The ceremony should have been peaceful.
It was not.
Because three champions standing together meant three very different energies colliding in one place.
Shin — relaxed, hands behind his head, looking like someone who had just taken a casual walk instead of winning the academy.
Seraphina — perfectly composed, silver hair flowing, expression calm, yet her presence quietly freezing the air around her.
And Jin — outwardly calm…
…internally praying for survival.
Then the Dean stepped forward, smiling in that dangerous way that meant someone was about to suffer.
The Reward"Champions," she announced gracefully, "only three of you — Shin, Seraphina, and Jin — have earned the right to enter the Inner Vault of the Supreme Academy."
A murmur spread across the arena.
"Tomorrow, each of you may enter once and choose either a skill… or an artifact of your liking."
The crowd erupted.
Shin whistled softly.
"Not bad."
Jin smiled faintly.
Seraphina remained calm — but her eyes showed interest.
Then the Dean turned to Jin.
And the real trouble began.
The Dean's MischiefShe leaned slightly toward him, voice low enough that only three could hear.
"Jin… tell me something."
Her smile widened.
"Why didn't you use your full strength today?"
Jin froze.
Shin raised an eyebrow.
Seraphina's gaze shifted slightly toward Jin.
The Dean continued sweetly—
"Was it because you wanted to hide your skills from everyone…"
A tiny pause.
"…or because you didn't want Seraphina to see them?"
Jin's soul left his body.
The Dean blinked playfully.
"So you could defeat her later… and make her fall in love with you?"
She laughed softly.
Death ApproachesSilence.
Heavy.
Shin turned slowly toward Jin.
Then suddenly burst out laughing.
"Wait… wait… our junior is planning romance through combat?"
He wiped imaginary tears.
"You want to defeat Seraphina… and make her fall for you?"
He leaned closer.
"Bold. Very bold."
Jin internally:
I am dead.
My funeral will be tomorrow.
The Dean's Final BlowThe Dean smiled innocently.
"See you tomorrow at training, my disciple."
She turned to leave.
Then glanced back.
"Oh… only if you survive tonight."
And walked away laughing softly.
Shin Makes It WorseShin patted Jin's shoulder.
"Junior… I respect your courage."
A pause.
"Condolences."
He walked away smiling.
Traitor.
Now Only Two RemainSilence fell.
Jin slowly turned toward Seraphina.
She was staring at him.
Cold.
Sharp.
Unblinking.
Dangerous.
Then she spoke.
Calm.
Too calm.
"So… you want to defeat me…"
"…and make me fall in love with you?"
Jin raised both hands slightly.
"Senior… please don't freeze me."
Her eyes narrowed.
"You are very brave."
Her aura stirred faintly — cold air brushing around them.
"I think you need discipline."
Jin quickly spoke—
"Wait. Listen."
A pause.
Then softly, teasingly—
"I just… got distracted."
Her gaze sharpened.
"By your beauty."
Silence.
"And then I thought…"
"…why admire from afar when I can win properly?"
Her heartbeat paused — just slightly.
Jin smiled gently.
"So I decided… I want you."
The air froze deeper.
The TeasingThen Jin leaned slightly closer.
"But tell me…"
"…are you not confident in yourself?"
Her brows twitched faintly.
"…what?"
"That you won't fall in love with me."
A pause.
Jin added softly—
"Or have you already… after seeing how handsome I am?"
The Ice ReactsSeraphina's eyes flashed.
"Not. A. Chance."
Her tone calm — but sharp.
"No one makes me fall unless I choose it."
"And you will not defeat me."
Jin SmilesHe chuckled lightly.
"Then why are you angry?"
"If you're confident…"
"…give me a chance."
"To spar."
"To prove it."
Silence.
Her eyes locked onto his.
Cold.
Unmoving.
Yet—
A faint spark appeared deep inside.
She turned slightly.
"…tomorrow."
Then walked away.
Leaving Jin standing there.
Alive.
Barely.
But smiling.
Because now—
The real story had begun.