“Hey! Where were you two?” Pan called out. “The teacher showed up and then had to leave for a call. Hurry up and sit down!”

  A few hours later, Giyo and Petra were back in the classroom when Paola returned—though her usual warmth had been replaced by a more serious expression. Beside her stood Director Hiro… and a tall, red-haired man.

  “Students,” Paola began, “as you can see, Director Hiro is here today, along with this gentleman. I’ll ask him to introduce himself.”

  The red-haired man stepped forward with a composed nod.

  “My name is Red. I am a Rank Two Captain of the Empire. I’ve come to observe the students and evaluate each of your potential.”

  A loud bang echoed as a green-haired girl slammed her hand against her desk and stood abruptly.

  “Red?! Does that mean my father returned from the mission?!” Asuna demanded.

  “Exactly,” Red replied. “Forge and the others have returned. The Church will make an official statement soon. As for me, I came by choice. As you’ve probably heard, we faced a powerful sea beast. I’m here seeking promising recruits for my division.”

  He folded his arms.

  “Of course, I can’t simply choose someone on the spot. For now, I’ll observe.”

  Hiro stroked his beard thoughtfully. “Paola, what do you think about giving our guest a demonstration?”

  “You mean a practical combat lesson?” she asked. “It would be interesting… though since their arrival, they’ve only studied history.”

  Asuna immediately rose from her seat, planting one foot confidently on her desk.

  “That’s a great idea, Professor! I’ve been dying to settle the score with Giyo. And I know plenty of students here have been training these past few days.”

  Paola scanned the room. The students were smiling, eager, declaring themselves ready.

  She sighed softly. “Very well.”

  Soon, the class was guided outside the academy to an open field. The students gathered in anticipation.

  “It will be a single match per round,” Paola announced. “Two participants at a time.” She turned to Hiro and Red. “You may choose the first pair.”

  Hiro rubbed his chin. “There are many strong students here. A difficult choice…”

  “For me, it isn’t,” Red said calmly.

  He pointed directly at Asuna, his gaze sharp and cold.

  “Daughter of Forge. You mentioned wanting revenge. Are you telling me the daughter of the strongest human in the world was defeated? In all my life, I’ve never heard of a Vermilion losing a fight. Who is this opponent?”

  From the crowd, Giyo stepped forward. He looked tense, trembling slightly—but his chest remained lifted with quiet resolve.

  “I-it was me, sir. She fought me.”

  Red looked him up and down, frowning.

  “You? I can’t sense any mana from you. How is that possible?”

  “Giyo doesn’t rely on mana,” Hiro explained. “His physical strength, strategy, and training brought him this far.”

  “Physical strength, huh?” Red smirked faintly. “Very well. You two will fight. No magic. Pure strength.”

  Asuna and Giyo stepped into the center of the field.

  Asuna cracked her knuckles, grinning with excitement. Giyo removed his black cloak and tossed it aside, lowering himself into a combat stance.

  At Paola’s signal, they charged.

  Both threw a punch at the same time—fists colliding with each other’s faces. The impact sent them flying backward, yet neither fell.

  Asuna lunged forward, attempting a sweep. Giyo leapt—only to have his leg caught midair. Asuna spun him rapidly, disorienting him before hurling him across the ground.

  He hit the earth repeatedly but forced himself back up just as Asuna dashed toward him again, landing another punch squarely on his face. Sweat glistened on her brow.

  “Hm. I thought you’d hold back a little,” Giyo muttered.

  “Hold back?” Asuna laughed. “Why would I? I love fighting—it’s the only thing I’ve ever been good at. If you’re worthy of my trust and friendship, show me your true strength!”

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  Giyo suddenly grabbed her arm, twisting it painfully as he rose calmly to his feet.

  With deliberate control, he clenched his fist—finger by finger—and drove a punch straight into her stomach. She gasped.

  Before she could recover, another punch struck her face, sending her stumbling backward. The crowd gasped at the sudden reversal.

  Asuna wiped blood from beneath her nose and grinned.

  “This only proves how strong you are. Maybe pushing you a little more will make you show your real power.”

  Her eyes sharpened.

  “Let’s break the rules—and finish this with a single blow.”

  Giyo lowered his fist near his waist. “Fine by me.”

  Paola grew uneasy as the tension shifted. She glanced at Hiro, who subtly signaled her not to intervene.

  Red stood with arms crossed, observing closely.

  Asuna’s fist began to glow in a green hue. The wind around her shifted direction, spiraling toward her clenched hand.

  But Giyo…

  He remained calm. Unshaken. Emotionless.

  Red felt it before he saw it.

  A power unlike anything he had ever witnessed.

  Black flames ignited around Giyo’s fist. The spiral markings across his body glowed crimson. The watching students recoiled in fear.

  They both launched forward.

  Their fists collided.

  The shockwave erupted behind them—cutting winds scattering leaves, cracking against the academy’s protective wall. Flames scorched the ground beneath their feet.

  Then the temperature dropped.

  Frost began creeping across the field.

  Through the rising smoke, red hair stood out clearly.

  Red had stepped between them, gripping both children’s fists in his hands, halting their frozen bodies mid-strike.

  “This fight ends here.”

