He turned toward Ray, Raziel Phoenix, and Lily. "Good luck. Don't let our choice affect you. The three of you are incredible."

Tears slid down his cheeks as he smiled brightly, fists clenched at his sides. "We'll meet again. Next time, we might even challenge you. Barbara and I won't fall behind."

Ray suddenly stepped forward and pulled both of them into a tight embrace. His shoulders shook with quiet sobs.

"We'll conduct the exam tomorrow," Alfred said simply, then strode out of the classroom.

*

Barbara and Volt returned to their rooms to pack.

Ray didn't know what agreements had been made behind the scenes. He only knew one thing.

Class Zero now had only three students left.

Ares was gone.

Now Barbara and Volt were leaving too.

Mom and Dad left me. Vivienne left me. Now my teammates are leaving as well.

Why do the people I care about always disappear?

Ray stared blankly out the window at the field below, sorrow pressing heavily against his chest.

Pain… and guilt.

"Hey! What's with that face?"

A cheerful voice called up from below.

Ray looked down. Uriel stood in the field, waving at him with a bright smile.

"Senior sister…" He murmured.

For reasons he didn't understand, the moment he saw her, his chest felt lighter.

"You're already this tall, yet you're still crying like a little kid?" Uriel teased.

Ray touched his cheeks. Only then did he realize they were wet.

Flustered, he wiped his face with his sleeve. "I'm fine."

"Come down," she said, beckoning.

"Oh…"

He climbed onto the windowsill. A strand of Silverfalls Vine shot out, anchoring itself, and he leapt from the fourth floor, landing lightly below.

"So cool!" Uriel laughed, clapping.

Ray scratched his head awkwardly. "It's nothing, really."

She giggled. "Alright, alright. No need to explain. So why were you crying?"

He shook his head. "Two classmates are transferring academies. I'm just… a little sad."

Uriel nodded knowingly. "You're too sentimental. It's not like you'll never see them again."

She smiled gently. "Life changes. People come and go. What matters is that you live well today. Chase your goals. Chase what makes you happy."

She ruffled his hair. "Come on. I'll take you out for something good to eat."

Before he could respond, she grabbed his hand and dragged him toward the academy gates.

Her hand was soft and warm. A faint fragrance drifted toward him, and something inside Ray loosened.

Warmth filled the emptiness in his heart.

He had been pushing forward nonstop, using cultivation and blacksmithing to numb himself. But right now… he simply needed someone.

"I'll treat you to barbecue skewers and grilled fish," Uriel declared proudly.

Ray's appetite surged.

Moments later, Uriel stared in disbelief at the growing mountain of bamboo skewers piled beside him.

Customers nearby were openly staring.

Her eyes glistened. "Junior brother… are you trying to bankrupt me?"

Ray froze, finally realizing how much he'd eaten. He looked up at her adorable pout and panicked. "I-I'll pay! Men should treat ladies!"

Pa!

She chopped him on the head. "What 'man'? You're still a kid. Eat!"

She laughed helplessly. "Even if you eat me poor, I'll just survive on the academy cafeteria."

She squinted at him. "Wait… you're that legendary Super Rice Bucket from the lower grades, aren't you?"

Ray coughed. "That… might be me."

"You're unbelievable," she laughed. "Your future wife is going to collapse from exhaustion cooking for you."

"Uriel," a voice suddenly called out.

Uriel turned toward the voice, her expression brightening the moment she saw who it was. She quickly stood up and greeted him warmly.

"Senior brother, you're here to eat as well?"

Ray's view was blocked by her figure, so he could only tell that the newcomer was a tall young man.

"Yeah," the youth replied with a broad smile. "I brought my little sister out for a meal. It's only been two weeks since I last saw you, and you're even prettier than before."

Uriel covered her cheeks shyly. "Really? Thank you, senior brother. Ah, there aren't any empty tables right now. Do you want to eat with us?"

"Of course," the youth laughed.

For reasons Ray couldn't explain, a sour feeling crept into his chest the moment he heard Uriel's gentle tone. A faint sense of hostility stirred inside him. He lowered his head, focusing stubbornly on the skewers in front of him.

"Wow," the youth exclaimed after sitting down, staring at the pile of bamboo sticks. "You guys really ate a lot."

