In the soft glow of morning sunlight.
Kayle lay on a bed, the golden rays touching his face and hair. His silver strands shimmered like countless tiny fragments of marble and gemstone, catching the light.
Slowly, his eyes fluttered open. The morning sun reflected within their depths, making them sparkle like the world's most precious jewels: emerald green and ocean blue.
He pushed himself up gently, his hand instinctively going to his right chest. He glanced around the room. Silvia was curled up beside him, her head resting on the bed, sleeping like a peaceful princess. Kayle leaned closer, tenderly brushing a finger across her cheek.
"She's been staying here since that incident," Kayle murmured to himself, his voice a quiet thought. "Since I took that arrow for her."
He then looked down at his chest. The wound was mostly healed, leaving only a few faint marks and a small, shallow indentation.
"It's almost healed," Aeon thought, a subtle smirk playing on his lips. "I think Mark used those high-Grade potions I kept in the carriage. Well, I knew this would happen, which is why I'd kept those potions in advance. Healing this type of wound myself wouldn't have been hard, but if I had, it would have been suspicious."
He continued his internal monologue. "If I hadn't taken that arrow, then Emma would have died in Silvia's place. In the original plot, it was Emma who pushed Silvia out of the way and took the arrow in her stead, dying there. So, I saved Emma, not Silvia."
He looked at Silvia again, gently rubbing his fingers across her face. Suddenly, Silvia, still seemingly asleep, opened her eyes. Kayle, who had been sitting quietly, met her gaze. He smiled softly.
"Good morning, Silvia," Kayle said, his gentle smile radiating warmth.
Silvia didn't respond immediately, simply staring at him, her eyes widening. Then, without a word, she lunged, throwing herself at him.
"Wait... Silvia!" Kayle exclaimed, caught off guard.
Silvia hugged him incredibly tightly, almost painfully so.
"Si... Silvia, I can't breathe," he gasped, genuinely struggling for air.
Then, Silvia bit his neck.
"Aaahhh! Silvia, it hurts!" Kayle cried out in surprise.
He then heard a soft, choked sound. Silvia was crying, her face buried in his neck, her body trembling.
"Silvia, why are you crying? Silvia," Kayle asked, his voice now gentle and concerned as he began to rub her back.
"You bastard, you idiot, stupid, scoundrel, rascal, dog!" Silvia choked out, her voice thick with tears. "You... you don't know how much I worried about you!" She was weeping heavily.
"Who told you to take that arrow in my place? You could have died! Your heart nearly stopped! I... I thought I lost you, I thought I wouldn't be able to see you again! You bastard, why didn't you think about me? If something were to happen to you, how would I be able to live?!" she sobbed, clinging to him.
Kayle continued to gently rub her back. "Silvia, I will tell you the same thing. If something had happened to you, I also wouldn't be able to live. That's why I took the arrow in your place."
He continued to gently stroke her back. "Now, stop crying. Look, I'm safe and healthy. There's no need to worry," he said softly, his voice soothing.
Silvia looked up, her tear-streaked face still pressed against him. "You're not allowed to do something like this again! You're not strong! Unlike you, I'm a Third Circle Mage, I'll protect you! And you better listen to me, otherwise... you know what I'd do." Silvia's tone, though still tearful, held a clear threat.
"Okay, okay, I'll do as you say," he conceded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Now, can you please move? My chest still hurts."
Silvia only leaned into him again, burying her face. "I'm not going to move. This is your punishment for making me worry."
She settled onto his chest, and Kayle, unable to deter her, let her be.
"Hey, Silvia, where are we right now?" Kayle asked, changing the subject.
"We're in the capital right now," she replied, her voice muffled against his chest. "This is Yulkes Hospital. When you were unconscious, Professor Mark used some high-Grade healing potions he had, and then Professor Orlando summoned his high-ranking wind spirit, 'Faroos.' Then, he and I flew towards the Eastern Fortress, where they treated you as best as they could. After that, we used a teleportation gate and came to Alofis. Headmaster Elizabeth ordered every healer in the academy and capital to treat you, and the Imperial Family also sent some healers from the Church of Libra. After your treatment, they left, saying you needed some rest. And I've been staying here with you all this time."
