---
Chapter 51: Knowledge Is Power – Races and Threats
---
[Morning — Academy of Valor, Grand Theory Hall]
The soft chiming of a bell echoed across the vast marble corridors of the Academy.
Lucian jogged toward the Grand Theory Hall, bag slung lazily over his shoulder.
Finn ran beside him, panting.
"We're late! Hurry before Professor Hargold turns us into toads!"
Mira and Dorian were already ahead, calm and composed as always.
They barely slid into their seats as the bell stopped.
At the front of the hall stood an elegant woman —
long silver hair, emerald eyes — wearing a flowing black robe.
She radiated an aura of sharpness — like a blade sheathed in silk.
Professor Althea.
Master of World Theory and Dimensional Studies.
She surveyed the class coolly.
"You survived your first day. Impressive."
A few nervous chuckles spread through the crowd.
She turned toward the giant enchanted blackboard behind her and with a flick of her finger, a detailed map unfolded, shimmering with magic.
---
[Lecture: Understanding Our Enemies]
Professor Althea's voice was clear and commanding:
> "Today, we dive into knowledge that might save your lives —
The races, beasts, and invaders that threaten Humanity."
She waved her hand again.
A shimmering Tree of Races appeared.
[Known Races in Human World:]
Humans (You lot — weakest in raw strength, strongest in adaptation.)
Elves (Long-lived, magical experts.)
Dwarves (Earth manipulators, master smiths.)
Beastkin (Animal-featured warriors — speed, strength.)
Drakens (Rare — dragon-blooded humanoids.)
Goliaths (Stone-skinned giants.)
Fairfolk (Spirit-touched, illusionists.)
Lupins (Wolf-blooded tribes — strength and loyalty.)
Lucian leaned forward eagerly, taking notes.
Mira whispered,
"I heard Drakens can lift mountains. Hope we don't have to fight one."
Finn muttered,
"I'd rather be their friend. Very friendly. Very distant."
Professor Althea smiled faintly at their chatter — but continued.
---
[Invasion Races: Enemies Beyond the Gates]
Another gesture — and monstrous shapes appeared.
Professor Althea's tone sharpened.
> "Now, the true threats.
From the opened Gates, come the Outerworlders.
These beings are not natural to our world — and some do not even follow our physics or logic."
She listed them one by one:
---
[1. Insect World - The Endless Swarm]
Hive-minded creatures.
Soldiers, Queens, Tyrant Beetles.
Rapid reproduction — 1 queen = 1 million soldiers in months.
(Lucian's stomach churned at the thought.)
---
[2. Demon World - The Tainted Bloodlines]
Cunning, magic users, ruthless.
Different castes: Imps, Fiends, Demon Lords.
Enjoy corrupting and enslaving weaker races.
Mira scribbled "Avoid demons. Punch first." in her notes.
---
[3. Mechanical World - The Silent Machines]
No emotions.
Metal bodies, beam weapons, mechanical beasts.
Pure logic-driven exterminators.
Finn whispered,
"Metal monsters? Great. Now even toasters can kill us."
---
[4. Death World - The Realm of Undeath]
Corpses, Wraiths, Bone Golems.
Led by Deathlords — beings who can resurrect the dead armies endlessly.
Lucian's hand froze.
Necromancers?
His own power suddenly felt much closer to those invaders.
Seventeen whispered in his mind:
> "[Note: Host's Necromancy draws from Life Source, not Death Essence. You are 'Life-Balanced,' not 'Rot-Driven.']"
Lucian exhaled softly, relieved.
---
[General Warning:]
Professor Althea tapped the board hard.
> "Remember:
Not all races are enemies. Some allies exist.
But creatures from the Invasion Worlds are never friends.
Show mercy... and you will be the first to die."
Silence fell over the hall.
Even Finn stopped joking.
---
[Power Comparison Chart]
Professor Althea drew a Danger Ranking:
Lucian's heart raced.
At best, an average academy graduate was around C or B Rank.
These monsters were A Rank and above on average!
---
[Student Questions Time]
Professor Althea clapped once.
"You may ask now."
Hands shot up everywhere.
Lucian hesitated — then raised his hand too.
"Professor — can humans ever reach the same power level as Demon Lords or Deathlords?"
