As the fight went on, Luna finally lost.
With one final, elegant strike, she was thrown back across the arena. Her body rolled a few feet before she slowly sat up, breathless. Melissa stood tall, calm and composed. Her diamond-like eyes sparkled under the sunlight, and her long snow-white hair flowed behind her like a goddess descending from the mountains. She was stunning—no, beyond stunning.
Wiping the sweat off her forehead, Melissa looked satisfied. Despite being a senior, she seemed genuinely thrilled to have fought such a capable junior. In her eyes, Luna had potential. She knew Luna would grow strong soon, maybe even surpass her one day.
I watched the whole thing with amusement, one brow raised.
And now, the next match was starting.
Miguel.
Like the determined protagonist he was, he stepped forward with that classic hero's glint in his eyes. His opponent? A senior. But not just any senior—Prince Sean Red.
A prince of a major kingdom.
Sean was tall, with crimson hair that matched his fiery name and sharp, hawk-like eyes that scanned Miguel with a mix of disdain and curiosity. He wasn't pure evil, but he was definitely possessive—especially over his fiancée, Amy.
Amy, one of the heroines.
In the game, Miguel and Amy would slowly develop feelings for each other. That was when Sean would snap. Driven by jealousy, he'd try to eliminate Miguel—turning from a rival to a villain. Their engagement would eventually be broken, and as the Hero, Miguel's rising authority would make him untouchable. After all, a Hero held great power, second only to the gods. He was humanity's shield against the Demons, especially with the Demon King's resurrection looming.
The fight began.
Sean moved first—quick, powerful strikes, his sword flashing in the air as he pressed Miguel back. He had the upper hand, dominating the pace of the match.
But to everyone's surprise…
Miguel was holding his own.
Five minutes passed. The two clashed again and again, blades ringing through the air as they unleashed their skills and abilities.
Most seniors in this academy were around C or D rank. If someone had reached C-rank as a student, it meant they had the potential to one day become S-rank—a pillar of humanity. A future protector. Melissa was C-rank. Sean too.
Miguel, right now, was only G+ rank. Same as Luna. Andrea was probably a solid G rank at this point.
But ranks weren't everything.
Experience. Battle sense. Mastery of one's ability. Sometimes, that mattered even more.
Besides, the seniors were still holding back. It was only an evaluation, after all.
Then, suddenly—it happened.
Miguel's body began to glow.
Light wrapped around him, threads of divine energy flowing like mist into his body. Slowly, a shimmering sword began to manifest above his chest, its form ethereal and majestic. The entire arena stilled.
It was mesmerizing.
His already handsome face seemed to be enhanced by the glow, like he'd stepped straight out of a holy painting. His presence alone made people forget to breathe.
I sighed. Of course.
The Holy Sword.
It didn't make sense to appear during the exam… but it did. Somehow, some way, fate had decided to make it happen now. I didn't know why, but this was already predetermined. The sword had chosen him.
The girls in the audience gasped, some placing their hands over their hearts as if they'd been pierced by cupid himself. Even Fatty, sitting beside me, was gripping the edge of his seat while still munching on his snacks.
Professors stared in shock.
"That… That's…"
They were speechless.
This wasn't just some flashy display—this was a miracle.
If word got out that a Hero had awakened here at this academy, their prestige would skyrocket. The professors were already mentally writing letters to the royal court, imagining the rewards they'd receive.
Andrea, who was gripping my arm tightly, didn't even realize she was cutting off my circulation.
Well, not that I minded.
Honestly, even I had to admit… it was impressive. That sword… it radiated something divine. The moment was undeniably glorious.
Then the fight resumed.
Miguel moved like a Sword God—graceful, precise, powerful.
Sean, now taking the fight seriously, unsealed his own strength. His power surged—he was now at least F-rank. The two clashed again. A storm of energy burst around them.
But in the end, Miguel still lost.
Sean's experience and raw power still outclassed him. But no one cared. The moment the Holy Sword appeared, Miguel's status had already changed.
He was now the Hero.
Chosen.
The entire arena erupted in cheers. Students jumped, clapped, and shouted his name. Miguel, blinking in confusion, was completely stunned.
He didn't even realize what he had just done.
Why was everyone cheering when he'd just lost?
He awkwardly walked back to the seats, still dazed. Fatty gave him a thumbs up, his mouth full of food. Even Luna—cold, stoic Luna—glanced at Miguel. For a split second. Miguel turned crimson.
Then, a professor approached and whispered something into his ear. His face turned pale.
"Did I do something wrong?" he asked.
Sighing, he stood and followed the professor, heading to the office with the same energy as someone walking toward his execution.
I watched him go, chuckling quietly.
And then it happened.
"Andrea, you're up!"
Her name was called.
I smiled, leaned in close, and whispered in her ear, "If you make it to the Top 5… I'll kiss you again. Not on the forehead this time."
Her face exploded into a deep shade of red, her eyes widening like I'd just dropped a marriage proposal.
I chuckled, thoroughly amused.
But then… she glared at me.
Not with embarrassment.
With annoyance.
A pouty, angry look twisted her lips, and honestly… it was even cuter than before. Her cheeks puffed, her brows knit, and she looked like an angry bunny.
"I'm serious," I teased. "That kiss might move a little lower—"
She shot me one final glare.
Then turned around, practically stomping her way down to the arena.
I blinked.
…She was actually angry?
For the first time, I didn't know what to do. That pout wasn't just cute—it was dangerous. I suddenly had the overwhelming urge to grab her and squeeze her cheeks, but she was already halfway to the center.
I sighed and sat back.
Andrea was about to show the world what she could do.
And if she actually made Top 5?
Well…i already know that she will be at Top 5 So I'll give her different Reward she seem angry by my Teasing.