"So, how long have I been unconscious?" Kayle inquired.
"It's been three weeks," she replied, her voice soft.
"Oh. So it's three weeks already. Shouldn't you be in the academy? You're missing your lectures," Kayle pointed out.
"For me, Kayle is more important than lectures," Silvia responded without hesitation.
"You're just using me as an excuse to not take your classes, aren't you?" Kayle teased.
Silvia, upon hearing Kayle's words, bit his neck again.
"Ouch, ouch, ouch... okay, I'm sorry. I won't say it again," Kayle quickly apologized.
"Hmph," she huffed playfully. "Now, let me sleep some more. I haven't had much sleep all this time." She snuggled deeper into his chest.
Kayle and Silvia rested like that for a while. Later that day, James, Sara, and other students from the academy came to see Kayle, their faces etched with relief and concern.
Kayle spent another week in the hospital, recovering fully, before finally being discharged.
He returned to his dorm room, stepping inside and moving directly to the window. He took off his shirt, examining his chest. The wound was completely healed, leaving only a faint, lingering mark.
"They put a lot of effort into healing this," Kayle murmured.
Then, with a subtle surge of mana, he activated his own innate healing ability, and the last faint mark on his chest vanished entirely, leaving his skin flawless.
"Hnn. I could have healed it myself," Aeon thought, a knowing smirk on his face.
"Healing these types of wounds is nothing to me. I've consumed the essence core of a 'Salamander.' A Salamander is one of the mythical creatures that caused mayhem in one of the worlds I transmigrated to. Its essence core granted me powerful healing and regeneration abilities. It doesn't matter what type of wound it is, or if my limbs are cut off. As long as my head is intact, I can heal or regenerate myself."
He walked over to his wardrobe and pulled out a small, ornate box.
"It's good that my maid put everything I brought with me in the almirah," he mused. "There are some gifts from my friends and clothes that Silvia bought for me."
He stood by the window once more, opening the box and taking out a necklace. It was a silver chain with a striking blue gemstone intricately engraved within it.
"This is the second thing I went to Cronos for," Aeon stated. "One of the seven pieces, which was in the Imperial Palace of the Cronos Empire. I infiltrated the palace when the Emperor and his family went for the gala. That's why I was late for the banquet. With this, I now have three of these necklaces. Only four remain."
Just then, his maid, Rofie, entered his room. "Master Kayle. It's time for breakf—"
She stopped mid-sentence, her eyes widening as she saw Kayle standing without his shirt. His broad shoulders, well-defined chest, and sculpted eight-pack abs presented the image of a perfect man. She couldn't help but stare, a deep blush creeping onto her face.
"Oh, sorry, Rofie," Kayle said, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips. "I was about to take a shower."
"N-n-no problem, Master," she stammered, averting her gaze, her face burning. "P..Please come for breakfast after your shower." With that, she quickly exited the room, leaving Kayle to his thoughts and the morning sun.
---
At the Academy
The morning sun shone warmly upon the grand structures of Vanessa Academy, casting soft golden hues over its stone paths and well-trimmed gardens. Students bustled through the courtyard, and amidst them walked three familiar figures—James, Silvia, and Kayle.
Kayle walked leisurely, flanked on both sides by his closest friends. As they passed through the academy grounds, the students around them paused, their eyes lighting up with joy and relief at the sight of Kayle's return.
"Kayle, welcome back!"
"I heard you recovered—thank goodness!"
"You made our academy proud with your research at the symposium!"
Such words poured from everyone they passed. They gathered around Kayle, offering heartfelt congratulations not only for his recovery but for his unprecedented contributions to magical theory, which had elevated Vanessa Academy's reputation across empires.
After sharing brief words of gratitude, Kayle watched James and Silvia head off toward their classroom. Meanwhile, he changed direction—towards the Headmaster's office.
---
Inside the Headmaster's Office.
Kayle stepped into the room.
Inside the opulent Headmaster's room, Elizabeth, The Ice Sage, sat at her imposing desk, reviewing a stack of documents. The soft scratching of her quill was the only sound.