She smiled slightly.
"It has happened before. Heroes of Legend — humans who climbed into SSS Rank.
But beware:
Such power demands sacrifice.
Not everyone is ready to pay the price."
Lucian tightened his fists.
In his heart, he swore —
I'll reach it. No matter what it costs.
---
[Class Ends – But a New Beginning Awaits]
The bell chimed, ending the lecture.
As students packed up, Professor Althea called one last warning:
> "Remember —
Knowledge is your shield.
Strength is your sword.
Cowardice... is your grave."
Lucian walked out into the Academy courtyard, heart heavy yet burning with new ambition.
Next up: their first real combat —
The Dungeon Expedition announcement was coming.
Seventeen whispered mischievously:
> "[Host, new optional goal detected: Study 10 Race Encyclopedias = Bonus Talent Boost.]"
Lucian groaned.
"More studying?! I signed up for monster battles, not book battles!"
Finn laughed, slapping his back.
"Welcome to real life, scholar-warrior!"
They both laughed, stepping into the next chapter of their lives.
---
End of Chapter 51
------
Chapter 52: Echoes of History — Seeds of War
---
[Morning — Academy of Valor, Grand Theory Hall, Day 3]
The low hum of conversation filled the hall as students filed in.
Today's atmosphere was different.
More serious.
More... heavy.
Lucian adjusted his robes and whispered to Finn,
"Another lecture day. My brain is already melting."
Finn grinned,
"Better melted than eaten by a demon, right?"
Before Lucian could answer, Professor Althea entered —
her silver hair shining under the hall's crystal lights.
Behind her, floating magically, was a series of enormous ancient scrolls, slowly unrolling themselves.
The classroom fell silent immediately.
---
[Lecture: The History of Worlds — The Great Collapse]
Professor Althea began, voice low but resonant:
> "To understand the enemies we face...
You must understand how the worlds themselves collapsed."
She tapped the blackboard with her cane.
A swirling diagram appeared —
twelve glowing spheres connected by silver threads.
The 12 Dimensional Worlds.
> "Long ago, before even the oldest Dwarves remember...
There were Twelve Great Worlds in harmony —
Connected by ancient Gods."
Human World
Beast World
Elven Realm
Dwarven Deeplands
Dragon Sanctum
Spirit Forest
Mechanical World
Insect Hive World
Demon Abyss
Death's Domain
Mystic Waters
Heaven's Canopy
Professor Althea continued:
> "Each world had rulers — Gods, Titans, or Ancients.
Trade, magic, and knowledge flowed freely."
"But peace breeds pride."
> "The Demon Abyss grew jealous.
The Insect Hive grew hungry.
Death's Domain sought dominion over all life."
The silver threads on the diagram turned red, black, and sickly green.
> "And so the Great Collapse began —
Gates were broken.
Alliances shattered.
Worlds invaded each other for resources, slaves, and power."
---
[The Fall of the Human World]
She pointed at one sphere — the Human World.
It flickered, dim compared to others.
> "Humans were... infants compared to Elves and Dragons.
Weak. Short-lived. Magicless."
"But when pushed to extinction, humans changed."
They adapted faster.
Created tools.
Formed magic through desperation, not lineage.
> "The Gods, impressed by humanity's stubbornness, gifted the first Dimensional Gates —
allowing humans to train in stronger worlds."
Lucian felt his blood heat at the story.
His ancestors… survivors, fighters, dreamers.
He was their heir.
---
[Lecture: The Races Expanded — Understanding Allies and Enemies]
Professor Althea waved her hand.
Detailed Race Charts shimmered into existence.
---
Allied Races:
1. Elves
Long life (500+ years)
Masters of magic — nature, spirit, arcane
Proud but honorable
Famous City: Sylvanith
2. Dwarves
Earth shapers, master blacksmiths
Short, broad, stubborn
Famous City: Ironspike Hold
3. Beastkin
Animal-featured humanoids
Divided into tribes: Tigers, Wolves, Hawks, Bears
Famous City: Wildheart Basin
4. Fairfolk (Spirit Race)
Half-spirit beings — illusion and trickery masters
Short tempers, but vital in magic warfare
Famous Grove: Mirror Vale
---
Neutral/Mixed Races:
5. Drakens
Rare dragon-blooded humanoids
Powerhouses, but isolationist
Some aid humanity; others view us as insects.
