With a radiant and innocent smile, Samminah tugged gently on Rin sleeve, pulling him toward several food stalls lining the academy's elegant courtyard. Decorative banners fluttered above them, and the aroma of fresh delicacies lingered in the air like a festival.
"In Rin's body… I guess I'll just go with the flow," Kyle muttered under his breath, unsure of how to behave but trying not to raise suspicion.
"Rin! Your favorite—sushi!" Samminah beamed, her amber eyes sparkling with childlike delight. Her voice was so charming, so melodic, that Kyle momentarily forgot he was being dragged through the start of a potentially tragic game.
His heart softened without realizing it. That smile, that gentle tone… it was almost impossible to resist.
"Thanks," Kyle murmured, awkwardly.
Before he could reach for the food, Samminah had already picked up a piece with delicate chopsticks and held it out toward him.
"Say ah~"
Flustered, Kyle leaned forward and took the bite. The taste was surprisingly good. Too good.
What he didn't realize was that Samminah's eyes, though still wide and innocent on the surface, had grown colder beneath the facade. Behind every smile, a calculation. Behind every act of kindness, a test.
She fed him several other dishes—noodles, sweet rice balls, grilled skewers—all with exaggerated joy and endless giggles. Kyle had no idea he was being examined. Every expression, every bite, was being measured against the real Rin's preferences.
Samminah, after all, was a noble of the Azah Family, known for their sharp minds and sharper instincts. Rin his new identity
belonged to the Ashton Family, a prestigious lineage with deep roots in the academy. Their bond had been forged since early childhood, a political alliance disguised as young affection.
The two families had already begun preparing an engagement between Rin and Samminah. But behind the scenes, the influential Reo
Family had also shown interest in Samminah, especially once both her and Rin heir came of age. And apparently… Rin and Samminah had always shared a certain spark—at least in public. Their chemistry was undeniable, and their families were pleased.
Kyle tried to smile naturally as she offered him another dessert. He wasn't aware of the political storm brewing beneath the surface—or the depth of Samminah's growing suspicions.
Then she spoke sweetly, tilting her head. "Reo, come! We're going to be late for the ceremony!"
"Huh?" Kyle blinked and sighed Probably the First sequence?
She suddenly grabbed his hand and pulled him along. Kyle chuckled softly. "Easy there, I'm not going anywhere."
They walked through the marble halls of the main academy building and into the grand hall, where the Awakening Ceremony was being held. The space was massive—vaulted ceilings with enchanted crystal chandeliers, rows of towering stained glass windows, and long rows of chairs filled with students from noble and common backgrounds alike.
The soft hum of excited chatter echoed around the room.
Kyle's eyes scanned the crowd. He remembered this part—the Power Awakening. It was one of the major features of the game's early chapters.
He recalled the power system: a dual-tiered structure.
The first was the Star Rank, ranging from 1 Star to 12 Stars, used to measure control and development of one's innate skills or spells. Star Rank was the most common method of classification.
The second was the more elite Letter Rank, ranging from G-ranked (the weakest) to SSS-ranked, a rare tier reserved for legends. Letter Ranks were incredibly rare but vastly more powerful than high Star Ranks. Those born with such Powers are mostly Stronger.
But those without powers weren't entirely useless. The academy trained Knights, Rogues, and Assassins—humans That could be 1-12 Stars too instead of innate gifts. They could still rise to prominence, if they had the talent and the will.
Kyle and Samminah found seats at the far side of the hall, away from the main families. Kyle didn't mind. He wanted space to think.
"Do you think you'll get a good power?" Samminah asked with a cheerful smile, her eyes glancing at him curiously.
Kyle rubbed the back of his neck and played it cool. "Hmm, at best… I'd be happy with a C or B Rank," he replied, not too modest but not overly ambitious either.
She nodded gracefully, keeping her sweet expression intact—but inside, she scoffed.
"Rin always said he would get an S ranked power, even joked about taking over the academy someday. He was proud, even a bit arrogant about it."
Her heart was already cold toward Kyle, but she kept her composure. She needed proof before taking action. She would find it. No imposter could fool her.
The ceremony began with a loud voice echoing across the hall.
An elderly man with thinning black hair and piercing red eyes stood at the podium. Though his face showed age—wrinkled and weary—his former charm still lingered.
"As everyone knows," he began, his voice rich and commanding, "this is the Awakening Ceremony. Today, many of you will awaken your gifts—your talents, your birthrights."
The students fell silent.
"I urge you to give your best, regardless of what power you may or may not receive. Your journey begins now."
With a final nod, the old man stepped down, and the tension in the room spiked.
In the front row, a girl shifted in her seat. She crossed one leg over the other with practiced grace. Her red and black hair shimmered beneath the magical lights, framing a stunning, refined face. Her golden eyes held an aloof and prideful air, like a lioness observing prey from a throne.
Lara.
She wore the academy's uniform like royalty wore their crown—tight-fitting and accentuating, radiating power. She was famous before even arriving, her name whispered across noble families.
"Isn't that Lara?" someone whispered. "She's supposed to awaken with at least an A to SS rank."
Kyle glanced at her. She was indeed beautiful—comparable to Samminah, yet entirely different in aura. Lara was cold, distant, untouchable. Samminah was warm, bright… deceptive.
"Isn't she beautiful?" Samminah said beside him, her voice still sweet, but tinged with something bitter.
Kyle just Chuckled not teasing nor Mocking just Amusement.
Samminah was watching him carefully. If he dared to stare at Lara too long, she might blindfold him with a napkin Well if that is He was still the Real Rin.
Still, she kept playing along.
On the stage, a glowing orb floated into the air. Lara stepped forward, placing her hand upon it with elegance.
Light exploded outward.
Gasps echoed through the hall.
"SS RANKED!" the principal announced, his voice practically trembling with excitement.
Professors and students leapt to their feet. The applause thundered.
Even those who doubted her abilities were now speechless.
"She really did it…"
"She's going to inherit the Spring Family legacy, no doubt about it!"
"She might be a future Duchess!"
Dozens of noble students swarmed her with praise and gifts, bombarding her with flattery.
"Lara, don't forget me when you're up there!"
"You'll become the pride of the nation!"
Lara accepted their words with an exquisite smile and practiced bows, but inside… her thoughts were bitter.
"Disgusting. All of you Hypocrites," she muttered softly beneath her breath, so quietly none could hear.
Her tone cold and Chilling too the Bone