Morning arrived quietly, sunlight slipping through the thin curtains of Kira's dorm room like an uninvited guest.
He lay still for a moment, staring at the ceiling, his mind replaying the previous night against his will.
Marriage… of all things.
Kira let out a slow, weary sigh and rubbed his face before sitting up.
"I still can't believe she added marriage to her conditions," he muttered under his breath.
Pearl's calm smile, her shameless tone—everything about that conversation gnawed at him.
Shaking the thought away, he freshened up and left the room. If he stayed any longer, his thoughts would spiral. Food, at least, would ground him.
⸻
The cafeteria was unusually calm for such an early hour. The low hum of magic lights and the faint clink of cups filled the air.
That calm shattered the moment he spotted her.
Sage was already there.
She noticed him almost instantly, her eyes lighting up as she approached with her usual unrestrained energy.
"Senpai~ what are you doing here this early in the morning?" she asked playfully, leaning just a bit too close for comfort.
Kira sighed. "I could ask you the same thing. And didn't you agree not to call me that here?"
"I can't help it," she said cheerfully, closing the distance even more.
"You're my favorite senpai."
He resisted the urge to rub his temples.
Without another word, they walked together to order tea, the familiar rhythm between them easing the tension in his chest—just a little.
They took a seat, and moments later, warm cups were placed in front of them.
Sage lifted hers and took a slow sip before speaking again.
"I saw you heading out after curfew last night," she said casually. "What were you doing?"
"I was called by Pearl," Kira replied evenly.
The cup froze halfway to Sage's lips.
"…Hmm," she said, setting it down with a soft clink. "So now you're officially cheating with someone from a different class?"
Kira ignored the remark and took a calm sip of his tea.
Then his expression hardened.
"She found out about my past."
Sage spat out her tea.
"—!?"
She coughed, quickly grabbing a napkin to wipe her mouth. "S‑Sorry—!"
Once composed, she leaned forward, eyes sharp.
"How did she find out?"
"I don't know," Kira replied simply. He'd expected the reaction.
Sage's lips curved into a dangerous grin.
"Should I put an end to her?"
"…Are you being serious right now?"
"Of course," she said lightly. "How can we let someone who knows about that walk around freely?"
"She offered intel," Kira said, unfazed. "And she's transferring into our class. You can keep an eye on her."
Sage leaned back, considering.
"…If she's coming to us, I suppose I don't mind."
Then her gaze sharpened.
"That's not all, is it?"
She studied him like an open book.
"I've been with you the longest," she added softly. "I can tell when you're hiding something."
"…She added a marriage condition."
There was a pause.
Sage blinked once.
"Oh. That's all?" she said, clearly disappointed.
"…What do you mean that's all?"
"Well," she smiled knowingly, "anyone who knows about it would ask that, you know, since—"
"I see," Kira interrupted, ending the thought.
Sage changed topics smoothly.
"So, what do you plan to do about the test?"
"Why ask when you already know?" he replied.
"I just want to hear it from you," she said, sipping her tea. "What's your plan for the female side to win?"
"I have one," Kira admitted. "But I can't say it's one hundred percent guaranteed."
"So you're relying on luck?"
"Not really."
She tilted her head. "Do you want me to take this fight seriously?"
"No. Fight the way you always do. If things don't go as planned—"
"It's not like I can do anything," Sage cut in, shifting slightly and gesturing toward herself. "Or do you want me to bribe the judges with my body?"
Her lips barely moved as her voice echoed directly in his mind.
We're being listened to.
"You felt it too," Kira replied telepathically.
Before either of them could react further—
"Is this seat taken?"
The voice was warm. Amused.
Kira looked up.
"Sylara…?"
"Help yourself," he said.
Sylara sat down smoothly, Selara following beside her. They positioned themselves across the table, boxing Kira and Sage in the middle.
Without drawing attention, Selara raised her hand. A faint shimmer passed through the air.
An invisible light dome formed around them, sealing all sound within.
"You have a convenient skill," Sage remarked.
"For the right moments," Selara replied gently.
Despite the sound barrier, curious eyes slowly turned toward them.
"I'm sorry if we've caused you trouble," Sylara said lightly.
"I think it's only directed at the only guy at the table," Sage replied with a grin.
A short laugh escaped all three girls, easing the tension.
"Are you bothered?" Selara asked quietly.
"Not really," Kira said, reading the atmosphere. "So what brings you two here?"
"Nothing much," Sylara said with a smirk.
"We just wanted to talk to you… for the last time."
"…Last time?" Kira frowned. "It's not like I'm leaving."
"Fufufu," Sylara chuckled. "It seems someone forgot the deal he made."
Selara's voice dropped.
"The class decided you'll be put to death if you lose."
"…I see," Kira said calmly. "You seem confident."
"Of course," Sylara replied. "You only have one elemental spirit."
"And the other hasn't even appeared since day one," Sage added.
Kira turned to her.
"Whose side are you on?"
"The females," she said proudly.
"…I admit your class is stronger," Kira said. "But I can't say we'll lose if we fight now."
"So what are you saying?" Sage pressed.
"Seriously," he asked again, "whose side are you on?"
"The females."
Sylara smiled. "Then explain."
"How does this benefit me?" Kira asked.
Sylara tilted her head.
"I'll trade her for your strategy."
She pointed at Selara.
Selara froze, eyes wide.
This is bad… Sage thought.
Kira's weakness—elves. If it's between Raya and an elf…
Kira stiffened for a brief moment, his usual composure wavering—then he exhaled slowly.
"What do you mean by trading her?"
"She'll be yours," Sylara said calmly. "Forever. I'll even use my final transfer."
Kira swallowed.
Aqua's voice echoed in his mind.
She can't resist. Elf hierarchy binds her.
"So if I tell you," Kira replied mentally, "I die."
Yes. Choose wisely.
He looked at Selara.
"…Is this what you want?"
She hesitated, blushing, then nodded faintly.
"She wouldn't have offered if we didn't agree."
Kira closed his eyes briefly.
"…Your offer is tempting," he said aloud. "But—"
"You're declining?" Selara asked quietly.
"Not exactly," he replied.
"Do you remember asking why I started this war?"
"Yes."
"How about we form an alliance instead?"
"That works," Sylara said, smirking, "if you win."
"I have no intention of dying," Kira said calmly.
"And since death doesn't end the test—our first strategy is simple."
Sylara frowned. "That's all?"
"I'm disappointed," Sage added.
"Seriously," Kira muttered, "whose side are you on?"
"The females," she replied without hesitation.
He sighed.
"Well," Selara said softly, "we'll see the results tomorrow."
The tension eased. The dome faded.
They shifted to lighter conversation, laughter returning—but beneath it all, invisible threads tightened, pulling everyone closer to a test that would decide far more than victory.