6. Goliaths
Stone-blooded giants
Allies if respected, enemies if insulted.
7. Lupins
Wolf-blooded tribes
Loyal, fierce, but limited in numbers after major wars.
---
Enemy Races:
8. Demons (Abyssal Bloodlines)
Divided into noble and low demons
Magic and mental corruption experts
9. Insect Swarm
No central mind — Queens lead individual swarms
Rapid evolution: a swarm can change species in 2 generations.
10. Mechanical Legion
AI-based world invaders
Harvest worlds for resources
No emotions, only logic.
11. Undead (Death Domain)
Souls twisted into servitude
No negotiation. Only conquest.
---
[World Ranking Power System]
Professor Althea smiled at the eager faces.
"You also must understand the ranking system."
She drew a large ladder diagram:
> "Above SSS exist only rumors —
Ancient Heroes and Lost Gods."
Lucian felt small — but thrilled.
He was only around D Rank now.
He had so much road ahead.
And he would walk it — even if it killed him.
---
[Classroom Activity: Group Assignment]
Professor Althea clapped once.
"Before your Dungeon Expeditions next week —
you must complete your Race and Threat Dossiers."
> "Assignment:
Pick one enemy race
Study their structure, habits, and weaknesses
Present in front of the class."
Teams were assigned randomly.
Lucian blinked.
His team:
Lucian (Necromancer)
Mira (Knight Mage)
Finn (Rogue)
Alina (Spirit Healer)
Eren (Beastkin Fighter)
A good balance — magic, healing, speed, and strength.
Their assigned target?
"Death World Wraiths"
Lucian's blood ran cold —
It was like fate was mocking him.
Seventeen purred in his mind:
> "[Good luck, Host. Studying undead while being half-undead yourself will be... educational.]"
Lucian groaned inside.
---
[End of Lecture — Destiny Awaits]
As the bell rang, students spilled out into the halls, buzzing with excitement and dread.
Outside, dark clouds gathered over the Academy's towering spires.
Somewhere beyond the walls, the Gates were stirring.
And soon... the students would be forced to face the lessons written in blood.
---
End of Chapter 52
---
Chapter---
Chapter 53: Whispers of Death — A Study Begins
---
[Academy of Valor — Library of Endless Tomes]
The moment Lucian stepped inside, he was hit by the smell of old paper, ink, and... something like burning magic.
Rows upon rows of towering shelves stretched endlessly,
holding centuries of lost knowledge, forbidden arts, and dusty secrets.
"Ugh..." Finn gagged dramatically, waving a hand in front of his nose.
"Smells like a wizard's armpit in here."
Mira rolled her eyes.
"Shut up and start looking."
Their assignment was clear:
"Study Death World Wraiths — and survive the quiz."
Lucian exhaled slowly.
The word "Wraith" alone sent shivers down his spine.
Not because he feared them —
but because part of him...
recognized them.
---
[Research Team Divides]
They split into tasks:
Lucian searched magical records.
Mira looked for battle reports.
Alina hunted healing methods.
Finn scouted for weaknesses.
Eren just... grabbed a random stack of books and pretended to help.
Every few minutes, Finn would yell out nonsense:
> "Did you know Wraiths can lick your soul out?"
"Apparently, they hate the smell of garlic! We should all eat extra tonight!"
Lucian shook his head, hiding a smile.
But then...
as he read deeper into the dusty tomes, the true horror of Wraiths became clear.
---
[The Truth About Death World Wraiths]
> "Wraiths are not born.
They are made from souls who die consumed by regret, rage, or betrayal."
If enough hatred soaked a battlefield,
sometimes... even without a Necromancer,
the dead would rise.
Silent.
Invisible.
Hungry.
They would feed not on flesh —
but on hope.
> "Known Weaknesses:
Light Magic (strong sunlight purifies them)
Spirit-Sealing Runes
Pure Elemental Fire (NOT normal fire)**"
> "Strengths:
Intangible body — cannot be hit physically
Mental corruption — they can whisper into minds
Fear inducement — they grow stronger the more you fear them**"
Lucian swallowed hard.
