The Headmaster's office was located at the very top of the central spire. It overlooked the entire campus, a view reserved for the gods of the Academy.
Today, Ren sat in the guest chair, legs crossed, looking bored.
Across the mahogany desk, HeadmasterSolus (an S-Rank Archmage) wiped sweat from his forehead. He looked at the boy—no, the monster—sitting before him.
"The board has reviewed the footage," Headmaster Solus said, sliding a black velvet box across the desk. "They have agreed to uphold Instructor Valerica's ruling. Damon Vance is expelled for the use of Class-A Forbidden Substances. His family has been... notified."
Ren didn't care about Damon. Damon was a squeezed lemon.
"And my prize?" Ren asked.
Solus sighed. He unlocked a biometric safe behind his desk. He pulled out a heavy, ornate case and a golden badge.
"First," Solus said, pointing to the badge. "Your placement in The Dawnbreakers. It is the most prestigious Guild in the Kingdom. They usually only take graduates, but they made an exception for the 'Demon Slayer'."
Ren picked up the badge. It was heavy, made of enchanted gold. It hummed with authority.
"I'll take it," Ren said, pocketing the badge. "But tell them I work on my own schedule. I have... personal investigations to conduct."
Solus nodded nervously. "Of course. And secondly... the Artifact."
He opened the ornate case.
Inside sat a cloak. It wasn't made of fabric; it looked like it was woven from liquid shadows and starlight. It seemed to absorb the light in the room.
[Item Identified: The Shadow-Weave Mantle]
[Grade: Unique]
[Effect 1: Stealth +200%]
[Effect 2: Phase Shift – Allows the user to turn intangible for 3 seconds (Cooldown: 1 hour).]
"It belonged to a legendary Assassin from the Old War," Solus explained. "It chooses its master. If you are not worthy, it will suffocate you."
Ren reached out. The moment his fingers touched the cold fabric, the cloak didn't attack him. It purred. It flowed up his arm like living water, settling around his shoulders and transforming into a sleek, high-collared black coat.
[Artifact Bound: User Ren]
"It fits," Ren said, standing up. He looked like a grim reaper dressed in modern fashion.
"One more thing," Solus said, his voice dropping. "Regarding the Demon Blood... the Board wants to keep it quiet. They don't want a scandal. The investigation is officially closed."
Ren paused at the door. He looked back, his violet eyes glowing.
"Closed?" Ren smirked. "We'll see about that."
The New Quarters
Ren didn't return to the scholarship dorms. As the Tournament Winner, he was given the keys to the Alpha Suite—the penthouse apartment on campus that used to belong to the Top Ranker.
He walked in. It was massive. Marble floors, a king-sized bed, a private training room, and a balcony overlooking the city.
He wasn't alone.
Vanessa was sitting on the couch, reviewing a stack of documents. Valerica was standing by the window, keeping watch.
When Ren entered, both women stood up immediately.
"Master," they said in unison.
The dynamic had shifted completely. They weren't just his lovers; they were his lieutenants.
"Report," Ren said, throwing his new coat onto a chair. He sat on the edge of the bed, spreading his legs.
Valerica walked over, kneeling to unlace his boots. It was a domestic, submissive act from the woman who could crush boulders.
"I interrogated Damon before the medics took him," Valerica said, her voice low. "He was delirious, but he gave up a name. He bought the blood at a place called The Gilded Lily."
"The Gilded Lily?" Ren asked.
"It's a high-end nightclub in the Central District," Vanessa added, walking over to massage his shoulders. "It's a neutral zone for Hunters, politicians, and the criminal underworld. Very exclusive. You need a membership to even see the door."
"And do we have a membership?" Ren asked.
Vanessa smiled, a cruel, beautiful expression. "I confiscated Damon's wallet. He was a Platinum Member."
She pulled a black card from her pocket and placed it in Ren's hand.
Ren twirled the card between his fingers. The City Arc was beginning.
"Good work," Ren said.
He looked at his two Queens. Vanessa, the elegant ice mage, kneading his shoulders. Valerica, the muscular warrior, pulling off his boots. They were powerful, dangerous women, and they were competing for his attention.
"You've both been very useful," Ren said softly. "I think you deserve a reward before we head into the city."
The air in the room changed instantly. The tension spiked.
Valerica looked up, her yellow eyes dilating with hunger. Vanessa stopped massaging him, her breath hitching.
"Both of us?" Vanessa whispered, her face flushing. "At the same time?"
Ren lay back on the bed, looking at the ceiling.
"Consider it a team-building exercise," Ren said. "I need to make sure my party has perfect synergy."
He looked at them.
"Well? Are you going to keep your King waiting?"
Vanessa and Valerica exchanged a look. There was rivalry there, yes. But there was also a shared, burning need to please the man who owned their souls.
They moved together.