Outer Sector of World Academy,
"Why were so many staff members present there?" A group of students going to the inner sector talked with each other.
"I don't know, maybe they are working on something," a guy replied.
"There were no announcements for any events, right?" a girl asked.
"I don't think so," another guy replied.
It was rare for this many staff members to be together in one place unless an event was happening.
They didn't know anything about it, as Arman had not notified anybody other than Farnus about Helena's surprise visit.
The special security team was gathered in another part of the World Academy.
"Why did Sir Zemil call us?" Even they didn't know about Helena's visit.
They were called by Zemil, Head of Security of World Academy. He was an SS Rank Hunter, and his team was responsible for ensuring no harm came to the academy.
"We will know soon," a guy replied as Zemil was about to show up.
The door opened, and they saw Zemil enter the room, looking around at his team.
"Sir Zemil is wearing his armor?" His team was confused.
Zemil wore a blue-colored armor specially made for him by the Artisan's Association. His armor was famous, so it was evident that his team knew about it as well.
But it was odd for Zemil to wear armor like this unless he was entering a dungeon or fighting someone more powerful than him. They had never seen him wear the armor inside World Academy.
"I will keep the meeting short," Zemil looked at his team members standing upright.
"We have a special visitor coming to World Academy," Zemil said.
"Recently, our Principal decided to hold special classes for the students, and the first visitor is a special one, so I need all of you to stay on guard," he said.
"The Shadow Empress, Helena Raven, is coming to World Academy, and I want all of you to make sure that she doesn't interact with any students outside the class," Zemil ordered.
Although Farnus would watch Helena, they couldn't be careless and leave any openings.
The security team was surprised when they heard Helena's name. They couldn't believe the Principal would let someone like Helena visit World Academy so casually.
But they didn't know that it wasn't for a special class, but Farnus wanted to know if Helena was the one who told Asher that piece of information. Typically, they would have taken their time to organize the class outside World Academy with the consent of every student, but this time it was unilaterally decided by Farnus.
"Will the Pillars gather?" one of the members asked.
Pillars were the special team of security not directly under Zemil. The Pillars were SS Rank Hunters, and they only listened to Farnus. Their only job was to guard the Trials Ground.
"No, they will not unless the situation calls for it," Zemil replied.
Helena was an invited guest, and she was famous for her mannerisms. Despite possessing a bloodline ability that made her the worst person to visit World Academy, they were confident she wouldn't do anything against the rules.
The meeting was over quickly, and the security team members began to disperse.
Zemil looked in a particular direction and disappeared from his spot.
Outside World Academy,
The Guildmaster of the Moonlight Guild was traveling in a car, and behind her was her special team of shadows, all trained by her personally.
"Guildmaster, are you sure we shouldn't go with you?" a female voice was heard inside Helena's car.
"No need, I was the only one invited," Helena replied, and there were no further questions.
The car stopped, and one of the shadows opened the door for Helena.
She exited the car as she looked at the Portal Dome and a familiar face in front of her.
"It's been a long time, Demarcus's boy," Helena said as Xander Demarcus stood before the Portal Dome waiting for her.
It was normal for Helena to know Xander personally, as he was once the heir of the Demarcus family but had given up his spot to his younger brother.
"Welcome, Lady Helena," Xander said as he looked at all the shadows behind Helena.
He knew that all of them were hunters trained by Helena herself, and they followed her order without fail.
"Don't worry, they will wait here," Helena said as she looked at Xander.
Helena wore a black overcoat with the Moonlight Guild's insignia. The same insignia was present on all the shadows.
"Should we enter?" Helena asked, and Xander made way for her to go ahead.
**********
Asher exited the Ranker's Dorm and went to where Professor Arman had told his class to gather first.
As he entered the room, he saw a few students and Lishia Halcyon, who was already waiting there.
The room's atmosphere went quiet as Asher quietly sat in one of the empty seats. They were waiting for Professor Arman to appear in the class.
The wait was over soon, as they saw Arman appearing in front of them, looking at all the first-year students that appeared for today's class.
"Welcome to the Black Element class. You already know me, but I am Professor Arman, who teaches Black Element," Arman introduced himself.
"Today's class is a bit special; as you all know, we have decided to have special classes to broaden students' horizons and give them a chance to improve themselves even further," Arman said as the whole class looked at him.
"We have invited a special person for today's lecture that will happen in the Outer Sector," Arman's words made Asher look at him.
"And I am sure all of you already know about this person. She is known as the strongest woman in the world and the best in Black Element, Lady Helena Raven," Arman's words made Asher frown.
"This is only for first-year students, and you have the opportunity to learn from the best, so I hope all of you will keep your minds in the class," Arman said.
"I need to go back, but the staff member there will guide you to the Outer Sector, where the class will happen," Arman said as he soon disappeared.
The students, including Lishia, were excited to meet Helena, but only one person didn't want this to happen.
Asher was thinking about what to do next, as he could not avoid meeting Helena. He stood as everyone was getting ready to move to the Outer Sector.
"I can't let her check my memories," Asher said to himself.
He didn't want to repeat the incident that happened in the past. However, he was already thinking of ways to stop Helena from doing so.
There was a special condition for Helena's ability: she needed to touch the target whose memories she wanted.
********
In the Outer Sector,
An elderly man stood before the teleportation gate, watching as it glowed and Xander Demarcus and Helena Raven emerged.
Zemil also appeared instantly as he looked at Helena Raven, who had entered World Academy.
"I'm grateful that you accepted the invite," Farnus said, looking at Helena.
"Well, I did it partially to meet my grandchildren," Helena replied, but she didn't look intimidated by Farnus.
"Would you like to have a cup of tea?" Farnus offered.
"We can do it after the class," Helena refused.
She was a resolute individual with little tolerance for putting off tasks or responsibilities.
Helena's eyes looked at Zemil, who was wearing his armor. A smile appeared on her face as Zemil got a bit nervous.
"So where is the class going to be held?" Helena asked.
"Zemil, guide our guest to the stadium where Professor Arman scheduled the class," Farnus said as Zemil nodded.
Farnus and Xander disappeared, but both kept their eyes on Helena Raven, who was guided by Zemil.
'She didn't react much,' Farnus thought to himself.
He was carefully watching for any reaction from Helena, but nothing seemed off. However, he still had enough time after the class to talk with her and confirm his doubts.
Soon they reached the fully-covered stadium, and Helena could sense the presence of various S to A Rank Hunters around. It was obvious none of them were being complacent, and they took her presence seriously.
"Professor Arman is inside," Zemil respectfully said.
"You should relax a bit," Helena said as she walked towards the entrance.
Zemil was still being cautious as he looked at Helena's figure.
"Being too strict on yourself will restrict your vision so much that you won't sense the danger looming beside you," Helena said, but Zemil was confused.
Zemil squinted as he didn't understand what Helena was trying to say.
"I will take your advice," Zemil said, but he didn't mean it.
But Zemil's eyes widened as Helena's figure disappeared in front of him.
He was about to flare his mana to look around him, but he stopped as he saw Helena standing beside him.
"Relax," Helena said with a laugh.
Zemil looked at Helena, who got so close to him. He couldn't believe that they were both SS Rank hunters.
Helena entered the huge stadium and saw Professor Arman, who came out to greet her.