"Good morning, Headmaster," Kayle greeted with a slight smile.
Elizabeth looked up, her expression softening instantly. "Morning, Kayle. Please, come in and have a seat." She gestured towards a plush sofa.
Kayle settled onto the cushions. Elizabeth set aside her documents, rising from her chair and moving to sit directly opposite him on the sofa, her gaze warm and concerned.
"How are you feeling, Kayle? How are your injuries?" she asked, her tone gentle—far from the frosty demeanor most associated with the Ice Sage of Atheliya.
"I'm fully recovered, Headmaster. Thanks to the healers you arranged, I'm feeling perfectly fine now." Kayle gave a respectful nod. "Thank you for your concern."
Elizabeth chuckled lightly.
"Oh, don't be so modest, Kayle. I merely did what any headmaster should do. I'm responsible for the safety of every student under this academy's banner."
"Understood, ma'am," Kayle replied politely.
Elizabeth looked at him, her expression turning somber. "Kayle, I'm truly sorry for what happened to you. I should have considered the possibility of an attack..... It's my fault, and I sincerely apologize." Her tone was one of genuine remorse.
"Please don't apologize, Headmaster," Kayle said with sincerity. "None of us could have predicted such a thing. It wasn't your fault."
"No, Kayle. I should've dispatched a proper escort of knights. I failed to anticipate the danger. But I assure you—this will not happen again." Elizabeth's words held firm conviction.
Kayle met her gaze. "Well, Headmaster, what happened to those assassins who attacked us?" he asked, curiosity in his voice.
"When you were injured, All three of them consumed some kind of poison that melted their bodies. Others were burnt down by Olivia and rest were died in battle with professors. All of them died on the spot," she explained, a flicker of frustration in her eyes. "The Academy is still investigating this matter, but know this, Kayle: I promise I'll find out who was behind this."
Her frosty determination made it clear—whoever dared to touch Vanessa Academy's students would not escape her wrath.
She paused, then changed the subject. "And I heard from the professors that Alexander made an offer to you. Is that true?"
"Yeah, he said that he wants me to become his pupil, but I declined it," Kayle confirmed
"Why?" Elizabeth asked, a hint of surprise in her voice. "You know he's an Eighth Circle Mage. Becoming his pupil could grant you prestige..wealth, anything. Was there any specific reason you refused?"
Kayle looked directly into Elizabeth's eyes, his gaze filled with genuine admiration. "Well, I told him that my Headmaster is more than enough for me."
Elizabeth met his admiring gaze. She had heard people praise her countless times, but this felt different. This young man's sincere admiration, so openly displayed, touched something within her.
"Ahem... Is that so?" she murmured, a slight blush dusting her cheeks as she cleared her throat.
"Yes, Ma'am," Kayle affirmed.
"Okay, Kayle, you may leave now. Classes have already started," she said, her voice regaining its composure. "And don't worry about anything. I won't let anyone harm my student."
Kayle smiled as well.
"Thank you, Headmaster."
With that, Kayle took his leave.
---
In the Hallway
As Aeon walked through the quiet hallway, lost in his thoughts, he reflected silently.
"Elizabeth won't be able to find anything," he mused. "The area we were attacked was the Fe Oire Forest, a dense forest right in the middle of the Atheliya and Cronos Empires' borders. And I also meticulously erased all traces of the assassins. Changing the story too much will affect the future. Now, I just need to wait for Ash to return to Alofis."
---
Meanwhile, Outside the Classroom
Silvia stood outside the classroom, her posture straight, her expression resolute. Before her stood Professor Olivia.
"What is it you wanted to discuss, Silvia?" Olivia asked, raising a brow.
Silvia bowed deeply, her fiery gaze unwavering.
"Professor… I want to become stronger. Strong enough to protect my friends. I can't let what happened to Kayle happen to anyone else. Please… I humbly request you to train me. No matter how harsh, no matter the challenge, I'm prepared to face it—if it means I can protect the ones I care about."
Olivia regarded the girl in silence.
