Kain's Room / Morning
A curl of smoke drifted lazily toward the ceiling as Kain leaned against the open window.
Wearing nothing but his briefs and a smirk that hadn't left since last night.
The cigarette between his fingers burned slowly, the scent mixing with the faint breeze from outside.
Behind him, the sheets shifted.
Lupa stirred first.
Her silver-white hair spilled across the pillows, catching the light like soft threads of silk.
She sat up quietly, her golden eyes blinking slowly as she took in the room and him.
"You're up early," she murmured, voice still heavy with sleep.
"Didn't sleep much," Kain replied without looking back.
He exhaled smoke.
"Had too much on my mind"
There was a pause.
The kind where something could break, but didn't.
"Want me to make breakfast?" she offered, her voice gentle.
She pulled the blanket around herself and rose from the bed quietly.
Her six tails moved behind her, slow and fluid.
He glanced over his shoulder, catching her gaze.
"I'll grab something at the mess hall," he said.
"Didn't think you'd be up yet"
"I don't like waking up without you nearby," she said simply, walking toward him.
She didn't reach for him; she just stood close, her eyes warm.
"But I get it"
Kain raised a brow.
"Get what?"
She smiled, small and sincere.
"Sometimes, people just need a little quiet"
On the bed, Aqua was still asleep, breathing softly.
Her hair framed her face like a painting.
Even in sleep, she looked calm, too calm.
She hadn't said a word when she left the bed during the night.
She'd just returned later, curled into the far side, and drifted off again.
Kain crushed the cigarette in the ashtray.
"I've got plans today," he muttered.
"Combat practice. Might swing by the forge after"
"Want me to come?" Lupa asked, brushing her hair behind her ear.
"I don't mind tagging along"
'And risk Aiden seeing us? No, thank you'
Kain shook his head.
"Nah. You've got your own classes. Don't skip for me"
She hesitated, then nodded.
"Alright. Just… don't forget about lunch, okay?"
He smirked.
"I'll try"
Lupa leaned in, kissed his cheek gently, and padded off toward the bathroom, humming under her breath.
Kain stood there for a moment longer, glancing between the two girls.
His smile didn't fade.
If anything, it grew a little.
Because as much as he pretended to care about peace and routine, he knew what was coming next.
And it had everything to do with a certain blonde idiot… and the three girls still clinging to him.
Combat Field / Late Morning
The training grounds buzzed with the sound of steel clashing, spells crackled, and dust kicked up under boots as students dueled under the sharp eye of (a new) Professor Ryden.
Over by the shade of a lone tree, Kain stood comfortably against the trunk, arms folded, a wooden sword balanced against his shoulder like it was more of an accessory than a weapon.
Ruby leaned against his side, chewing gum as she watched the students with disinterest.
Lyla sat nearby on a bench, legs crossed and sketching lazily in a notebook, while Darcy and Alyssa argued softly over whose last duel had been more impressive.
Beatrix, already in gear and fresh from a sparring match, trotted over with a satisfied smirk.
"Knocked him flat in three moves," she said proudly.
Kain gave her a thumbs-up.
"You're slacking. Should've been two"
Beatrix laughed, grabbed her water bottle, and leaned her hip against his side.
"Give me a real challenge, then"
"I'm off-duty. Watching peasants duel is enough entertainment for now"
"You're such a jerk," Ruby muttered, smiling.
"Yeah," Lyla added, not even looking up from her sketch.
"It's why we like him"
Just then, across the field, a familiar voice rang out.
"Kain! Yo!"
Kain's gaze drifted lazily toward the source.
There came Aiden, grinning widely like he'd just unlocked the meaning of life, with Hazel, Holly, and Nina walking behind him.
Nina looked alert, Hazel calm as ever, and Holly stuck close, trying not to meet anyone's gaze.
Kain didn't wave, just nodded once.
"Morning"
Aiden jogged over, full of cheer.
"Didn't expect you here already"
"Early bird," Kain replied.
"Or something"
Hazel gave Kain a polite nod.
"Good morning"
Nina scowled, eyeing the group of girls at Kain's side.
"...Five, huh?"
