secret, and in turn, he decided to trust them too.

"Holy shit…" Alice whispered, eyes shimmering with admiration. "That's insane."

Encouraged by his honesty, Feng Yutu excitedly shared her own bloodline—the Jade Hare, which allowed her to manifest rabbit-like aura features, drastically increasing her speed and strength. She also had the Boreas' Storm physique, granting her immense affinity with water, ice, wind, and lightning, and access to the Tempest Conqueror technique.

Xiao Ying followed, explaining her Cherry Blossom Bloodline, which amplified her affinity with life, earth, and wood elements. Her physique, the Atlas Divine Body, enhanced her physical strength exponentially the more she trained.

As the night settled, Samael stretched. "Let's get some rest. You can stay here tonight."

The next morning, they walked into class, their presence drawing countless stares—especially Samael, still wearing his mask.

A sharp tension filled the air as their instructor entered. She was breathtaking, yet her presence was cold and ruthless. Short navy-blue hair framed her striking, toned form. Her silver eyes were like blades, cutting through the room with an overwhelming sense of authority.

She stopped in front of Samael.

"Take off your mask."