  “I—I thought they were going to die…” Paola whispered.

  “You felt it too?” Hiro replied quietly. “Asuna’s power comes from her lineage… but that boy… those flames could have destroyed everything. Neither of them would have survived.”

  Hours later, both were taken to the infirmary.

  Giyo slowly opened his eyes, staring at the dim ceiling as the last light of day filtered through the window.

  As he sat up, hand resting on his forehead, he noticed Asuna nearby—wrapped in far more bandages than he was.

  “So… I lost, huh?” he asked lightly.

  “Don’t be stupid,” Asuna replied. “I lost. I just woke up looking like this, and you’ve got nothing but a tiny bandage on your cheek.”

  She looked away.

  “I know, okay? I’m just too weak. No need to brag.”

  “Brag? I don’t even understand what you’re talking about.”

  She turned toward him. Tears hadn’t fallen—but they trembled in her eyes.

  “Would you… listen to me? I need to vent. I don’t trust you completely… but you’re the only one who might understand.”

  He nodded silently.

  After a moment, she began unwrapping some of her bandages—revealing numerous scars across her arms and torso.

  “These scars are proof of my past.”

  She swallowed.

  “When I was younger, I loved playing with my father—even if he was always grumpy. I’d give him flowers, gifts, hug him whenever he came back from missions. But eventually… he told me why I’m not like other children.”

  Three years earlier…

  “Dad, why are you always so serious? You know what would cheer you up? A kiss from your little princess.”

  “Asuna, I don’t have time right now. I must prepare for another mission.”

  “…I know.” She hesitated. “Dad… is it because of my pointed ears? I know I’m not like the other kids, but… I want you to—”

  He placed his hands on her small shoulders.

  “Your mother… was murdered before you were born,” Forge said hoarsely. “I’ve been searching for the one responsible ever since. That’s why… I can’t stay by your side as much as I should.”

  Tears ran down his face.

  Back in the present, Asuna looked down.

  “I’m not as important as everyone thinks. The Vermilion clan never shows weakness.”

  “That’s not true!” Giyo said firmly. “You, Pan, everyone here—you all have lineages and families. But deep down, we’re just kids carrying the same pain.”

  He clenched his fists.

  “I refuse to accept that you’re suffering like this.”

  She met his gaze.

  “So that’s what you did with Petra today, huh? I noticed she seemed lighter after you two came back.”

  She looked at him again, vulnerable.

  “But I’m not like her. I’m not normal. Look at my ears. My hair. Look at me.”

  “Asuna… you are exactly who you’re meant to be. I don’t judge that.”

  He stood and stepped closer, placing a hand gently on her shoulder.

  “We’re partners, right? The strongest in the class. Maybe even the most mature.”

  He smiled softly.

  “Since the first day I saw you, I never despised you for your appearance. Maybe for your arrogance—but you’re still Asuna. Strong. Proud. And… my best friend.”

  Her face flushed crimson.

  The closeness. His warmth. His words.

  She leaned in slowly, their breaths colliding—

  “ASUNA! ARE YOU ALRIGHT?!”

  The infirmary door burst open.

  An older, muscular man rushed inside, eyes frantic—until he noticed Giyo.

  His fists clenched.

  Asuna panicked. “Giyo, run—!”

  But before anything could happen, the man froze.

  His eyes widened.

  The spiral markings. The faint red streaks in the boy’s hair.

  He dropped to one knee immediately, bowing his head.

  “S-sir! What are you doing here?!”

  “Huh? Sir?” Asuna blinked.

  “Asuna, why didn’t you tell me this boy was his son? I could be executed for even laying a finger on him!”

  “Son of who? What are you talking about?”

  “This boy… Giyo Sun. Son of Jack Sun—the Number One Captain of this kingdom.”

  The words drained the color from Asuna’s face.

  “You—you never told me you were from the Sun Clan! Does that mean Pan is your sister?! That explains everything!”

  Giyo gave a soft laugh. “Don’t worry. I don’t really have the right to use that surname anymore. My mother cast me out. I’ve been waiting for my father’s return… Wait. If you know my father… does that mean you’re a Captain too?”

  “Y-yes, sir,” the man replied. “Forge Vermilion. Captain Number Two. But… I bring terrible news. Your father—”

  “You don’t have to finish,” Giyo interrupted quietly. “He didn’t return.”

  Sadness clouded his eyes.

  Asuna lowered her head. “Giyo… I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay,” he replied with a faint smile. “I expected something like that.”

  He turned to her.

  “All that’s left now is to follow my father’s legacy.”

  His smile widened.

  “Asuna… I’m sure I can only reach my goals with you by my side. So please—walk this journey with me.”

  Her cheeks burned again.

  “Y-yes… I will.”

  Forge remained kneeling. “S-sir… may I stand now?”

  “Can’t you see I’m talking to my— I mean, companion?” Asuna snapped. “If you want equality, wait until we leave.”

  She glanced at Giyo.

  “Right?”

  “I… I guess so,” he replied awkwardly.

  The two left the room together, leaving Forge still kneeling on the floor.

  He’s just like Jack… Forge thought, sweat cold against his skin. I fear what that clan may become. I must report this to the king immediately—before it’s too late.