Facing one Wraith was bad enough.
Facing dozens?
He glanced at his friends — still laughing, still joking.
They had no idea what awaited them beyond the Academy walls.
Neither did he.
But he would protect them —
even if it meant becoming something even Wraiths would fear.
---
[Training Grounds — After Research]
"Alright, nerds!" Mira barked, slamming a practice sword against her shield.
"Let's make this information useful. Simulation time!"
The Academy had set up a magical illusionary training ground —
for safe, "controlled" practice battles.
> Objective: Fight Wraith-like dummies — test strategies.
The first round was simple.
A couple of grey, smoky figures floated out of magical circles.
Lucian's team charged with energy.
Eren smashed the nearest dummy with brute force.
Finn darted around, slicing at weak points.
Mira led with shield and blade.
Alina healed minor grazes instantly.
Lucian stood back initially, channeling a basic Binding Spell from his Necromancer kit.
The dummy twisted to avoid him —
but Lucian's hand flicked outward, and a rope of black energy trapped it mid-air.
"Nice!" Mira called out.
---
[Unexpected Beast Invasion — Light Comedy Break]
Just as they were catching momentum,
a loud CRASH echoed through the training ground gates.
A group of Magical Beasts — accidentally released from the Academy's beast nursery —
charged in!
- 2 Horned Rabbits (Level E Rank)
- 1 Giant Toad (Level D Rank)
- 1 Storm Feathertail Bird (Level D Rank)
The training staff screamed and ran to catch them, but too late.
Finn burst out laughing:
> "We're under attack by dinner!"
Eren cracked his knuckles, grinning.
"I got the rabbit!"
The group forgot about the Wraith dummies for a moment and jumped into chaos:
Mira got flattened by the bouncing Toad (her dignity gone).
Finn chased the Feathertail Bird with a butterfly net he found somewhere.
Eren actually suplexed a rabbit.
Lucian just stood there, summoning a single black tendril to trap the Toad gently.
Alina had to sit down from laughing too hard.
For a few precious minutes,
they were not warriors, soldiers, or students.
They were kids.
Living.
Laughing.
---
[Later That Evening — Dorm Rooftop]
The sun dipped below the horizon, staining the sky blood-orange.
Lucian sat on the rooftop, knees pulled to his chest.
Seventeen buzzed softly in his mind.
> "[Host. You did well today.]"
Lucian smiled a little.
> "They're... good people."
Seventeen was silent for a moment, then spoke more softly.
> "[Remember this feeling. It won't always be this easy.]
"[The world outside the gates... doesn't allow endless laughter.]"
Lucian nodded.
He knew.
But for now...
for tonight...
he let the laughter stay in his heart.
Because tomorrow, the real study would begin.
And death was a merciless teacher.
---
End of Chapter 53
------
Chapter 54: Birth of the Necro-Summoner
---
[Academy of Valor — War Hall]
Lucian stood inside a colossal, dome-shaped room, the ceilings arching like the ribcage of some ancient dragon.
Rows upon rows of students filled the hall.
Tension crackled like a thunderstorm about to break.
Today was not a simple lesson.
Today was Summoning Day.
For all elemental summoners, beast tamers, spirit-callers —
this was the day they unlocked their first true contracts.
For Lucian, however, it meant something else.
Something... darker.
Something greater.
---
[Instructor Yora Steps In]
A woman clad in dark green robes strode into the hall.
Her silver hair floated behind her like smoke, and her voice was like the clash of steel.
> "Students of Valor!
Today you will summon your first bond — your first partner!
A creature who will walk beside you in blood and glory!"
Students cheered.
Lucian clenched his fists.
Seventeen buzzed lightly in his mind:
> "[Host, ready your Core.
I have upgraded your Summoning Skills as you requested.]"
Lucian opened his status quietly.
---
[Summoning Skill List Updated!]
Summon Undead Beast [Level 1]
> Summons a randomly chosen low-level undead beast to fight alongside you.
Bone Legion [Locked, Requires Summon Undead Beast Lv.5]
> Creates a small squad of undead minions.
Corpse Assimilation [New Passive]
> Whenever an undead beast dies under your command, you can absorb a fragment of its strength.
