Have you ever had that delicious, spine-tingling moment when you give people exactly what they deserve? The sweet taste of poetic justice? The look on their faces when the person they mocked five minutes ago suddenly shatters their expectations into tiny, pathetic shards?
Yeah. That was me right now.
I crossed the finish line, slid the sword into its designated slot, and—just like that—boom. The arena went silent. Deathly silent. Not even a cough. Not even a sneeze. Just the sound of my own smug breathing.
The System's voice thundered in the stillness:
> "Congratulations! Player Xiao Zhen has passed the screening test."
The whispers came next, rippling through the crowd like gossip at a family wedding.
Some voices held awe, some disbelief, others suspicious venom.
> "A loser?"
"A violent-colored Marfian?"
"The weakest of the weak?"
"Maybe he cheated?"
Yu Wenhuan—oh yes, the majestic peacock himself—was among the doubters. He looked shocked at first, then spat dramatically, and flounced out of the seating area. Honestly, if spitting were an Olympic sport, he'd be a gold medalist.
I, meanwhile, wore a smile that screamed, I told you so. My ego was having a party. I left the arena and plopped into the seat next to the chubby guy from earlier—who, predictably, was staring at me like I'd just sprouted angel wings.
"How… how did you do that?" he stuttered.
"I told you," I smirked, fully prepared to bask in his admiration. But before I could elaborate on my genius, the System's voice snapped at me to move. Apparently, I had to sit on the winners' side now.
I stood, sauntered over, and let me tell you—being the first to pass felt good. Like really good. The crowd was shocked. But me? Nah. I'd cracked the trick before I even touched the sword.
See, I'd noticed during earlier rounds that the test wasn't about physical strength. The sword wasn't testing who could lift it—it was responsible for an illusion. And not just any illusion—one that dug up your deepest, nastiest, most repressed fears and traumas, slapping you in the face with them until you broke down.
Everyone else got wrecked. They panicked. They cried. They dropped the sword like it was on fire.
But me? I had a cheat code.
The sword recognized the body it was touching… but not the soul inside. All those terrifying visions? Not mine. They belonged to the body's original owner. Sure, they looked sad and horrifying, but they were about as personal to me as my neighbor's holiday slideshow. No emotional attachment = no fear. Easy win.
While I was mentally congratulating myself, the System's voice chimed again:
> "Congratulations! Player Amir Voss has passed the screening test."
I turned, curious, and instantly regretted it.
Standing there was a giant. And I mean giant. Over seven feet of pure muscle, shirtless except for enough gold and beads to qualify as a walking jewelry store. Skin as dark as polished ebony, eyes so black they seemed bottomless.
And he was staring right at me.
I froze. There was no emotion on his face, but I could feel that whatever was going through his head was not, "Wow, what a nice guy." I gave a nervous little wave, then turned away so fast I almost gave myself whiplash.
Nope. Not dealing with that right now.
---
Like Yu Wenhuan, I decided to leave the examination area. On my way out, I ran into a familiar face—the jovial, fatherly guard from yesterday.
"Hey, Xiao Zhen!" he greeted with his usual warmth. "How was the screening test? I heard it's extra scary this time! Don't give up, okay? I know you can do it! Don't get disheartened—"
"I passed," I interrupted, deadpan. "First one to pass, actually."
He blinked. "That's fine, but you shouldn't give up now, and—wait… WHAT did you say?"
"I passed."
"You… PASSED?" His voice shot up an octave. "Oh my god! Oh my god! Thank the heavens!" He clapped me on the shoulder so hard I almost stumbled. "I knew you could do it! I'm so proud of you. Ever since your parents died, I've been taking care of you, and now you've repaid me in the best way. All I want is for you to live a happy life—a good job, a beautiful wife, many talented children—"
Ah. So he was my adoptive uncle. That explains the doting. And the rambling.
"Uncle," I cut in politely, "I'm tired. Can I go outside for a bit?"
"Of course, child. But come back for lunch. Don't neglect your health—you've got more academy exams to pass!"
I nodded, genuinely touched by his concern, and slipped away. At least the original Xiao Zhen had someone who cared about him. That made my role a little easier.
---
The streets outside the academy were bustling. I wandered aimlessly, soaking in the sights. I didn't have money—minor problem—so shopping was out.
Then, I spotted a little corner shop selling scented sachets. The air around it was heavenly—floral, spicy, sweet. Normally, I wasn't into traditional trinkets, but something about the place made me want to buy one. Too bad I was as broke as a beggar in a bad novel.
While I was sulking about my finances, a woman stepped up beside me.
She wore a plain gown and a veil over the lower half of her face, carrying a basket filled with flowers and strange fruits I didn't recognize. Which, fair, I didn't recognize this entire world yet.
I was about to leave when—don't ask me why—I looked at her again. At the same moment, she turned her head.
Our eyes met. Hazel eyes.
Hazel eyes I had seen once before. Hazel eyes that had bewitched me at the city gates.
My heart thumped. Could it be—?
Yes. It was.
Princess Elena.
Even with half her face hidden, I knew. I knew. And I swear her eyes smiled at me before her lips did.
"How are you doing, Mr. Xiao Zhen?" she asked, her voice smooth and melodic—new to me, yet oddly familiar.
For the first time in… ever… I had no idea what to say. Me, the king of sarcastic comebacks, reduced to a mute idiot. My chest felt strange—tight, but not in a bad way.
Then she tugged her veil down, revealing the rest of her face. I followed the motion of her hand like a man hypnotized until I saw…
Perfection.
That smile could have started a war. That smile could have ended a war. That smile was dangerous.
"Are you alright, Sir?" she asked gently. "Do you need any help?"
I shook my head. Words still refused to exist in my brain.
"I'm glad," she continued, her smile deepening. "I finally found you again. I never got to thank you for helping me last time. Would you allow me to buy you a cup of tea?"
That voice… soft yet commanding. Warm yet utterly regal. My brain screamed say something witty! but my body just… nodded.
Yes. Like an idiot.
Her smile widened, and just like that, I was following her down the street. I didn't know where we were going. I didn't know why my heart was pounding so fast.
I only knew one thing: whatever fate had planned for me next… it had her hazel eyes.