The blue sky.
It's so beautiful.
I can hold it in my hands.
It's so fragile, with just a little strength I could shatter it.
"Hey! Lian, lost in thought again?"
I turned to face the owner of the voice. It was a girl, a familiar yet still unknown face.
"Yes."
The answer came quickly, almost instinctively.
"We should get ready. The opening of Ace Academy is today."
Ace Academy, a school for the elite. They teach the secrets of magic and qi, said to be training their students to become great Heroes, Archmages, and Martial Artists.
But I read the novel—Ace Academy is rotten.
Once it was a prestigious academy, now it's just a hollow shell, full of corrupt nobles, barely holding on to its position as the most reputable.
That's why it's the perfect stage for a shonen protagonist.
How pathetic am I, that my name isn't even mentioned in the novel. The feeling of being something unimportant, useless, and disposable.
"Hurry up, Lian!"
What an annoying girl, interrupting my thoughts. I think her name is Lexis, my sister. In the novel, she was an important character who saved the protagonist several times, but in the end, she dies saving him.
Accused of treason after her death, she died without ever confessing her feelings to the protagonist.
Do I care?
Of course not.
I raised my right arm to shield my eyes from the sunlight, mesmerized as I watched the light spill through my fingers.
I have a right arm. Not because of Lexis.
But what's the point of thinking about that?
No one cares.
No one gives a damn about me.
"I'm coming."
I replied coldly, standing up from the rock where I had been sitting. A girl with a bright smile waved at me, wearing a white dress that had turned yellowish from dirt. But I knew she was wearing her best clothes for this special day.
Pathetic.
We were abandoned by our parents when we were very young. We were two orphans; clothing was a luxury we couldn't afford. If it weren't for me, we wouldn't even have food to eat.
"Come on, Lian, we're the last ones left to board the carriage!"
With those words, the girl walked ahead, most likely toward the square. I followed her in silence, like a shadow.
We boarded the carriage along with other children. It was anything but comfortable—the seats had no padding and there were too few of them, forcing us to squeeze together. The smell bothered me, a mix of sweat and dust.
The coachman driving us was an old man. A kind farmer who volunteered to take the children to the Ace Academy's evaluation.
The children around me wore mixed expressions, but most were either anxious or excited. Some were fearful, which was normal. They had to pass this test, since it was their only chance to achieve their dreams.
After a long trip lasting hours, we finally arrived at the prestigious Ace Academy.
Ace Academy wasn't just a school; it was a self-sufficient city, built to withstand long periods of war. But with the demon king's defeat, it had fallen into decline.
Although still beautiful, with stone roads, tall and stylish houses, and shops of all kinds, it was merely a shadow of what it once was.
From the novel's descriptions, I expected this city to look more glorious. Honestly, I'm disappointed.
When we got off the carriage, the old farmer could no longer accompany us. In his place, a knight escorted us to the testing grounds.
Soon we joined countless other children in a place resembling an arena. All of them were commoners, each wearing their best clothes, but even so, they looked out of place in such a luxurious arena.
There were no noble children here. They didn't need to go through this "screening." That led to the admission of "talentless" students who relied only on status to intimidate the weak. This, among many other reasons, was why Ace Academy was in decline.
The stands were mostly empty; the few seats filled were occupied by teachers. Many of them were elitist nobles—yet another cancer of Ace Academy.
At the center of the arena stood a massive blue crystal. Beside it was a woman in witch-like robes and a pointed hat. She was the vice principal, and perhaps one of the only people who truly cared about Ace Academy.
Selena…
No wonder she was a heroine.
Her eyes shifted toward me, as if she noticed my gaze. I simply smiled and waved at her. Her brows furrowed, and she looked away.
We'd met before, but I doubt she remembers.
"Attention! The talent evaluation is about to begin!"
Her voice was calm, yet carried authority and quiet arrogance. Everyone present fell silent at the sound of Selena's voice.
One by one, the children stepped forward to touch the crystal. Cries of joy, cries of despair. Joy for the few who passed, despair for those whose useless talents were rejected.
Lexis at my side was trembling, her face pale, whispering over and over that she wanted a good talent.
"Brother…" She clutched my hand. "I'm afraid I won't get a good talent and won't be able to follow you into the academy."
"Lexis." I stroked her hair, looking at her warmly. "You'll definitely get an amazing talent!"
Of course she would. You don't become a heroine without being special.
As for me, I doubt I matter that much.
It didn't take long for our turn to come. Lexis gathered her courage and volunteered to go first.
Her steps were shaky, nearly tripping several times, but she managed to reach the crystal without falling.
She raised her arm and hesitantly touched the crystal.
At first, nothing happened. It seemed she had failed.
And then—
Light.
A golden radiance filled the entire arena, as if a second sun had risen on earth. Its brilliance was so intense it felt like my eyes would burn if I stared too long.
That was Lexis.
Blessed by the Goddess of the Sun.
In an instant, she was surrounded by several teachers, all exclaiming in awe. I couldn't hear from where I stood, but it was obvious they were praising her.
I wasn't surprised at this development.
She is a heroine.
She was then taken away by an elderly-looking teacher. Before leaving, she turned back to me and shouted with a smile as bright as the sun itself:
"Lian! I'll be waiting for you at the academy!"
After she left, the excitement calmed down, and all the teachers held their breath, curious about the level of talent I, Lexis's brother, would awaken.
But unfortunately, I would have to disappoint them when I touched the crystal and nothing happened.