'Is she judging me? Acting like Aiden wasn't going to do the same had I not taken Lupa and Aqua…'
Darcy smirked and threw an arm around Kain's shoulders.
"Jealous?"
"Not even," Nina snapped.
Holly gave a tiny bow.
"It's nice to see you, Kain"
"Likewise," he said, giving her a quick, unreadable glance.
Aiden, still clueless as ever, clapped his hands together.
"Let's warm up with some sparring. I feel good about today"
Beatrix raised a brow.
"That's cute"
Aiden pointed at Kain.
"What about you? Spar with me?"
Kain raised an eyebrow.
"Are you sure you want to do that?"
"I mean, I've gotten better," Aiden said.
"Besides, we're friends, right?"
Kain gave a long, amused smile.
"Always"
Five Minutes Later
He stood barefoot on the practice mat, wooden sword already tossed aside like yesterday's trash.
He cracked his knuckles, stretching his neck.
Aiden blinked.
"You're not using a weapon?"
"I don't need one to babysit," Kain smirked.
From the sidelines, Ruby was sprawled comfortably, smirking like she was watching a romance drama.
Alyssa had her chin in her hands, sighing with dreamy eyes.
Beatrix kept count of every move, analyzing.
Darcy bit into a peach, juice dribbling slightly down her fingers.
Lyla, as usual, was drawing, probably a study of his footwork… or his jawline.
And above it all, the familiar transparent text hovered just for him.
[Hazel | Affection: 6% | Loyalty: 5% | Lust: 4%]
[Nina | Affection: 5% | Loyalty: 6% | Lust: 7%]
[Holly | Affection: 5% | Loyalty: 5% | Lust: 4%]
'Slow burns,' Kain mused, stepping onto the mat.
'Like cooking soup made of betrayal and future tears'
Aiden raised his sword, his expression serious.
"Don't go easy on me"
Kain only smiled.
The clash wasn't a clash.
It was art. Kain dodged, weaved, and tapped Aiden's shoulder with two fingers.
"You dropped your stance again"
Aiden corrected himself, sweat on his brow.
His swings were faster, sharper than before.
Still messy, still hopeful.
"You've been practicing," Kain muttered.
"Trying to impress someone?"
Aiden turned slightly red, stealing a glance toward the girls.
Hazel was watching, eyes narrowed.
Holly looked like she wanted to cheer, but didn't know how.
Nina was practically biting her lip, trying not to shout advice.
Kain grinned to himself.
'They're watching you now, Aid. Good'
He swept Aiden's leg, but caught him before he hit the ground.
"You want their attention? You're getting it. Keep this up, and they'll be yours"
Aiden blinked.
"You think so?"
"Yeah," Kain said warmly, patting his shoulder.
"You're not the same mess you were a month ago"
As Aiden turned, something pinged:
[Hazel | Affection: 7% | Loyalty: 6% | Lust: 5%]
[Nina | Affection: 6% | Loyalty: 7% | Lust: 8%]
[Holly | Affection: 6% | Loyalty: 5% | Lust:6%]
Kain chuckled under his breath.
'Perfect. Grow little flowers. Bloom under his sun. So I can rip you out later'
The match ended with a palm tap to Aiden's chest that sent him gently sprawling.
The girls clapped. Aiden laughed, rolling onto his back.
"I yield"
Kain offered him a hand, grinning.
"Good. Wanna get something to eat?"
"Yeah." Aiden smiled.
"Thanks, man"
Kain's Room / Lunch / After 3 Classes
Smoke coiled lazily toward the ceiling.
Kain, in nothing but black slacks and a satisfied grin, leaned back in his chair, cigarette in hand.
The door was locked.
The curtains were drawn.
Hot and fragrant lunch sat between him and Luna, already lounging on his bed.
She was curled around a pillow, silver-white hair tumbling over her shoulder, golden eyes fixed on him like he might disappear if she blinked.
Her robe was loose, one side falling just enough to tease but never tell.
"You were five minutes late," she said.
"You're obsessed," Kain replied with a smirk, setting the tray on the nightstand.
"I got held up. Aiden still needs his best friend to talk to"
Lupa rolled her eyes.
"Is he still blaming that blue-haired 'bastard' for everything?"
