The Great Demon System
chapter-359-30041322

'What's up with this guy? Why is he acting so nice to Hikari all of a sudden and talking to everyone else like they were nothing but insignificant insects? Does he think she's a child and has a weakness to children? Does he have some sort of crush on her? Or is there something more about her that I don't know…' Moby tried to rack his head for a reason on why this all too eloquently spoken white-haired man would be acting in such a way. He came up with various explanations, but a definite reason was still unknown.

"Is this the final team you have chosen?"

"Yes," Artorias nodded to the smiling professor Zave that seemed to have no objections to the people he chose.

"Very well, head down to the main Arena where you will be directed on what to do next. I will trust you to do that independently."

"Certainly sir. My team follow my lead," Artorias turned around and marched through the open doors, and everyone else followed behind him, admittedly a few steps away.

"Right then let's get the teams for the rest of the class. first I'll pull out th…"

As they advanced farther into the hallway, their professor's voice began to fade away, now replaced with a still silence and the sound of footsteps.

The atmosphere was tenser than it should have been. However, they all had the same thought in their minds.

For all they knew, the exam had already started and they were being watched to see how well they worked with each other. They could not allow themselves to slip up.

As they walked further, the team had split up into their very own groups. Kai and Elizabeth were walking side-by-side a few steps behind Artorias while Moby, Hikari and Regrit lagged farther back as though it was a natural process.

It took a while for Moby to even notice that has he was too focused on the backs of the people ahead. When he peered over towards Regrit, he could clearly tell that he had much on his mind. The same could be said about Hikari who appeared both happier and more nervous than usual.

When he had the chance, he promised himself to tell her not to trust Artorias, but that could be saved for another time.

As the group reached the now all too familiar Arena, they noticed that several other groups had already arrived, all of them most likely being the best teams from each and every one of the classes.

Each team was stood on a circular, large, white metal plate engraved in gold, labelled with the name of their class, the only one empty was the one marked for their own, so they headed in that direction.

As soon as they walked in, their silent gazes fell upon them, as if they were comparing and sizing them up. Everyone in the group could not help but slightly shudder, even Moby, although it was only for a split second.

There were several notable faces that any person would know.

The short yet all too confident Tristan Gael of country F, his family was very well known for their manufacturing of AI and data centers that worked much of the modern world today, that and their exponential and varied tech-related abilities that were all exclusive to their household.

Nancy Herman, a purple-haired girl with an uncanny gloomy air to her very being. not much was known about her family other than they specialized in illusions. It was one of the more obscure families in country O, but their influence and power instilled fear in the hearts of all who knew them.

And, Calvin Vraine and his family's gravity powers that were responsible for many of earth's defensive mechanisms that required his family's aid and input for them to even function, an essential and famous military household.

Those were but a few of these people, it was a gathering of all the most powerful students in the entire school full of elites, they were the elites amongst the elites. Every single person in the room had their own reputation that set them apart along with their own reasons and motivation for success.

It was the first time that Moby felt like he was not the center of attention when entering the room, although that would rarely be his intention. No, this time, all eyes were on Artorias and his all too casual demeanour. His eyes were closed and he had yet to even inspect everyone around him like they were not worth his time.

The stares towards him were cold and zealous. However, as soon as he opened his eyes, they instinctively backed off as though they were pushed back by a mighty gust of cold air that set them back to their senses.

It was all subtle in the grand scheme of things, but to Moby, it was clear as day. He knew nearly everyone in this room and their reputation, but this one seemingly unknown man-made them avert their gaze…

But, it did not take too long for their gaze to find a new target as it was stolen by the imposing yet relatively upbeat voice of the principal herself. Though, when they looked in that direction, they found her to be nothing but a projection.

"Morning to you all! It seems like every student is now present! All I would like to say is good luck to you all and I wish for your success. I would have liked to be there to see you off in person but I am far too busy with numerous other affairs, hope you guys could forgive me. Now, you will be soon met directly with your examiners who will explain your mission to you. Anyways, that's all I really wanted to say. Your first formal exam begins NOW!"

As she finished her final words, the metallic plates underneath each team lit up with a brilliant white shimmer that all but blinded them, their senses were fully consumed by the light, and they were whisked away from where they once stood, leaving no trace behind.