"She's still carrying the fear of Kayle's near death… " Olivia thought, a pang of sympathy in her chest. "She's already growing at a very fast pace. Doing any more might ruin her body. But I don't want to turn her down; she came to me with such hope. And I also feel that if we hadn't let our guard down, Kayle wouldn't have been hurt."
"Okay, Silvia," Olivia said, her voice firm yet encouraging. "I accept your request."
Silvia's face brightened, determination radiating from her like heat.
"But be warned," Olivia said sternly. Her expression serious."Training under me… will be hell. If you can't endure the pain, then stop here and turn back now."
Silvia's inferno-like eyes met hers.
"I will cross through hell itself… if it means I can protect those I love."
Olivia saw the answer in her eyes. This girl would not break.
And just like that, two individuals embarked on new, arduous paths: Kayle, who sought to protect this world, and Silvia, who desired to protect her loved ones. With a glowing light in their eyes, their journeys began, and time, as it always does, flew by.
---
Two Years Later — August 15, 1624
The monsoon had come to Alofis, painting the city in hues of grey and silver. Rain kissed every rooftop, droplets dancing on leaves before falling to join the shimmering pools below. The morning sunlight filtered softly through the clouds, casting rainbows against the wet streets.
Inside his personal dormitory, Aeon stood by the window, a cup of tea warming his hand.
"Hnn… Tea, rain, and this quiet view. It's refreshing." He sipped leisurely, eyes observing the rainbow outside. "Now, I'm in my fourth year. It's today when he comes to the academy. I've been waiting for this, and it's finally time,"
He exhaled, a small smile curving his lips.
"The last two years went very smoothly. I didn't face any assassination attempts all this time, and academy life went without any major chaos."
Aeon continued." But Silvia she's....Changed"
"Silvia had thrown herself into training with Olivia, pushing beyond her limits, fueled by raw determination. With Olivia's research and guidance, she had achieved the unthinkable: advancing to the 5th Circle in just two years, a feat almost unheard of. Even more remarkable, she had forged a contract with the legendary spirit—Phoenix. A being of fire said to not bond with human. Yet Silvia had earned its recognition."
"Just as it was written in the original novel…"
"On the other hand, Sara had grown too. Though quiet and reserved, she blossomed into a formidable mage, also reaching the 5th Circle. Their efforts bore fruit. Meanwhile, James had taken the academy by storm, his swordsmanship evolving at terrifying speed. He became Sword genius in the maintime. The boy once known for his jokes now stood as a prodigy among knights."
"They all grew… beautifully. Now, it's time for me to move forward with my next plan."
Kayle's silver hair shimmered beneath the soft light, his mismatched eyes reflecting the rainbow beyond the glass.
---
At the Academy
The academy gates welcomed three familiar figures walking side-by-side. James, Silvia, and Kayle—the inseparable trio—returned together, just as they had countless times before.
However, in these two passing years, much had changed.
James had shed his image of a countryside woodcutter. His frame was now broad, shoulders strong, posture proud. His once rugged face now carried the sharp, confident air of a true knight. Muscles carved by endless sword swings and discipline gave him the appearance of an ideal warrior. From a humble boy chopping logs in a village to a man capable of turning heads—even more so, he now held the heart of a noblewomen. His girlfriend, daughter of a Viscount and a fellow Knight Department student, marked how far his life had turned.
Silvia, too, was unrecognizable from her former self.
Gone was the girl who once worried about house chores. Now she stood as a 5th-circle mage, her presence commanding. Her eyes, once black, had turned a brilliant crimson—flames reflecting within them. Even her stature had changed; she now stood nearly equal in height with both Kayle and James. Her beauty had become unparalleled within the academy. Her long black hair, her fierce crimson gaze, and the Vanessa Academy uniform suited her like royalty. Students whispered her title in reverence:
'The Sixth Flower of the Empire.'
She now stood proudly among the Top Five Noble Ladies of Atheliya.
--
In The Auditorium
Together, the trio waited in the grand auditorium alongside a sea of students—both seniors and fresh-faced juniors from the Knight and Magic Departments. Whispers filled the air with questions.