When my hand pressed against it, silence fell and then—
Nothing.
Absolutely nothing.
The crystal didn't react. Expected. I'm nobody, just a background character in some suspicious novel.
"Lian." Selena's voice broke the silence. "You did not pass the evaluation."
I nodded. I hadn't expected anything, so it was easy to accept.
I walked away to make room for the next child. I didn't even bother to stay in the arena.
There would be two more tests before complete acceptance into the academy. Of the few who passed the first, the number would be reduced to a tiny fraction.
Lexis would be among that fraction, so there was no reason for me to remain there.
A group of children followed me. I didn't need to look to know they had ill intentions.
They were rejects, envy festering in their hearts. The target of their jealousy was Lexis, who had gained a unique talent—but they wouldn't dare go against her.
The perfect target to vent their rage and envy became me, her brother.
Seeing things like this saddens me. Children so young, yet already harboring such malice. I'll deal with them here so they won't cause trouble in the future.
I made my way to a dark, deserted alley, expanding my senses to check for surveillance. As expected, there was none. A perfect place for a "lesson."
The qi in my dantian followed my control, forming a small blade in my palm.
But before I could act, a woman emerged from the shadows. Her calm voice brushed against my ears.
"Little Lian… You're not thinking of doing anything bad… are you?"
A playful smile spread across her lips. She seemed to know exactly what I intended and was using it to tease me.
I was foolish to think she could forget me after everything I'd done to her. The children who followed me ran away the moment they saw Selena. They realized things weren't so simple.
"So you do remember me." I asked with an innocent smile. "Then why did you look away? That made me sad."
You know what makes me even sadder? Being interrupted when I'm planning to kill someone.
Okay, I wasn't really going to kill them, but I'd definitely leave some trauma.
"Your smile was more genuine before." Selena's gaze turned melancholic, her voice heavy with something unknown. "How did that bright child turn into this?"
"I honestly don't know the answer to your question."
I was sincere. I really didn't know; the change I went through was drastic.
Maybe it was the conflict in my memories. The emotional detachment, the feeling of not belonging. Being forced to mature too soon and bear the weight of hard choices.
And in the end, finding out it was all meaningless.
She pulled me into her arms, hugging me tightly, as if trying to pour her warmth into me.
All I know is that being buried in her chest feels amazing—soft and warm, the best pillow in the world. The only problem was that I couldn't breathe, but to enjoy that sensation, I could hold my breath for days!
My arms wrapped firmly around her. Her body felt so good I wanted to feel all of it.
We stayed like that for minutes, neither of us wanting to let go.
"Are you okay, Lian?"
Her voice was like a beautiful song in my ears.
"Yes, but it could be better."
This time I didn't fake innocence and spoke suggestively—my most honest feelings at that moment.
"Hahaha… Naughty boy…"
I couldn't see her face, but from her whispering tone, I knew. She was blushing.
"Selena, do you love me?"
"Yes, I do."
Unlike her timid whisper earlier, her voice was firm now. She didn't seem to doubt her feelings.
"Do you love me too, Lian?"
She asked shyly, pressing me tighter against her body. The sensation stopped being pleasant—it became suffocating and uncomfortable.
She wouldn't accept a "no" for an answer.
"Selena… I'm… 12 years old…"
My reply was muffled against her chest. She loosened her grip slightly and lifted my chin with her cold fingers, making me meet her eyes.
"Little Lian, I didn't ask your age." Her voice was cold, completely different from the shy woman before. "Yes or no?"
A chill ran down my spine at that question. If I answered wrong, I think she might actually kill me—or worse, lock me away in some secret prison, just to keep me all to herself.
Damn it! That's why I hate Yanderes!
The worst part is, this novel is full of them!
"Yes."
I answered flatly. I could have said no, but even if I could defend myself, it would create unnecessary conflict. Not to mention the risk of her using Lexis as leverage to threaten me.
"Heh~" A smile curled on her lips after hearing my response. "I hope that's true… I really do."
Her arms released me from her suffocating embrace. A gentle smile adorned her lips, her demeanor shifting completely.
"Lian, as the brother of someone with a talent like Lexis, I've decided to use my recommendation quota to get you into the academy!"
I hesitated at her offer. Selena's intentions weren't pure; she would probably try something. And I really didn't want to enter the academy—it was the protagonist's main stage. Interfering would be bad.
As if reading my hesitation, she added:
"Come on, Lian, at the academy you'll receive top-quality training and resources. And best of all, you'll get to stay close to me~"
The last sentence carried a lustful undertone.
This woman…
I'm 12 years old, you know?
I've done many questionable things, things I'm not proud of, but I'm still only 12.
"Oh? Don't worry, Lian."
I was confused. Worry about what?
"I can wait until you turn 18."
"…"
Sometimes I think this woman is reading my thoughts.
"Fine."
I agreed to her proposal.
This novel is beyond saving. The least I can do is grow stronger so I can survive when things go wrong.
"Yay~"
Selena jumped and shouted, raising her arms like a child. In the next instant, space distorted, and in the blink of an eye, we were flying over the academy.
Sometimes I forget this inconsistent woman is an Archmage.
But really? Such a grand entrance? Am I worthy of this?
"Yes, you are worthy of this—and much more… Hehehe~"
It would've been a much more impactful line if not for that perverted giggle at the end.
Now it's confirmed. I need to find mental protection artifacts. Without them, I won't even feel safe in my own thoughts.
"…"
That's it. Now I'm entering the academy…
How did it come to this?