Kain barked a laugh, taking a long drag.
"Yeah. Shame he never existed"
"You're evil"
"Thank you," he said, taking a seat beside her and picking up a skewer.
"Now eat. I made it myself"
She did.
Graceful, quiet, only a faint hum of approval escaped her lips.
That was how Lupa loved.
No fireworks.
Just hunger and worship in every glance.
Kain watched her for a second, flicking ash into the tray.
Outside, the campus buzzed.
In the courtyard, Aiden was smiling again, flanked by Hazel, Nina, and sweet Holly trailing behind.
Trying so hard.
Moving on.
Lupa rested her head against his side, eyes closed.
"You're going to break them, aren't you?"
Kain leaned down and whispered into her hair.
"I'm not breaking them. I'm just giving them the warmth he can't give"
Courtyard / Aiden's POV
"Thanks for lunch," Nina said, arms crossed but voice gentler than usual.
Her tail flicked once, betraying her mood.
Hazel was beside her, holding a book she hadn't read a single page of, and Holly walked a half-step behind, holding onto the hem of Aiden's coat like she always did when she was unsure.
"I-It was nice…" Holly mumbled.
Aiden rubbed the back of his head, laughing awkwardly.
"I mean, I didn't cook it or anything, but hey, I got coupons"
"You're a dork," Hazel muttered, but her lips twitched upward.
Kain's Room
He leaned by the window, cigarette back between his lips, Lupa curled behind him on the bed.
He exhaled slowly, lazily.
"They're smiling too much," he muttered.
"Mm," Lupa hummed.
"Should I be jealous?"
"Nah," Kain said, grinning.
"I'm just making sure my investments are maturing"
[Hazel | Affection: 14% | Loyalty: 12% | Lust: 8%]
[Nina | Affection: 11% | Loyalty: 14% | Lust: 7%]
[Holly | Affection: 15% | Loyalty: 16% | Lust: 9%]
"All right, I'm heading to class," he said, getting up, putting on his pants.
Lupa gave him a quick peck before lying back down.
Magical Item Creation Class
"Today," Professor Myrren announced, her voice as crisp as her silver glasses, "you'll be working in teams of two"
"Your task is simple: craft a unique magical item using raw aether and base materials. Imagination will be graded"
"Execution doubly so"
The room buzzed.
Rows of workbenches shimmered with softly glowing ingredients, crystal cores, enchanted threads, shards of mana-forged stone.
Aiden looked around, hopeful.
"Hazel, wanna—?"
"Partnered with Nina," Hazel said, already walking away.
Nina rolled her shoulders.
"Try not to blow us up this time"
Aiden scratched his head.
"Uh… okay, what about—"
"I'm doing the project with Miss Ruby," Holly said as Ruby walked towards them with a smirk.
Aiden blinked.
"Wait, then who am I—"
"Partnered with me," came the smooth, honeyed voice from behind him.
Aiden turned to see Kain already pulling on gloves, his eyes bright with mischief.
"Relax. I'm good at pretending to be useless," Kain said with a wink.
Aiden frowned, confused.
"Pretending…?"
[System Activation…]
[Team Formed: Aiden & Kain]
[Group Bond Perception: False Unity | Stability: Fragile]
[Secret Objective: Corrupt Aiden's Image of Friendship — Progress: 44%]
Kain leaned in close as he examined the available materials, arms crossed casually.
"So what are we building?" Aiden asked, already gathering some mana stones.
Kain pretended to ponder.
"Something sentimental. Something that 'means something,' y'know? Girls love that"
"You really think so?"
Kain smirked.
'No. But they'll love that I made it'
He picked up a fragment of star glass and held it to the light.
"How about a locket that records the wearer's strongest memory?"
"Ohh, like… You give it to someone and they can replay it when they miss you?" Aiden grinned.
"That's genius!"
"Yep. Genius," Kain handed him the glass, watching his enthusiasm bubble over.
Behind them, the girls peeked.
Hazel's gaze lingered longer than needed.
Holly smiled softly.
Even Nina gave a rare, approving nod.
Ruby, of course, was doing her part to lighten the mood.
