Just when I thought everything was going well, the world smirked in mockery.
I was at the peak of my life—Practicing combat sports like kickboxing, building a strong and athletic body.I stood tall at 188 cm, with a face people called "average"—but I liked it that way.
At 18, I had wealth most people could only dream of.Not great in school, sure.Though teachers always said I was a genius, I was just lazy. That's the truth.
Still, I was happy.Until the sickness came.
The doctor said it clearly:"You won't live long. A year at most."
I gave up everything.
No more training. No more pretending.I drowned myself in video games and novels. Escaping reality, one day at a time.
But then...That day came.
Damn it.Damn it.Damn it!
I cried, alone.I just wanted to be with my family, at least at the end.
But they had all died before me.I lived alone for four years.Never felt love. Never even tasted it.
Is this what dying feels like?A cold void…Memories of only the worst parts of life.
Until…
I opened my eyes.A huge, grand hall.Dozens of people in white uniforms with red ties.
In front of me—a girl.
Suddenly, a slap came flying toward my face.Even with the heavy weight in my limbs, I dodged.Then, my fist moved on its own—A powerful punch right to her jaw.
I was ready to strike again when a deep voice thundered:"Stop right there! Arin von Rinehafer commands it!"
I turned around—A tall man in a majestic uniform, his aura terrifying.
"How dare you strike the princess?"
I wanted to speak. But…I couldn't control what came out of my mouth:
"You filthy insect… who do you think you are, barking at me like some stray mutt?When someone like you says my name, you'd better add Lord before it."
With cold eyes, I looked at the girl."Did you try to stop her when she tried to slap me? Or are you just another royal lapdog?"
Then I turned back to the princess.
"From this moment on, anyone who chooses to be my enemy—no matter who they are—will meet the same fate.Death."
I smiled gently after that.
"Professor, what was your name again? Ah—doesn't matter.You'd better resign from this academy.You're going to cause me trouble, and I'm not in the mood for that."
"Unless, of course…you want to die."
I stepped out of the hall, calm and confident.An aura of royalty trailing behind me.
Arin's Point of View
As I watched him speak with that arrogance and overwhelming presence…A genuine smile appeared on my face.A rare thing.
Because for the first time in years…My friend—no,my brother—was starting to act like himself again.
Arin von Rinehafer.The genius of the generation.The youngest prince of House Rinehafer.
If only that incident…If only we could have prevented it…
Everything might have been different.