The dimensional rift flickered like a wound in reality itself. From it emerged a solitary figure, drenched in blood.
Dren Valemont staggered as he stepped onto the floor of the desolate alley. His face, contorted in a mask of absolute horror, gleamed pale under the grim light. The knife in his right hand dripped fresh blood, leaving a crimson trail behind him. His ragged breathing sliced through the silence like blades.
"They're dead... all of them..." he whispered, his voice shattered. "I killed them."
The Academy professors and members of the Sealer's Association arrived moments later. Their arcane orbs illuminated the alley with bluish flashes as they surrounded the pulsating rift.
"Valemont? Is that you?" One of them approached cautiously. "Where are the other students?"
Dren raised his gaze. His eyes, once vibrant, were now empty wells where only guilt resided.
"I killed them," he confessed. "All of them... my fault."
The Sealers exchanged looks of confusion and alarm. One of the masters stepped forward, extending his hand without quite touching the blood-soaked boy.
"What are you talking about? What happened in there?"
"I'm a monster," Dren replied, clutching the knife with trembling fingers. "That's what I am. A damned, worthless monster."
"I don't think I understand, Valemont," said the master, trying to keep his voice calm.
"There's nothing to understand!" Dren shouted, his voice echoing off the alley walls. "I killed them! Can't you see? I'm a murderer! A damned murderer! A monster just like those creatures!" His eyes filled with tears as he pleaded: "Kill me! Kill me like one of those things!"
"Valemont, you need to calm down. Explain what happened here."
But before they could continue, Dren raised the knife to his own throat. A silver flash cut through the air.