"What's going on? Why gather us all here so early?" James muttered under his breath.
Silvia crossed her arms.
"Who knows? It must be something important to bring everyone here… just wait."
Just then, three girls—first-years by their appearance—hesitantly approached them.
"Um… hello, seniors." The girl at the front smiled. "I'm Daniela Ximen. We're new this year. We've heard so much about Senior Kayle and Senior Silvia from the newspapers… so, we wanted to greet you properly."
Kayle's sharp gaze fell on them, silent but observing.
Silvia's expression softened with her usual grace.
"Nice to meet you, juniors. I'm Silvia."
Then the girls shifted their attention toward Kayle.
"H-Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you! I'm Kayle," he answered with his usual distant politeness.
"Senior Kayle… you're even more handsome than you look in the papers!" another girl piped up, blushing. "Oh! Forgive me—where are my manners, I'm Ines Fiera, first-year!"
"Hello senior I'm Camila Walter… also first-year." The last girl gave a small curtsy.
The trio exchanged brief glances.
"Welcome to the academy," they said in unison.
Then Daniela leaned forward with a hopeful look.
"Senior Kayle… we're studying advanced magic, but we're having some trouble with Elemental Theory and Mana Manipulation. Could we… maybe ask for your guidance? Or… your notes?"
Kayle raised a brow at their boldness. James glanced at Silvia, expecting sparks to fly. Silvia, however, smiled sweetly—though her crimson gaze hinted at something else.
"I'll give you my notes," Silvia interjected, stepping forward with her calm, composed smile. "Kayle was… quite busy in his first year. So He doesn't have any notes. Take mine instead."
The first-years visibly deflated.
"Anything else?" Silvia asked, still smiling… too sweetly.
The girls exchanged awkward glances, looking for an excuse to escape.
"If you need help, you're free to ask me. I'll help you when I can." Kayle's words broke the tension.
Their faces lit up again.
"Really, Senior Kayle?!"
"Yes. But now, return to your class groups. Your classmates are waiting." kayle said.
"Yes, Senior!" they said together before scampering off.
As soon as they vanished, Silvia's delicate hand closed tightly around Kayle's wrist, her expression still perfectly composed.
"My, Kayle… helping juniors? That's rare of you." She smiled, but her grip was like iron.
"…It's just common courtesy. Besides, it's not like we'll be in the academy much longer. Our graduation assignment is approaching. We'll be leaving soon anyway." Kayle tried to reason.
Silvia pinched him hard on the side.
"Yes, you're right. Which reminds me… my work with you isn't done. Come to my dorm after classes today. Understood?"
Her smile was too dazzling to refuse.
Kayle glanced toward James, silently pleading for rescue. James averted his eyes.
"You brought this on yourself. I can't help you." james thought.
Kayle exhaled in resignation.
"Those three girls aren't just ordinary noble daughters. One of them is Daniela Ximen, daughter of Marquis Ben Ximen. Other is Camila Walter, granddaughter of one of the Grandmaster , Venofis Walter. And the last one is Ines Fiera, daughter of Zennid Fiera, head of the Feira Clan—one of the Five Great Houses. Having Connections with them… may prove valuable in the future."
And then.
Professor Lucy appeared on stage. The auditorium quieted immediately.
"Good morning, students," she began. "I'm sure you're all wondering why we've gathered you so suddenly. Well, there is indeed a reason… a special announcement. Rather than prolong the suspense, allow me to introduce the person who will be joining our academy as a guest professor starting today."
The students leaned forward in curiosity.
From behind Lucy, a man stepped onto the stage. Handsome, with golden hair and a gentle smile, his very presence seemed to command attention effortlessly. His calm, dignified air radiated confidence.
Kayle's pupils narrowed. His fist clenched beneath his uniform sleeve.
> "So… he's finally here."
The man's gaze swept across the hall, offering a polite nod to the gathered students. Some girls blushed. Others whispered in excitement.
"The protagonist of this story."
Kayle's eyes didn't waver.
> "The one chosen by fate. The one who will stand at the center of this world's destiny. The reason I'm here at all."
Ash Van Atheliya.