Dominion Mark [New Skill, Hidden]
> Mark a summoned beast as "bound" — allows it to be summoned at half the mana cost permanently.
---
Lucian's lips curled into a small smile.
This was it.
The first step toward building his army.
Not just soldiers —
family.
---
[The Summoning Begins]
Students stood in a giant spiral, each within their own glowing circle.
One by one, they poured mana into the ancient runes etched beneath their feet.
Some summoned:
Colorful elemental spirits
Armored lions
Winged serpents
Tiny flame sprites
The hall filled with roars, howls, chirps, and bursts of magic.
Lucian stepped onto his circle.
He took a breath —
then poured his dark, cold mana into the ground.
For a moment...
nothing happened.
Snickers erupted from a few students nearby.
> "Ha! His spell failed!"
"Maybe he should summon a skeleton broom to sweep the floor!"
"Necromancers are just graveyard janitors anyway!"
Lucian ignored them.
He trusted Seventeen.
He trusted his own soul.
Then the ground cracked open.
---
[First Summon — Necro-Hound]
A shadow burst forth.
Bones knitted themselves together mid-air.
A black mist wrapped around it like a living shroud.
Before him stood a creature:
half-wolf, half-shadow, with glowing blue eyes and serrated bone teeth.
> Name: Shadowfang
Type: Undead Beast (Cursed Wolf Variant)
Level: E Rank
Skill: "Shadow Leap," "Soul Rend"
The hall fell silent.
Lucian stepped forward and placed a hand on the beast's forehead.
It lowered its head — submitting without resistance.
A true bond.
Students stared in open shock.
Even Instructor Yora arched an eyebrow, impressed.
---
[Bonus Skill — First Successful Summon]
> New Skill Unlocked!
"Soul Pact [Lv.1]" — Summoned beasts fight 10% stronger when near you.
Seventeen whispered proudly:
> "[Congratulations, Host.
The army's first General has been born.]"
Lucian smiled faintly.
Shadowfang let out a low, rumbling growl — as if challenging anyone to approach its master.
---
[After the Ceremony — Trouble Brews]
Later that evening, as the academy buzzed with excitement, Lucian sat alone under the old silver tree behind the dorms.
Shadowfang rested at his feet, almost purring.
Suddenly, heavy boots crunched over gravel.
A group of senior students — 3rd years — surrounded him.
The leader, a tall boy with cruel eyes, sneered.
> "Oi, graveboy.
Think you're special with your skeleton mutt?"
Lucian stood slowly.
Shadowfang growled, hackles raised.
Lucian's hand hovered over his side —
where invisible spells danced on his fingertips.
The senior smirked.
> "Come on, freak.
Summon another toy. Let's see if you're Academy material."
A small crowd gathered, hungry for a show.
Lucian's eyes gleamed coldly.
He whispered:
> "Seventeen. Permission to summon backup?"
> "[Permission granted.]"
Lucian slammed his hand onto the ground.
A black ripple surged out.
From it rose two more undead beasts:
A skeletal hawk with knives for talons
A snake-like creature made of chained bones
The seniors paled instantly.
Shadowfang bared its fangs.
The snake hissed.
The hawk shrieked overhead.
Lucian took a single step forward.
The seniors ran for their lives.
The crowd exploded into laughter and cheers.
---
[Later That Night — Rooftop Reflections]
Lucian stood atop the dormitory again, Shadowfang sitting loyally beside him.
Seventeen buzzed quietly.
> "[Host. Today you grew stronger.
Not only in magic —
but in spirit.]"
Lucian looked at the stars —
millions of tiny fires burning in the endless black.
A slow, grim smile spread across his lips.
He would carve a place for himself in this merciless world.
One beast.
One battle.
One bond at a time.
No matter how dark the road became...
he would not walk it alone anymore.
---
End of Chapter 54---
Chapter 55: Whispers of Evolution
---
[Next Morning — Academy of Valor, Training Grounds]
The sun blazed high, bathing the Academy's sprawling training fields in golden light.
Dozens of students stood on grassy platforms, each locked in fierce battles with their new summons.
Rumbles shook the air.
Beasts roared.
Magic flared in dazzling colors.
Lucian, in his dark combat uniform, stood at the far edge of the grounds, away from the noisy crowd.
