The morning sun poured into the academy classroom through tall glass windows, casting faint streaks of gold across the tiled floor.
A soft breeze rustled the curtains, fluttering them just enough to remind everyone that despite the stillness inside, the world outside was alive and moving.
Leo Aetherwind leaned back in his seat, one leg crossed over the other, posture utterly relaxed.
His expression remained unreadable—half-bored, half-indifferent—as if the world around him barely registered on his radar.
And yet, clinging to him with the stubbornness of a child who refused to be pried away, Roxanne Bladecrest wrapped herself around his arm like a vine curling around a tree. Her cheek rested against his shoulder, her soft crimson hair draping slightly over his chest. Her delicate fingers lazily traced circles on the back of his hand.
To an outsider, it looked like a scene pulled from a private moment—intimate, warm, comfortable.
But they weren't alone.
Seated at the opposite side of the room, Rio Bladecrest watched them with an expression frozen in a mixture of disbelief and frustration.
He wasn't angry at his sister. He knew her personality—fiery, free-spirited, and often unpredictable. But seeing her act so… domesticated in the presence of another man—this man—gnawed at his pride.
She was always clinging to me when we were younger, he thought, fists clenched under the desk. Now look at her. Like she's been stolen by that smug bastard…
The worst part wasn't even Roxanne's behavior—it was the feeling of powerlessness that gripped him.
He couldn't deny Leo's overwhelming strength. The last time they'd crossed paths in battle, Leo hadn't even broken a sweat. His techniques, presence, and raw power had made it obvious—Rio wasn't in the same league.
And that realization only made the bitterness in his chest fester deeper.
I need to get stronger, he thought, staring at Leo's composed profile. I don't care how much talent he has. Someday… I'll surpass him. I'll make sure of it.
Across the room, another set of eyes simmered with resentment, but for entirely different reasons.
Alex sat with his arms folded, glaring at Leo with a look that screamed pure envy.
His eyes were bloodshot, not from fatigue, but from barely contained rage.
He had always taken pride in his charm—his carefully styled hair, the honeyed words he'd practiced in front of mirrors, the gestures he copied from romantic novels, the expensive cologne he wore despite the academy's rules.
He had done everything.
Everything to catch Roxanne Bladecrest's attention.
And it had worked—at least, he thought it had. They had spoken a few times. She had even smiled at one of his jokes. For weeks, he'd built up the belief that he had a real shot, that she was slowly warming to him.
But now?
She was hanging off Leo like a possessive girlfriend.
Like he already owned her.
Alex gritted his teeth so hard that a soft cracking sound escaped from his jaw. His mind raced, trying to justify the betrayal.
She wouldn't fall for him so easily. Not Roxanne. No—he must've forced her. He's got the power. The backing. Maybe he even blackmailed her family. Or bought her. Made her his concubine or something…
It was a ridiculous thought. But to Alex, it made perfect sense.
After all, accepting the truth—that Roxanne wanted Leo—was far more painful than creating a lie he could endure.
His imagination spiraled.
Don't worry, Roxanne, he thought, clenching the sides of his desk until his nails dug into the wood. I'll rescue you. I'll be the light in your darkness. I'll free you from that manipulative devil… and then you'll be mine. You'll look at me the way you look at him…
He imagined her body pressed against his, whispering his name softly, those eyes full of desire. A low, involuntary sound escaped his throat as his tongue ran across his lips without him realizing it.
The student sitting next to him slowly turned their head, took one long, uncomfortable look at Alex, then frowned.
"...I'm never sitting next to this freak again," they muttered under their breath.
And they meant it.
Meanwhile, Selena sat two rows behind Leo, her sharp eyes flicking toward the couple in front with a mix of irritation and unease.
Roxanne's behavior grated on her nerves more than she wanted to admit.
She's acting like some spoiled little kitten, Selena thought, arms crossed, her fingers tapping her bicep rhythmically. Just because she's pretty doesn't mean she can wrap herself around him like that. Hmph. Tch… this little vixen thinks she's already won?
Selena's mind quickly spun into motion.
She wasn't going to lose to Roxanne—or anyone else.
If she wants to play dirty… fine. I'll play dirtier.
A sly smirk crossed her lips.
Tonight… I'll drain him dry. Every last drop of energy. I'll show him what a real woman can offer… then let's see if he even looks at another girl.
Her expression returned to calm as she rested her chin on her palm, already planning her next move.
Just as the tension in the room began to settle into a dangerous silence, the classroom door opened with a click.
The teacher entered—an older man with silver hair and deep-set eyes. He carried a clipboard under one arm, but the aura he emitted silenced even the most distracted students instantly.
"All right, everyone," he began, his voice calm but firm. "I have an important announcement."
The sound of chairs shifting and bodies straightening filled the room as all attention focused on him.
"The annual Academy Combat Competition begins in two weeks."
The atmosphere instantly changed.
Gone were the sleepy eyes and bored expressions. The mention of the competition awakened something in every student—curiosity, excitement, nerves.
"The competition will decide more than just your ranks," the teacher continued. "Those who perform well will be rewarded not only with higher status but also additional resources, specialized training… and personal instructors from the upper division."
Whispers broke out like wildfire.
More resources meant more power.
More power meant faster growth.
And for many here—revenge, recognition, or validation.
Leo simply smirked.
His eyes glinted for a moment, then returned to their half-lidded calm.
So it's here, he thought. The Academy Competition. The moment that defines Alex's turning point. The event that changes his path…
But now?
The plot's already changed.
His gaze drifted toward Roxanne, who smiled up at him with a look that was dangerously close to devotion. Her presence—along with Rio's—had not been part of the original script.