[Hazel | Affection: 16% | Loyalty: 14% | Lust: 9%]
[Holly | Affection: 17% | Loyalty: 18% | Lust: 10%]
[Nina | Affection: 13% | Loyalty: 16% | Lust: 8%]
Kain casually reached over, adjusting Aiden's casting angle.
"You're not charging the core right. Here, focus like it's someone you care about"
Aiden turned a bit red.
"W-Well, I guess I'd imagine Holly…"
"Atta boy," Kain said with a wolfish grin.
'So, Holly might be my next target, eh?'
Professor Myrren passed by, her silver-rimmed glasses flashing as she peered down at their work.
"Impressive locket design, boys," she said, arching a brow.
"Just don't overload the memory crystal. Unless you want someone stuck crying in a loop"
"Sounds romantic," Kain replied smoothly.
Aiden blinked.
"W-We'll be careful, Professor!"
As she moved on, Kain leaned back in with a smirk.
"Although… imagine Hazel screaming your name on repeat"
"W-What the hell, man?!"
Kain just chuckled, flicking the edge of the locket.
'Relax, loser. I'm just making sure the memory she relives next has me in it'
[System Update…]
[Hazel | Affection: 18% | Loyalty: 15% | Lust: 10%]
[Holly | Affection: 20% | Loyalty: 20% | Lust: 12%]
[Nina | Affection: 14% | Loyalty: 18% | Lust: 8%]
He whistled in his head.
'Hot damn. The half-elf's slipping. Nina's twitchy. And Hazel… is one more smile away from "accidentally" brushing my hand'
Across the room, Ruby met his gaze and winked.
'See? Some girls just get it'
Then—
"Locket's ready!" Aiden said brightly, holding it up.
A soft glow pulsed from the locket.
A small projection flickered to life, a laughing Holly brushing hair behind her ear.
Kain tilted his head.
"Aww. Sentimental"
'Cute. Now imagine what she'll do when I give her a memory with her knees over my shoulders'
He clapped Aiden on the back.
"You're gonna make her cry, pal"
Aiden beamed.
"You really think so?"
"Oh, yeah," Kain grinned.
"You're halfway there"
[Secret Objective Progress: 57% — Corrupt Aiden's Image of Friendship]
[Bonus Path: Emotional Substitution — "I want someone like Kain…"]
Class wrapped.
Students cleaned up.
Hazel gave him a second glance.
Holly twirled a strand of hair.
Nina said nothing, but her eyes lingered.
Kain rolled his neck and stretched.
"Alright, champ. Go write poetry or whatever it is you do"
"Wait, where're you going?"
"To be remembered"
He strolled off, hands in his pockets, a smirk planted deep.
Evening / Zenith Academy Library
The scent of sea salt clung faintly to the air.
Kain sat back in a quiet corner of the library, the flickering lantern light painting soft shadows over his sharp jawline.
A book lay open in his lap, though he hadn't turned the page in minutes.
Aqua sat across from him, her hair flowing like water over one shoulder, eyes fixed on his face instead of her scroll.
She wore a sleeveless satin robe, modest but regal, half siren, half scholar.
"You always knew how to get my attention," she murmured, voice smooth.
Kain gave a slow, amused smile.
"That's because you never stopped giving it to me"
Aqua leaned forward just slightly, arms folding over the table.
"I should be insulted"
"You're too proud to be insulted," he said, resting his chin on his knuckles.
"And too smart to lie about missing me"
Her eyes gleamed.
"Careful. I might fall for you again"
He chuckled under his breath.
Footsteps echoed softly nearby.
Kain didn't look.
He felt her before she spoke.
Holly.
Her presence was lighter than most, like she was always tiptoeing around the world.
But this time… she wasn't sneaking.
She stopped at the row, frowning.
"…Kain!... Aqua…"
"Holly," Aqua said pleasantly, turning just enough to give her a small, knowing smile.
"Didn't expect you in the library this late"
Holly crossed her arms.
"Didn't expect you in his corner!"
Kain raised an eyebrow, smirking.
"Territorial, are we?"
Holly flushed.
"No—! I'm just saying. She left Aiden heartbroken, so I was expecting his best friend to be with such a… lady"
Aqua gracefully stood, walking a finger along the table as she passed Holly, eyes cool and shining.
