Behind the academy, in the garden surrounded by onlookers, Reynold stood facing Aslan. His two so-called friends were among the crowd, smirking at him with mockery in their eyes.
Reynold noticed and clicked his tongue. "Tch… Ungrateful traitors. You placed your bets on me, pushed me forward — I never even wanted to hang out with people like you," he thought bitterly.
Still… I lost the bet. I should apologize.
He lowered his head in shame — but just then, Aslan placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.
Leaning in, Aslan whispered, "You don't need to apologize. You're already ashamed. That's enough. You shouldn't hang around people like them."
And with that, Aslan turned and walked away from the crowd.
Reynold stood frozen, watching him go — a new feeling stirring inside. Admiration. Even though they barely knew each other… he couldn't help but respect him.
---
Later, in his dorm room, Aslan sat quietly, lost in thought.
After the murder incident at the academy, I spoke to Lucian through the magic globe, which thankfully eased his worries.
(The magic globe — a magical communication device Lucian had given Aslan before he left the palace for the academy.)
Thanks to that accident, I managed to surpass the 3-star level in swordsmanship. At this rate, I'll reach 4-star very soon.
And during that fight, I even mastered the water element.
But the fire element… I still can't control it.
---
Ten days later…
In the classroom, Aslan stood chatting casually with his friends. Laughter filled the room — light and carefree.
But three seats behind him, near the window, a girl sat in silence.
Her hand rested gently beneath her chin, her large, shimmering blue eyes focused on Aslan with a soft, unreadable gaze — like a lake reflecting starlight. Silky blue hair flowed past her shoulders, fluttering slightly in the breeze from the open window.
There was something about her.
An innocence in her face… that couldn't be described in words.
A beauty that no one had ever seen before.
Her black frock-style uniform and short half-coat edged in gold hues were the perfect match for her elegant appearance.
Two girls approached her curiously.
"Elle, can you explain this to us?" one of them asked.
"Of course," Nyelle replied calmly. "If you solve the equation this way, it's much easier. Got any more questions?"
"Thanks, Nyelle! See? When she explains it, it actually makes sense!"
"Yeah," the other girl nodded. "Elle's the best!"
Nyelle glanced toward Aslan again… and for a moment, smiled.
Her heart skipped slightly.
That's Aslan… Handsome, smart, tall, strong — and incredibly cool.
Her cheeks warmed faintly.
And he's also… my… my rival.
---
Later…
Nyelle walked down the hallway with two classmates, a few books in her arms, laughing and chatting.
From the other end, Aslan strolled in with his friends, his hand resting lazily on Alice's shoulder.
Their paths crossed. Aslan's eyes shifted casually—
And landed on her.
She was smiling and chatting with her friends. His brows lifted slightly in quiet surprise.
For a brief second, their eyes met.
Nyelle gave him a soft, polite smile and continued walking with her group.
Aslan's steps didn't falter… but he glanced back at her — just once.
George noticed. "What happened?"
Aslan asked, "Who is she?"
"You mean Nyelle Aurelin?" Alice asked.
"Yeah."
George nodded. "She's the younger daughter of Marquis Farnwell Aurelin."
"She transferred here ten days ago," Alice explained. "I think she's in… the Swordsmanship Department?"
"What?!" Cael's eyes widened.
"Not the Mage Department but Swordsmanship?" Aslan asked.
"She switched fields. Heard she wanted to learn swordsmanship, so she changed her major," George replied.
"Well… that's interesting," Aslan said, a spark of curiosity in his tone.
"She's so pretty and innocent-looking, almost everyone has a crush on her," Cael said, arms crossed behind his head.
"Not just that," George added. "I heard she's really smart too — top of her class in her previous academy."
"Well, of course she is," Cael chimed in. "She's the sister of the famous Aurelin siblings. It runs in the blood."
"But I've never heard of her before," he added with a frown. "She's… nothing like her siblings."
"Cael! That's rude," Alice elbowed him sharply.
---