CHAPTER 12: THE KINGDOM'S REPLY

Dawn came to Dorm 13 with a body hanging on the gate.

The Shadow Killer's black mask was still on. The paper on his chest flapped in wind. It said in Jin's handwriting:

DEMON KING'S DOGS ARE NOT WELCOME IN SHADOW CLASS.

- SHADOW KING JIN

By 7 AM, the whole Arcadia Academy saw it.

Nobles on their way to Main Class stopped. Pointed. Whispered.

"Is that... A-Rank? Dead?"

"Who killed it?"

"Dorm 13? The Ghost Dorm?"

Inside Dorm 13, 100 ex-slaves did not hide. For the first time in their lives, they ate breakfast at the main table, not on floor. They wore clean clothes Jin bought yesterday. They sat like students.

Mira sat on Knight's lap, eating bread. Knight, the giant shadow in armor, carefully fed her small bites.

Varok stood at gate, in new guard uniform, chest out. He was proud. Yesterday he was slave guard. Today he was Captain of Shadow Kingdom's gate.

Leon did not sleep all night. He was writing letters. Fast.

"Jin, are you crazy?" Leon said, running to Jin who was on roof meditating. "You hung Demon King's assassin! Azazel will send army! My father said Demon King never forgets insult!"

Jin opened one eye. His Griffin shadow circled above.

"Good," Jin said. "Let him come. I need S-Rank shadows. A-Rank is too weak now."

Leon stared. "You want Demon King to come? He's S+! You're A Rank!"

"Yesterday I was A-," Jin corrected. "Today A. Tomorrow A+. Seal breaks when I kill stronger enemies or when my people believe."

Below, in courtyard, 100 ex-slaves were training. Not magic. Trust.

Jin told Elder shadow to make earth dummies. Miner shadows taught them how to punch. Igris taught sword stance. Not to make them soldiers. To make them not afraid.

[Legion Progress: 100 humans training - Faith +2%]

Suddenly, Academy bell rang. Not normal class bell. War bell. Three times.

Vice-Master Elara's voice came from crystal speakers all over Academy:

"ALL CLASSES REPORT TO ARENA. DEMON KINGDOM ENVOY ARRIVAL. SHADOW CLASS ATTENDANCE MANDATORY."

Demon envoy. So fast. Jin smiled. Azazel got message in 4 hours. Griffin's wind is fast, but Demon magic is faster.

Jin jumped down.

"Shadow Legion, with me," he said.

100 ex-slaves stood. No fear. They wore black armbands Jin gave - shadow mark.

"Dorm 13 moves as one," Varok shouted.

They marched. 100 ex-slaves, 5 marked kids, Varok, Leon, and 7 shadows walking visible beside them. Not hiding. People on road moved away. Not in disgust. In awe.

Arena was full. 500 noble students in gold. Teachers in white. And in center, three Demon Envoys in black armor, S-Rank aura.

And behind them, chained, was a boy. 15 years old. Human. Eyes like Jin's first life.

The lead Demon Envoy, tall with horns, spoke:

"Arcadia Academy harbors criminal who killed Demon King's messengers. Demon King Azazel demands Shadow Class leader Jin, ex-slave, be handed over. In return, we give you this thief - human spy caught in Demon Kingdom."

The chained boy looked up. Saw Jin. Whispered, "Monarch?"

Jin's heart stopped. He knew that face. From first life. That was Ren. His little brother who died in library fire with him.

But Ren died. In first world.

Jin walked into arena. Arena went silent.

"Unchain him," Jin said to Demon Envoy.

Envoy laughed. "You are slave demanding—"

Jin didn't wait.

[Shadow Domain - ACTIVE - 10 meters - All shadows S-Rank for 10 seconds]

For 10 seconds, Igris, Fang, Griffin, Knight, all became S-Rank.

Griffin S-Rank sonic screamed. All three Demon Envoys covered ears, bleeding.

Igris S-Rank cut chains with one sword light. Chain broke.

Jin caught Ren before he fell.

Ren cried, "Hyung? Is that you? Library fire... I died... then woke here... 2 years as slave in Demon mines..."

Jin hugged him. Small body. Same brother.

10 seconds ended. Shadows went back to A/B Rank. But damage was done. Three S-Rank Demon Envoys were on knees, ears bleeding.

Jin looked at Vice-Master Elara on high seat. She was smiling.

"Vice-Master," Jin shouted, holding Ren. "Shadow Class does not hand over anyone. But we accept new student. My brother. Ren. D-Rank but will be S soon."

Elara stood. "Arcadia does not hand over students to Demon King. Envoy, you have your answer."

Demon Envoy stood, angry, wiping blood. "This is war, Arcadia!"

Jin looked at him, Monarch eyes black flame.

"Tell Azazel, war already started when he sent dogs to my Kingdom dorm. Next time, he comes himself."

[New Member Joined: Ren - Bond: Blood Brother - Legion Buff +50%]

[Quest: SHADOW LEGION 6/10]

END OF CHAPTER 12