"So just because I fuck over my ex, means I can't hang out with a friend?"
"Oh, please," Holly muttered.
"Don't try to trick me with your lies. Besides, you and Lupa both need to apologize to Aiden!"
Aqua laughed, low and silvery.
"You've been hanging around Hazel too much. That almost made me feel bad"
"You!"
Kain chuckled, standing now, slipping the book closed in one hand.
"Ladies, behave," he said lightly.
"This library's already full of fragile paper. Don't want to risk a catfight, now do we?"
Aqua smiled, brushing her fingertips across Kain's sleeve as she passed him.
"Until our next meeting!"
And then she was gone, no smug smirk, no cold shoulder.
She just had confidence as she walked off.
Holly watched her leave, then looked at Kain.
"…You two aren't—"
"Please," Kain scoffed, stepping closer.
"I'm not going to fuck my best friends ex, that just leaves a bad taste in my mouth"
Holly didn't answer right away.
Her arms slowly dropped to her sides.
"Aiden trusts you, as do we, as you helped him out after both breakups"
Kain tilted his head.
"Is that so?"
She swallowed.
"Yes. And besides, don't you have your girls to keep you company?"
He stepped in, eyes searching hers.
"Of course I do, but it doesn't hurt to explore my options, does it?"
[System Notification…]
[Holly | Affection: 28% | Loyalty: 30% | Lust: 17%]
[Emotional Conflict: Protective | Envious | Hopeful]
["He really looks at me when no one else does…"]
He offered her the book.
"Walk me back?" he asked, as if it were the simplest thing in the world.
Holly blinked.
Nodded.
And the smallest smile tugged at her lips.
"…Sure"
Outside the Dormitory | Night
The night air was cool.
Lamps burned low along the stone path, casting long shadows as Kain and Holly walked side by side.
Kain's coat billowed slightly with his stride, the book tucked under his arm long forgotten.
Holly walked just behind him, close enough to speak, far enough to think twice.
She had that look again.
Like her thoughts were loud, but her lips wouldn't budge.
Kain broke the silence.
"You glare like you're trying to murder the wind"
"I wasn't glaring," she said quickly, then frowned.
"…Maybe a little"
"Still upset about Aqua?"
Holly huffed.
"She shouldn't be near you"
Kain smirked.
"Didn't know I was on a leash"
"You know what I mean," she muttered, hugging her arms.
"You're important to Aiden, Kain. And girls like her don't change"
He let the silence stretch a moment.
Then, casually: "So I should only spend time with girls who hate other girls, then?"
"That's not—!"
He looked at her sideways, amused.
"Relax. I didn't say I liked her"
"She was just sitting there looking pretty and acting like she owned the air. You think I'm weak enough to fall for that?"
Holly hesitated.
"…No"
"Good answer"
They stopped just before the dorm steps.
Kain turned to her, leaning one shoulder lazily against the banister.
"You're always this protective of your friends' friends?"
She looked at him, really looked.
The way his eyes sharpened in the dark.
The slow smirk that played on his lips like he already knew the answer.
"You're not just anyone," she said softly.
Kain tilted his head, like that actually caught him off guard for half a second.
Then—
[System Notification]
[Holly | Affection: 31% | Loyalty: 32% | Lust: 18%]
[Emotional Conflict: Guarded | Jealous | Longing]
["He talks like he doesn't care… but he always walks me home when Aiden can't"]
He smiled lazily and held out the book.
"Walk me back tomorrow, too?"
"…Sure," she said before she could think better of it.
But just as he stepped toward the dorm, a soft, eerie chime echoed in his mind like glass ringing underwater.
[System Notice: You Are Being Summoned / Headmistress Iris]
Kain blinked once, then sighed.
"Of course she wants me now"
Holly tilted her head.
"Who does?"
"Headmistress," he said, tapping the book against his palm.
"Probably wants help grading essays or burning down another failed summoning class"
"…Be careful," she said quietly.
Kain looked at her, surprised by the softness in her voice.
Then he stepped close, so close her breath hitched.
He leaned in and whispered near her ear.
