Grand Return System

The Return of Despair

"This, this is impossible. He’s clearly dead. Why is he still alive?"

Maya’s beautiful face instantly lost all color as the words escaped her lips.

Her long blue hair fluttered in the violent currents of Mana sweeping across the battlefield, while her blue eyes remained locked on the terrifying figure standing amidst the black aura. Disbelief, shock, and confusion mixed together on her usually calm face. Even someone as composed as her found it difficult to accept what she was seeing.

She had witnessed Dario’s fall with her own eyes.

Leon had defeated him inside the Martial Emperor Tomb.

There should have been no possibility for him to return.

Yet the figure before them was unmistakably him.

On the other side, Shera staggered backward after receiving the unexpected palm strike.

"Pfft!"

A mouthful of fresh blood burst from his lips.

His face, once filled with imposing confidence, had become frighteningly pale. His breathing turned ragged as blood stained the front of his robes. The energy he had displayed only moments ago had almost completely vanished under that single attack.

Silence spread through the battlefield.

Even Yaman, Kevin, Maya, and the other leaders of Celestis Academy wore grave expressions.

If Dario had merely remained at the half-step Pinnacle Realm, perhaps they could still unite and force a desperate battle.

But now...

The pressure flowing from his body was entirely different.

That pressure belonged to a true Pinnacle Realm expert.

The difference between those two realms was like the distance between earth and heaven.

Resistance suddenly seemed meaningless.

A burst of triumphant laughter echoed across the battlefield.

"Haha, congratulations on your successful return, Senior Brother."

Vargos stepped forward with excitement written across his aged face before respectfully bowing.

The smug satisfaction in his eyes could no longer be concealed.

Just moments ago, Sky Breaker Academy had been pushed to the edge of defeat.

Now...

Everything had changed.

The hunter had become the hunted.

Dario merely glanced at him.

His scarlet eyes were cold and emotionless.

Black mist drifted endlessly around his body like living shadows, swallowing the surrounding light. The strange aura twisting around him seemed almost alive, constantly writhing beneath his robes.

The corruption had already seeped deep into his soul.

Although he still possessed fragments of reason, every movement radiated an indescribable cruelty.

"A bunch of trash."

His hoarse voice echoed like cold iron scraping against stone.

"Stand down."

No one dared question him.

Vargos immediately lowered his head and retreated with the other elders.

Only then did Dario slowly walk forward.

Each step he took seemed unbearably heavy.

The surrounding air trembled.

The earth beneath his feet cracked.

The overwhelming pressure rolled forward like an endless tide, suffocating everyone before him.

He stopped several dozen meters away.

Without speaking another word, his blood-red eyes slowly swept across every member of Celestis Academy.

No expression appeared on his face.

Only endless hatred.

Shera forced himself back onto his feet.

He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and steadied his breathing.

Seeing this, Maya hurried over.

"Senior Brother, are you alright?"

Concern filled her gentle voice.

Shera waved one hand, forcing himself to remain standing despite the pain surging through his body.

"I’m fine."

He inhaled deeply before staring directly at Dario.

"This old fellow’s strength has increased greatly and has already broken through to the Pinnacle Realm."

His voice grew heavier.

"If we continue fighting now, we will definitely lose."

He paused briefly.

"I’ll think of a way to stall him later."

"You guys bring the children away from here."

The words landed heavily upon everyone’s hearts.

Yaman’s fists tightened.

Kevin bit his lip.

Even the usually composed Maya could no longer remain calm.

"Senior Brother... this..."

"How can we leave you here alone?"

Everyone immediately refused.

No one wanted to abandon him.

The surrounding students also fell silent.

They had always known Shera to be strict, blunt, and difficult to approach.

Many had even complained about his harsh methods during training.

Yet today...

He was preparing to sacrifice himself so they could live.

Shera’s expression became stern.

"My life alone is nothing to worry about."

His gaze slowly shifted toward Selena, Rias, Kevin, and the younger generation behind them.

"These children..."

"...are the hope of Celestis Academy."

His voice softened slightly.

"I don’t want any accidents to happen."

He looked toward the distant sky.

"Inheritance..."

"...is important."

His gaze became unwavering.

"Now is not the time to be impulsive."

The battlefield became deathly quiet.

Not a single person spoke.

Every student lowered their head.

Their hearts trembled.

Only now did they truly understand what Shera had always carried upon his shoulders.

He was willing to die...

So that the future of Celestis Academy could continue.

Maya slowly clenched her delicate fists.

Her eyes gradually became resolute.

"Senior Brother..."

"I’ll stay and help you."

She stepped forward until she stood beside him.

"If the two of us join forces, we might be able to hold on for a while and fight for the children’s hope of escaping."

Shera immediately shook his head.

"No need."

"You guys can leave together!"

"All of you..."

His tone allowed no room for argument.

At the same time, deep within his body...

Mana suddenly began flowing in an entirely different pattern.

Without anyone noticing, he silently activated the forbidden technique—

The Blood Drinking Art.

The same forbidden technique Shan had once used during the Seven Division Martial Tournament.

Violent blood-red Mana gradually spread through his meridians.

His veins bulged beneath his skin.

The price of using it was enormous.

Even if he survived...

His foundation would likely be permanently destroyed.

Maya sensed the abnormal fluctuation almost instantly.

Her expression changed.

She knew exactly what he intended.

But she said nothing.

She simply lowered her eyes.

Because she understood him better than anyone.

Once Shera made a decision...

Not even Headmaster Mike himself could force him to change it.

The Blood Drinking Art would indeed push his strength close to the Pinnacle Realm.

But only temporarily.

It still would not be enough to defeat Dario.

At best...

It could buy everyone else a chance to escape.

Meanwhile...

Dario slowly continued walking toward them.

The black aura surrounding him expanded like an endless sea of darkness.

Then—

His gaze suddenly shifted.

It landed upon one person standing among the younger generation.

Selena.

His scarlet eyes narrowed.

The madness hidden within them instantly erupted.

"You..."

His voice was frighteningly calm.

"...are Leon’s student?"

Those eyes no longer contained reason.

Only bloodthirst.

Only hatred.

The moment he looked at Selena, memories flooded into his mind.

Inside the Martial Emperor Tomb...

Leon had humiliated him.

Again.

And again.

Each defeat.

Each wound.

Each moment of despair.

Every memory merged into overwhelming resentment.

The strange darkness corroding his soul amplified every negative emotion until nothing remained except hatred.

Pure...

Unending...

Hatred.

A terrifying pressure descended from the sky.

Selena’s body trembled.

Her breathing became difficult.

Even standing beneath that overwhelming aura felt nearly impossible.

Cold sweat formed across her porcelain-like face.

Yet...

She refused to lower her head.

She represented not only herself...

But also her Teacher.

She represented Amethyst Summit Division.

She represented Celestis Academy.

No matter how terrifying the enemy before her was...

She would never disgrace Leon.

Straightening her back with every ounce of will she possessed, Selena met Dario’s blood-red gaze.

Her clear blue eyes showed not the slightest intention of retreating.

"Yes..."

She answered steadily despite the crushing pressure.

"I’m Leon’s student."