Beside him, Shadowfang paced restlessly, hungry for action.
And above, the skeletal hawk circled silently, sharp eyes watching everything.
Lucian tightened his grip on his staff.
Today was important.
Today, he would begin the training of his army.
---
[Instructor Vellon Arrives]
A tall, broad-shouldered man approached the field.
Scarred from head to toe, Instructor Vellon looked like a battle-hardened monster himself.
His voice boomed over the chaos:
> "Listen up, maggots!
Summoning a beast is child's play.
Controlling them?
Strengthening them?
That's the real war."
The students fell silent.
Vellon slammed his massive iron spear into the ground, creating a shockwave.
> "Today's task is simple:
Train your summons until they can defeat you in a spar."
Students gaped.
Fight against their own creatures?
Lucian smiled slightly.
He welcomed the challenge.
---
[Lucian vs Shadowfang: First Sparring]
Lucian crouched low, staff spinning in his fingers.
Shadowfang growled, baring its bone-white teeth.
They moved at the same time.
Shadowfang blurred with Shadow Leap, vanishing mid-air.
Lucian rolled sideways, narrowly dodging as fangs snapped shut on empty air.
He retaliated with a pulse of dark energy — a spell called "Skeletal Bind" — but Shadowfang twisted midair, dodging like smoke.
The duel grew faster.
Student whispers:
> "That necro kid's beast is insane!"
"It's not just muscle — it's smart!"
"It's evolving already?!"
Lucian gritted his teeth.
He could feel it too.
Shadowfang wasn't just obeying... it was learning.
Adapting.
---
[Training Break — A Mysterious Conversation]
During the midday break, Lucian found a shaded bench and sat down, wiping sweat from his brow.
Seventeen's voice hummed in his mind:
> "[Host. You should know...
Beast evolution exists.]"
Lucian blinked.
> "Evolution?"
> "[Yes.
Most beasts summoned in the Academy are stuck at their base form.
But... with enough battle experience, powerful energy, and correct 'Catalyst', beasts can transcend.]"
Lucian leaned forward, interested.
> "Catalyst?"
> "[Special items.
Rare herbs, monster cores, or evolution stones.
If used correctly... your beasts can undergo mutation — gaining new skills, changing forms, even jumping ranks.]"
Lucian's heart pounded.
Evolution...
A stronger army...
A way to rise above everyone.
Seventeen continued:
> "[Hidden Quest Activated:
'Path of the Beast King — Awaken Your First Evolved Summon.']"
Quest Rewards:
Beast Skill: "Command Aura"
Domain Growth: +1 Special Slot
Bonus Loyalty of all summons
Lucian's eyes gleamed.
He had a new goal now.
---
[Later That Evening — Library Research]
After evening classes, while most students relaxed, Lucian slipped into the Academy's ancient library.
The building smelled of dust, old magic, and secrets.
He scoured the Summoning Section.
Ancient scrolls, grimoires, forgotten bestiaries…
Finally, he found hints.
A rare herb — "Moonshade Root" — could trigger evolution in dark-type beasts like Shadowfang.
But it was almost extinct, found only deep in Ghoulwood Forest — a dangerous cursed region filled with feral monsters.
Lucian's blood raced.
He slammed the book shut.
He had a new plan.
> "First, evolve Shadowfang.
Then... evolve the entire army.
Step by step."
Seventeen chuckled softly in his mind:
> "[And so the true hunt begins.]"
---
[Meanwhile — Dark Forces Stir...]
Far from the Academy, deep in the broken mountains, robed figures knelt before a black monolith.
> "The Necromancer has awakened," one whispered.
> "He must not reach adulthood," hissed another.
Their leader, a skeletal figure wrapped in crimson robes, raised his hand.
> "Let the trials begin.
We will break him...
or consume him."
Dark clouds rumbled over the horizon.
The world itself seemed to shudder.
Lucian's true enemies had begun to move.
And they were far, far worse than simple beasts.
---
End of Chapter 55
---
Highlights of Chapter 55:
Beast Training Begins — Lucian spars with Shadowfang
Evolution System Introduced — Catalyst items + special quests
New Hidden Quest unlocked
Library Research — Quest to find "Moonshade Root"
First hints of dark enemies planning against Lucian
---