The next morning, exactly at seven o'clock, the port city was already alive with the low hum of activity. Gull cries cut through the salted breeze, and the sound of waves slapping against the docks filled the air with a steady rhythm.
Rena stood at the edge of the pier, her reflection rippling faintly in the water beneath her. The sunlight caught in her long, silver-white hair — so pale it shimmered like frost, yet ending in streaks of deep crimson that glowed in the early light. Her red eyes were sharp and bright, framed by lashes so long they could have been brushed on by an artist. Her lips were a deep, enticing red, matching the dangerous promise in her gaze.
She adjusted the fit of her mana-adaptive suit — a sleek, form-fitting uniform she'd specially requested from Naoko. The fabric shifted subtly as she moved, adjusting to her body's contours like it was alive. The snug lines across her hips and the way it embraced her chest left nothing to the imagination.
Naoko hadn't asked many questions when Rena had explained she would be gone for two weeks on the island. She had simply given her the necessities — extra undergarments, spare clothes, water rations, energy bars — all tucked neatly away in Rena's dimensional wristband. Her only condition had been clear and delivered with that cold, matriarchal authority Rena had grown used to:
Do not compete under the Rotschi name. Not against Sarafina Frost.
Naoko's reasoning had been simple. The Rotschi family did not entangle itself in other clans' petty rivalries. If Rena fought Sarafina under the Rotschi name, it would drag the family into a feud they had no interest in.
And so, the choice was obvious.
Rena Amperhart. The name of her birthright, her inheritance, her blood.
Standing there now, the corners of her lips lifted in a slow, deliberate smile as her red eyes gleamed. It's perfect, she thought. Frost against Amperhart. No interference. No excuses.
She whispered under her breath, voice low enough for the wind to steal it away. "I'll crush you, Sarafina."
With that, she stepped forward, her boots clicking against the wooden boards as she strode toward the passenger vessel waiting at the pier.
The ship was massive, a sleek luxury cruiser modified for high-speed travel between the mainland and the island arena. Crew members in crisp uniforms bustled about, calling out orders as cargo was loaded.
Rena's gaze drifted across the crowd until she spotted them — her friends.
Ethan, with his dark ocean-blue hair tousled from the breeze, leaned casually against a railing, his deep blue eyes scanning the boarding passengers. Lilia stood beside him, her bright green hair and matching eyes making her look like a spark of spring in the cool morning air. Nox, Leona's twin, was the picture of composure, white hair immaculate, icy blue eyes taking in everything with measured calm.
And there was Leona — her own long white hair shimmering faintly in the light, her blue eyes lighting up the moment they landed on Rena.
Rena approached, her steps fluid, her smile warm but edged with the quiet confidence she carried since her transformation. The mana suit clung perfectly, its design highlighting her curves, her long legs, the strength in her frame — a strength no one here fully understood.
"Hey, everyone," she greeted, voice bright yet carrying that subtle undertone of authority that seemed to come naturally to her now. "How are you all?"
Leona stepped forward with a grin and pulled Rena into a hug. "Rena! You look incredible." She leaned back slightly to take in the sight of her. "Where's Jin? Isn't he taking part in the trials?"
The question landed like a small stone in Rena's chest, and the brightness in her smile dimmed for just a moment. "No," she said, her voice softer now. "He's not joining. I don't know exactly where he is… Naoko just told me he'll be back soon. A couple of days ago she said fifty-nine days. So now… fifty-seven."
Leona's expression softened. "I'm sorry about that."
Rena gave a faint shrug and smiled again, the motion almost too practiced. "It's fine. Really."
Lilia tilted her head, studying her. "Honestly, I'm still not used to your new look," she said. "The white hair, the red tips… you've changed completely."
Ethan crossed his arms, giving her a thoughtful glance. "So you're taking the trial alone? Are you sure about that?"
Rena's lips curved in a smirk. "I'm sure."
Nox, ever the quiet observer, spoke next. "It's going to be tough. If Jin were here, your victory would be almost guaranteed." His tone was factual, not unkind.
But Rena only laughed lightly. "If Jin were here, I wouldn't have teamed with him. I'd still be facing Sarafina head-on. This is my fight."
For a moment, all four of them were silent, watching her — as if weighing her words, measuring the force behind them.
Then Leona's lips curled into something sharper. "Good. Then make sure you crush that bitch. Kick her ass so hard she won't walk straight for a week."
Rena chuckled, the sound low and pleased. "I will."
Leona leaned closer, her voice dropping to a private murmur near Rena's ear. "So, Rena… how was it? The first time with Jin." Her tone carried the kind of wicked curiosity only close friends could get away with. "Did it hurt? Are you even able to walk straight right now? Or…" — she smirked — "did you pack a few little toys to keep you company in the tent at night?"
Rena arched an eyebrow, her crimson eyes glinting with mischief. She matched Leona's low tone. "Who's to say, darling? Maybe I did bring a few things. Maybe I'll even share, if you're curious enough."
Leona's laugh was soft and dangerous. "Oh? Is that a promise?"
"Only if you can keep a secret," Rena murmured, her lips close enough that the warmth of her breath brushed Leona's ear. "Just between us."
Leona's grin widened, but she didn't push further — for now.
The boarding call rang out over the pier, and the group began to move toward the gangway. The morning sun climbed higher, spilling molten gold over the water, the ship's white hull gleaming like a blade.
As they walked, Rena's gaze wandered over the other competitors. Some were dressed in standard academy uniforms, others in personalized combat gear. Faces she recognized, many she didn't. And somewhere in that crowd — though she didn't see her yet — Sarafina Frost would be watching, waiting.
A quiet thrill ran through her at the thought.
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Heat: Thank you so much for reading. 🌹