The Crown and the Challenger
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One Week Later – Tenka Academy, Main Campus
The sun hung high over the sprawling marble towers of Tenka Academy, its light glinting off the golden spires and casting long shadows across the courtyard. Students bustled about in pristine uniforms, their chatter filled with excitement, nerves, and speculation.
Inside the main administrative building, Raijo and Yumi stood at the front desk, having just completed his enrollment. The receptionist, a young woman with a clipboard and trembling hands, tried her best to maintain composure — but it was hard to ignore the tension between the two in front of her.
Yumi leaned in close, her voice low and sultry. "Call me every night. And I want pictures. Every. Single. Day."
Raijo raised an eyebrow. "You're acting like I'm going to war."
"You are," she said, pouting. "And we didn't even fuck enough before you left."
The receptionist's pen froze mid-signature. She didn't dare look up. Not when Yumi Ichoshima was in the room.
Raijo, unfazed, reached around and gave Yumi's backside a firm squeeze. "Be a good girl while I'm gone. When I come back, I'll be strong enough to finally give you that baby I promised."
Yumi's eyes gleamed. She bit her lip, then cleared her throat and pulled him into a tight embrace. "Don't die, idiot."
"Not planning to."
With a final smirk, she turned and walked off, her secretary trailing behind her. The receptionist exhaled only after the doors closed.
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Raijo's Dorm – Later That Day
The room was modest but clean. A single bed, a desk, a wardrobe, and a window overlooking the training fields. Raijo unpacked his things with quiet efficiency, placing his clothes, gear, and a single framed photo of Yumi on the desk.
He stood in the center of the room, hands on his hips, nodding.
"Alright," he muttered. "Let's get this started."
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Ryombi Family Lodge – That Same Evening
Ayasia Ryombi reclined on a velvet chaise, sipping imported tea as her maids flitted about, organizing her wardrobe and polishing her boots. Her suite was more palace than dorm — marble floors, silk curtains, and a private hot spring.
Rumi Ryombi stood by the window, arms crossed, his expression stern.
"Listen carefully," he said. "Avoid unnecessary fights. If you die in one, I can't help you. Only engage in sanctioned duels. Keep your pride in check. Our family name might mean something in Tokyo, but in the grand scale of power… we're small fry."
Ayasia nodded, but her eyes were distant.
"I'm telling you this for your own good," he added.
"I know," she said softly.
But deep down?
She didn't give a damn.
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The Next Day – Tenka Academy Grand Hall
Thousands of students filled the massive auditorium, dressed in crisp uniforms, eyes wide with anticipation. The ceiling arched high above, enchanted with a sky illusion that mirrored the real one outside. Floating platforms hovered above the stage, and banners of the academy's four divisions waved proudly.
A hush fell as the principal stepped forward.
Principal Seraphine Lux, the S-Rank Light Mage, stood tall and radiant in her white and gold robes. Her long platinum hair shimmered like starlight, and her eyes glowed with divine light.
"Welcome," she said, her voice echoing through the hall. "So… you're the ones eager to die this year?"
A ripple of nervous laughter.
"Good. I see some promising faces. Do well not to be failures."
She raised a hand, and a holographic display appeared behind her, showing two names.
> Top Candidates – Year 1 Intake
> 2nd Place: Ayasia Ryombi – 67%
> 1st Place: Raijo Kimi – 98%
Gasps. Whispers. Shock.
"Step forward," Seraphine commanded.
Raijo rose from his seat, calm and composed. He walked to the stage with quiet confidence, his presence drawing every eye. His uniform fit him like a tailored suit, his white hair catching the light, his crimson eyes unreadable.
Ayasia followed, her steps graceful but stiff. The gap in their scores stung. She could feel the eyes on her — not with awe, but comparison.
She took the mic first.
"I'm honored to be here," she said, voice clear. "I'll do my best to uphold the Ryombi name and protect those around me. Let's all grow stronger together."
Applause. Polite. Respectful.
Then Raijo stepped forward.
He looked over the crowd, silent for a moment.
"I'm not here to make friends," he said. "I'm here to be the strongest. And I will be."
Murmurs.
"But that doesn't mean I'll leave anyone behind. If you fight beside me, you'll rise. If you stand against me… you'll fall."
He raised a fist.
"Let's make this year legendary."
The hall erupted.
"RAI-JO! RAI-JO! RAI-JO!"
Ayasia stood beside him, smiling on the outside.
But inside?
She was burning.
And the fire had a name.
---
The Witch's Chosen
As the applause faded and the crowd began to disperse, Raijo turned to Ayasia, his expression softening.
"I'm sorry," he said quietly. "About your guard. I know it wasn't really your fault."
Ayasia blinked, caught off guard. She had expected arrogance, maybe even resentment. But instead, he offered her something she didn't deserve — grace.
She nodded slowly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you…"
He doesn't hold a grudge, she thought, a wave of relief washing over her. Thank God…
Then Raijo tilted his head, eyes scanning her face with a calm intensity. "You've got a beautiful face," he said. "And that uniform… fits you well."
Ayasia's cheeks flushed instantly. She looked up at him — really looked — and for the first time, she saw it. The sharp jawline, the moonlit hair, the crimson eyes that seemed to glow with quiet fire. He wasn't just strong.
He was breathtaking.
And she had nearly gotten him killed.
A pang of guilt twisted in her chest.
Before she could respond, a familiar voice cut through the moment.
"Raijo!"
Liliana strode up, her long auburn hair bouncing with each step. She didn't spare Ayasia a glance, her eyes locked on Raijo like he was the only person in the world.
"I missed you," she said brightly. "Have you had a chance to explore the campus yet? I could show you around."
Raijo smiled. "Haven't seen much yet."
"Perfect," she beamed. "Let's fix that."
He nodded, then added, "Your hair looks good today."
Liliana's cheeks turned pink. "Thanks… I tried something new."
Ayasia stood silently beside them, her presence shrinking with every second. She bowed her head slightly. "I'll take my leave."
Raijo gave her a polite nod. "See you around."
She turned and walked away, her heart heavy. Why does this bother me so much?
---
As Liliana began chatting about the best cafés on campus, a sudden hush fell over the nearby students. The air shifted.
Principal Seraphine Lux approached, her white and gold robes flowing like divine silk. She stopped in front of Raijo, her golden eyes locking onto his.
She said nothing at first, simply stared up at him. Raijo, taller by a head, tilted his chin down slightly to meet her gaze.
"So," she said at last, her voice calm and sharp, "you're the one that witch chose."
Raijo raised an eyebrow, amused. "You say that like it's a bad thing."
Seraphine's lips curled faintly. "Not bad. Just… rare. Yumi doesn't choose lightly. If she's backing you, you must be a beast."
Raijo chuckled. "And how would you know?"
She folded her arms. "Because I was chosen too. Years ago. But we were never… close. Not like you two."
Raijo's smirk faded slightly. "Guess I'm lucky."
"No," she said, turning away. "You're marked. And the world's going to find out what that means."
She walked off, her presence lingering like the afterglow of a lightning strike.
Raijo stood still for a moment, thoughtful.
Liliana tugged his sleeve. "Come on. Let's go before the cafeteria closes."
He nodded, but his mind was already elsewhere.
Marked, huh?
—
End of chapter 9.