"I don't need luck when I've got you watching over me"
And just like that, he turned and walked off, hands in his coat pockets, not even looking back.
Headmistress Iris's Office | Moments Later
The scent of dark roses and ink filled the chamber.
Bookshelves lined the walls in perfect order, and at the center of it all sat Iris, perched like a queen behind her desk, pen stilling as the door clicked shut.
"You're late"
Kain strolled in like he owned the place, eyes sweeping her from glasses to heels.
"You summoned me during foreplay, so forgive the delay"
Iris gave him a long, unimpressed look, though her lips twitched faintly.
"You say the most idiotic things with such confidence"
"Wouldn't work otherwise"
He stopped in front of the desk, glancing at the Rift map glowing on her tablet.
"So. Another tear?"
"Southern ward," she said, tapping it.
"B-Rank Rift. Signs of goblin movement. No casualties yet, but I want it handled before that changes"
"Alone?" he asked.
"You're faster than a squad. More efficient, too. You've done it before"
She stood, walking around the desk with that feline grace she always wore like perfume.
He smirked as she approached.
"Trying to butter me up before you risk my life?"
"You don't need buttering," Iris said coolly, adjusting his collar.
"You live for this"
Kain's hand slid around her waist without hesitation.
"I live for many things"
Their lips met, brief but hot, a spark crackling in the quiet.
He pulled back, whispering against her skin.
"Keep my bed warm"
"Keep your heart beating," she replied, smoothing his coat.
He gave a low chuckle and turned away.
"No promises"
Then the door clicked shut behind him, leaving the office heavy with lingering heat.
1 Hour later | Inside the B-rank Rift
The last goblin gurgled on its own blood, twitching on the ground before finally going still.
Kain exhaled through his nose, he shook his hands to wipe the blood off.
Around him, the forest clearing was littered with the mangled bodies of the goblin clan that had made this part of the Rift their den.
He stepped over a scorched corpse, brushing dust off his coat.
[System Notice: Rift Objective Complete | 34 Goblins Eliminated]
[Reward: A Sub Heroine is Detected]
'A sub heroine? In this rift?'
Kain's eyes narrowed.
A rustle.
Soft footsteps.
Too light for a goblin male.
He turned, calm, casual, and then he saw her.
A girl.
No, not quite human.
Not quite goblin.
Her skin had a soft moss-green tint, like faded jade.
Her ears were pointed, twitching nervously beneath long black hair braided with feathers and tiny bones.
She wore rough leather stitched together from scavenged scraps, and her hands trembled where they hovered near the bone dagger at her belt.
Her golden-yellow eyes widened as they met his.
She didn't attack.
She looked like she wanted to run, but her legs refused.
[??? | Affection: 1% | Loyalty: 0% | Lust: 2%]
[Species: Goblinoid Variant]
[Hidden Trait Detected: Recessive Human Bloodline]
[Threat Level: Low]
Kain tilted his head.
"...You're not like the others"
The girl flinched at his voice, taking a half-step back.
"You… you killed them…"
"Yup," he took a lazy step forward, eyes locked on hers.
"Just doing my job"
She swallowed, trembling.
"I… I wasn't going to fight you. I just… I just wanted to see…"
"To see what?" he asked.
Her lips moved, but no sound came out.
[Emotion Detected: Fear | Curiosity | Grief]
"I didn't have a choice," she finally whispered, staring at the ground.
"They… they told me to stay hidden. Said I was too soft. Too human"
Kain's gaze softened for just a moment.
"…Well, they weren't wrong"
She looked up sharply, breath caught in her throat.
"But lucky for you," Kain continued, taking off his gloves one finger at a time, "I've got a soft spot for things that don't quite belong"
She blinked.
Confused.
Scared.
Still not running.
"I won't fight you," she said quickly.
"I swear it"
"Oh, I know," he stepped forward again.
"You're trembling too much to even hold that dagger"
Her fingers gripped the dagger tightly, though her arms shook as if barely under control.
Kain's lips curled into a slow grin.
"You got a name?"
She hesitated.
Then—
"…Yani"
"Yani, huh?"
His grin widened, eyes gleaming.
'Thanks again, Aiden, well… it's not like you would have gotten your hands on her anyways'