Uriel smiled proudly. "That's because my little brother here has a huge appetite. Senior brother, I'll treat you today."

The youth shook his head with a refined smile. "How could I let a girl pay? Boss, add one plate of broiled cod and one plate of roasted chicken wings. Xiaoyan, what do you want?"

"I want skewers!" A clear, melodious voice chimed in. "Lamb and beef. Big brother, can I have some beer too? I like it. It's refreshing."

Ray stiffened.

He slowly raised his head.

The moment he saw the two sitting across from him, his mind went blank.

How small is this world?

Sitting there were Veyron Fireheart and his younger sister, Violetta Fireheart.

The arrogant ice staff youth.

And the timid girl who had hidden behind him.

Violetta Fireheart was busy choosing food while Veyron Fireheart was speaking to the owner, so neither noticed Ray yet.

"Slow down," Uriel whispered softly, leaning closer to Ray. "You're going to scare people."

Her closeness made his chest tighten even more.

Does senior sister really think of him that way?

Ray lowered his head again. It's better if they don't notice me.

After ordering, Veyron Fireheart turned back and smiled at Uriel. "Junior sister, is this really your little brother? Or does he study here?"

Uriel laughed. "Not my real brother. I just treat him like one. Oh, right! He's a genius. He's in the newly established class zero."

"Class zero?" Veyron Fireheart froze, exchanging glances with his sister.

"You know about it?" Uriel asked, surprised.

"I've heard about it recently," Veyron Fireheart replied. "My sister will be attending an intermediate academy next year, but Father wants her to enroll early and transfer into class zero. The arrangements should be almost complete."

"Transfer?" Ray blurted out without thinking.

The sudden sound drew everyone's attention.

Veyron Fireheart and Violetta Fireheart stared at him, stunned.

Veyron Fireheart's expression instantly darkened. "It's you."

Violetta Fireheart covered her mouth. "Ah… you—!"

Ray inwardly cursed himself.

Uriel looked between them in confusion. "Senior brother, you know him?"

Veyron Fireheart hesitated. If Uriel found out he had been defeated by a group of juniors, his pride wouldn't survive it.

"We don't know each other," he said coolly. "It just feels… coincidental."

"Big brother, isn't he—" Violetta Fireheart started.

Veyron Fireheart elbowed her discreetly.

Uriel immediately sensed something odd, but she didn't press. Instead, she smiled and formally introduced them.

"This is Ray from first-grade class zero. Ray, this is senior brother Veyron Fireheart, second grade, advanced division class one. He's already a three-ringed Soul Elder and might even reach four rings before graduating. And this is his little sister, Violetta Fireheart."

Veyron Fireheart's face heated slightly. Every word felt like salt on an old wound.

"Hello, senior brother," Ray said stiffly, extending his hand.

Veyron Fireheart snorted. "Junior brother is quite impressive. Could it be that your class zero was the group I ran into recently?"

Ray's scalp tingled. Is he here for revenge?

Uriel nudged him gently. "He asked you a question."

Ray glanced at her and froze.

Her eyes were still on Veyron Fireheart.

Something sharp twisted in his chest.

"Senior sister," Ray said suddenly, standing up. "I'm full. Let's go."

"Ray!" Uriel scolded, startled. She quickly turned to Veyron Fireheart. "Sorry, senior brother. I'll take him back first."

Violetta Fireheart watched them leave with interest. "So he's from class zero. No wonder. Big sister was strong enough to beat you."

Veyron Fireheart grimaced and lightly tapped her head. "Don't talk about that."

"You hit me!" Violetta Fireheart protested.

"That was patting!" he snapped helplessly.

*

"Ray, what's wrong with you?" Uriel asked once she caught up.

Ray took a deep breath, the cool air calming him.

"I'm sorry, senior sister. I wasn't thinking clearly."

She shook her head. "Forget it. I'm already full anyway. You should head back first."

He followed her gaze back to the restaurant.

He understood.

"Thank you for today," Ray said politely. "I'll return the favor someday."

She smiled. "We'll talk next time. Be careful on your way back."

She turned and ran off.

Ray laughed softly at himself.

I still like her… but there's a gap I can't cross.

And Violetta Fireheart is joining class zero…

He frowned.

She doesn't seem strong enough...

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