Chapter 1. Prologue.

The sun, which had risen high beyond the walls of the prestigious academy, is now setting.

The bright light that once shone down is extinguished, and a deep darkness envelops the academy.

Normally, the mana lamps would be lit, and the guards would be on alert, watching for any students who might venture outside at night.

But now, no one is left here.

It was unimaginable that the academy, once teeming with so many students and professors, would be completely empty.

As I slowly savored this rare sight, the sound of sinister hoofbeats reached my ears.

"Finally, you've come."

The black-armored knights, who seemed to bring death wherever they went, entered the academy through the gate, their presence ominous and spreading fear in all directions. However, they seemed taken aback by the absence of anyone in the academy and reined in their horses.

Then, the knight at the front, the captain, slowly rode up to me, who was sitting alone in a chair.

Without removing his helmet, he asked me in a resonant voice.

"You're the only one left. I came here expecting to find a place that trains knights, but did everyone run away without any conviction?"

I knew they were misunderstanding something, but I didn't bother to answer.

After all, the ones inside those helmets weren't real people but just bones deluding themselves that they were still alive.

"The end that has spread across the continent. Among them, the first star, Satan. And the Black Knights who serve him."

They didn't seem to find it strange that I knew about them.

After all, it was impossible for anyone in the continent to be unaware of the clouds of doom that were spreading.

"I was a bit curious when I heard the name 'knights.' I wondered how strong the knights of the Great Demon would be."

"We came here to gauge the skills of those who aspire to be knights, but it was a wasted trip. There were no knights here."

Their evaluation was quite harsh, probably because they assumed everyone had already fled.

"To think that the only one left to greet us is not a knight but a magician holding a staff."

"I'm a knight, you know. I have a sword at my waist."

I slightly lifted the robe I was wearing to show the sword at my waist.

"What is your name?"

Despite their pretense of being a knightly order, their attempt at formality made me chuckle, but I answered the question.

"Ian Aynel. But there's one thing you're mistaken about."

I smiled and struck the ground with my staff.

Instantly, a silver flash began to erupt from the floor behind me, causing the Black Knights of Satan to step back in confusion.

"There are no knights here now?"

Knights clad in silver armor began to rise from the floor.

They varied in size and gender, and the weapons they wielded were diverse.

They were ready to crush their enemies, radiating a vast aura of battle from their entire bodies.

"I am the knightly order."

The place where I stand is where the knights gather.

I struck the ground with my staff once more.

The silver knights drew their weapons in unison and stepped forward...

"Go, my lions."

My knights charged fiercely at the intruders who had entered the academy with their dirty boots.