The story's no longer bound to its original rails.
Leo leaned back slightly, letting Roxanne adjust her hold.
Let's see how far this world can bend before it breaks.
He didn't know what the next two weeks would bring.
But one thing was certain.
He'd make his entrance in the grandest way possible.
The room hadn't yet recovered from the announcement.
Students were still buzzing with excitement and quiet anxiety, already whispering predictions about who'd dominate this year's competition.
A few confident voices laughed aloud, already claiming victory. Others stayed silent, their minds occupied with plans, strategies, and worries.
But Alex?
He wasn't just thinking about the competition.
He was consumed by it.
His knuckles were white from how hard he clenched his fists. His legs bounced restlessly under the desk, unable to sit still. He stared blankly ahead, not even hearing the teacher continue talking about schedules and training assignments.
All his thoughts circled around one single fact.
This is it.
His chance to prove himself. To defeat Leo in front of everyone. To humiliate him publicly and free Roxanne from whatever twisted hold he believed Leo had over her.
In his mind, he had built a delusion—one where Leo wasn't just his rival, but a villain cloaked in charm, manipulating the hearts of women through sheer power and fear.
He probably threatened her family… Made her obey. That must be it…
The more he repeated it, the more it felt real.
Then he pictured it again.
Roxanne, her soft body pressed against him. Her lips, warm and inviting. Her hair brushing against his cheek as she whispered his name—not Leo's.
A slow, stupid grin crept onto his face, and he started drooling again, eyes glazed over.
A loud thud snapped him out of it.
The student beside him had slammed their textbook down, pushing their chair away as they stood up and moved to a different seat entirely.
"Disgusting…" they muttered under their breath.
Alex blinked, then wiped the side of his mouth with the sleeve of his uniform, pretending like nothing happened. He forced a smile and laughed to himself awkwardly, but his eyes still burned with obsession.
Across the room, Selena hadn't taken her eyes off Leo.
Not for a second.
Roxanne was still curled up against him, arms hooked around his like she had every right to claim that space. And Leo, as usual, didn't resist or respond—he just accepted it, like he couldn't be bothered to care.
That… annoyed her.
No, infuriated her.
Selena wasn't one to show it openly, but right now, under the table, her nails were digging into her palm.
So that's how it's going to be, huh?
She had tried patience. Subtlety. Even kindness. But if Leo wasn't going to act, she would.
Roxanne may have gotten the first move, but Selena would make sure she made the last.
And when she did, Leo would never look at another woman again.
Her lips curled into a slight smile—one that didn't reach her eyes.
She already had a plan.
Tonight, she'd make it happen.
Let's see if that little flirt can cling to him after I leave him too tired to walk.
Roxanne, oblivious to the burning gazes of both Alex and Selena, was humming softly as she played with Leo's fingers.
"You should focus on class," Leo muttered without looking at her.
She pouted. "Class is boring. You're not."
Leo gave her a sidelong glance. "And you're heavy."
Roxanne didn't budge. "Deal with it."
Despite himself, a faint chuckle escaped his lips. It wasn't loud or obvious—but enough that Roxanne heard it, and her grin grew wide with satisfaction.
She leaned her head further into his chest, murmuring, "You smiled…"
He shook his head. "Barely."
That moment between them wasn't loud, or dramatic—but it was noticed.
Especially by Rio.
He looked away, jaw tight.
That kind of closeness was unfamiliar.
It made something inside him twist.
But unlike Alex or Selena, he didn't plan to whine or blame someone else. No fantasies, no false justifications.
Only resolve.
I'm weak. That's the truth. She doesn't need a brother to protect her anymore—especially one who can't keep up.
His hands clenched beneath the desk.
But I'll catch up. I don't care how long it takes. I'm not going to stand in the background forever.
Rio's mind already wandered toward the training grounds. The nights he would have to stay up, the pain he would have to endure, the limits he'd need to break.
I'll grow stronger. I swear it.
The teacher finally wrapped up the announcement, closing the clipboard with a soft snap.
"You all have two weeks to prepare," he said, scanning the room. "That's all."
The room erupted in noise the second he stepped out.
Friends chattered excitedly. Rivals exchanged glances. Some immediately started forming training groups. Others left without a word, already planning to isolate themselves and grind for results.
Leo remained still, eyes fixed forward, the faint smile still lingering at the corners of his lips.
The announcement confirmed what he already knew—the world was starting to change.
This competition wasn't just a school event.
It was the first public arena.
Where hidden talents would rise.
Where nobodies would claw their way into power.
Where arrogance would be punished, and growth would be rewarded.
And for Alex?
This was his moment.
His "awakening."
Leo remembered the original timeline clearly. Alex had always been annoying—but after this event, he stopped being a clown and started being a real threat. Talent bloomed in adversity. And failure often led to evolution.
But Leo had one advantage Alex didn't.
He wasn't following the script anymore.
Roxanne and Rio's presence proved that. In the original plot, they shouldn't have appeared for another year. Their early arrival meant fate had already been pushed off course.
Leo was no longer just interfering.
He was rewriting the future.
He looked down at Roxanne, who had finally started dozing off against his shoulder. Her breathing had grown slow, steady. Peaceful.
His hand hovered just above her head for a moment, then dropped softly to rest beside hers.
The classroom, still alive with excitement and chatter, faded into the background.
His eyes narrowed.
This competition… is going to be the beginning of something far bigger.
He closed his eyes for a moment, his thoughts aligning.
Let's see how far I can push this new timeline.
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[End of Chapter 23]
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