Several hours had passed since Angelita's last training session with Donovan.

  She sat quietly at her desk inside the academy classroom, her posture straight but her mind drifting somewhere far beyond the walls surrounding her. Though her eyes were directed toward the blackboard, her newly sharpened senses caught every sound—the faint scratching of chalk, the rhythmic breathing of her classmates, even the distant footsteps echoing through the hallways.

  Standing at the front of the classroom was their instructor.

  Her name was Emonda.

  She was a woman in her early thirties—thirty-two years old, to be precise—with long emerald-green hair that cascaded neatly down her back, framing her sharp, composed features. Her eyes matched her hair in color, glowing with a calm intelligence refined by years of authority and experience.

  She wore a tailored black suit that fit snugly around her mature figure, emphasizing her professionalism without excess. Long black stockings covered her legs, reaching just above her thighs, giving her an elegant yet commanding presence. Every movement she made—every turn, every stroke of chalk—was deliberate and confident.

  Emonda continued writing across the board, her heels clicking softly against the floor as she spoke.

  "Three centuries ago," she began, her voice clear and steady, "most nations operated under a democratic structure known as presidential rule."

  She paused briefly, letting the words settle.

  "At the time, it was considered the most effective system for maintaining national stability and political balance. A single elected leader, supported by institutions designed to limit absolute power—this was believed to be the pinnacle of governance."

  Angelita listened, her focus sharpening despite herself.

  "However," Emonda continued, turning slightly toward the class, "everything changed with the emergence of the phenomenon we now call 'Awakening.'"

  The chalk stopped.

  "Within only a single century, humanity underwent a transformation unlike anything in recorded history. Individuals began acquiring abilities, skills, and powers that far exceeded natural human limits. Strength that could shatter mountains. Perception that could span cities. Minds capable or even close to reshaping reality itself."

  Murmurs spread quietly through the classroom.

  "During this same period," Emonda said, resuming her writing, "our species discovered and learned to utilize interplanetary portals—natural spatial gateways scattered across the world. Though they originally appeared as unstable phenomena, they were later reinforced and modified, made visually distinct so they could be located and regulated."

  She glanced over her shoulder.

  "Through these portals, humanity expanded beyond Earth. Borders lost meaning. Distance became irrelevant."

  Angelita's fingers curled slightly against her desk.

  "Under such circumstances," Emonda continued, "many among the Awakened began to view presidential rule as… insufficient."

  Her eyes narrowed subtly.

  "When a single individual could rival an army—or overturn the laws of physics themselves—systems based on collective agreement and delayed authority no longer functioned as intended."

  She turned fully toward the class.

  "And so," she said calmly, "the Awakened acted."

  A heavy silence filled the room.

  "They rejected presidential rule entirely and enforced a new system—one they believed better suited an age of power."

  Emonda raised one finger.

  "Monarchy."

  She wrote two words across the board in bold letters:

  Modern Monarchy

  "One king per nation," she explained. "Absolute authority, backed not by votes, but by overwhelming power. This structure minimized internal conflict, stabilized planetary expansion, and ensured that only the strongest—those capable of protecting their people—stood at the top."

  She set the chalk down.

  "This is why our current era is officially referred to as the Age of Modern Monarchy."

  Emonda folded her arms, surveying the classroom with composed authority.

  "So," she concluded, her emerald eyes sharp and observant,

  "are there any questions?"

  Angelita remained silent—but inside, her thoughts stirred violently.

  (A world ruled by power…)

  (A system where strength defines order…)

  Her mind drifted—inevitably—back to Donovan.

  To a being who stood far beyond kings, beyond monarchs, beyond systems themselves.

  And for the first time since the lesson began, Angelita realized something unsettling.

  This world…

  had been shaped to survive beings like the Awakened.

  But it had never been prepared for someone like The Creator.

  Angelita's drifting thoughts were pulled back to reality as Emonda's calm, authoritative voice cut through the classroom once more.

  "As for the abilities system," the teacher continued, turning slightly to face the students, "it follows a structured hierarchy—ranging from Basic, to Advanced, and finally Rare abilities."

  She tapped the board lightly with her chalk.

  "Basic abilities are relatively simple in nature. They offer limited effects and rarely influence the surrounding environment in any significant way."

  Angelita listened quietly, her eyes attentive despite already knowing much of this.

  Emonda continued without pause.

  "As I explained earlier, abilities are divided into several functional categories. Some are defensive, focused on protection and resistance. Others are offensive, designed purely for attack and destruction. Finally, there are physical abilities, which enhance the body itself—strength, speed, endurance, and perception."

  She turned her back to the class and began writing once more, neat lines forming across the board.

  "That is all you need to know regarding abilities and skills for now," Emonda said calmly as she set the chalk down.

  "The rest… depends entirely on your own effort, understanding, and potential."

  Angelita lowered her gaze slightly, her thoughts racing.

  (I already knew all of this from the System…)

  (But hearing it explained like this—by an actual instructor—still feels exciting.)

  Her lips curved into a faint smile.

  (I can't wait to meet the Creator again—

  I mean… Donovan.)

  Meanwhile, Emonda finished adjusting the board and turned to face the class once more, her expression carrying a subtle spark of enthusiasm.

  "Now," she said, "we're going to move on to another fascinating topic."

  She stepped aside, revealing what she had written in bold letters.

  The Universe

  A quiet murmur spread across the classroom.

  "And now," Emonda continued, "we'll begin with a few questions about this incredible universe we inhabit."

  She folded her arms lightly.

  "I'll ask, and you will answer."

  The class nodded almost in unison.

  "Good," she said with a satisfied hum.

  She paused briefly, letting the tension build.

  "So—my first question is this:

  What is the size of the universe?"

  Hands shot into the air across the classroom.

  Some students wore confident expressions, convinced they knew the answer. Others hesitated, clearly afraid their knowledge might be incomplete—or worse, incorrect.

  (Hmm… who will she choose?) Angelita wondered.

  Emonda's emerald eyes scanned the room carefully before stopping on a particular student.

  "Leon Albert," she said. "Would you like to answer?"

  A boy with striking red hair and sharp yellow eyes looked up in surprise.

  "Of course, Miss," Leon replied smoothly.

  He stood and walked toward the board with steady confidence.

  As he moved, his gaze briefly shifted—and for a single moment, his eyes met Angelita's.

  (…!)

  Angelita stiffened.

  Something about him felt… off.

  No—strong.

  It wasn't something she could explain logically, but her instincts reacted immediately. Her enhanced senses whispered that Leon was no ordinary student.

  Leon stopped in front of the board and began speaking.

  "There have been countless theories regarding the formation of the universe," he said confidently. "Each theory giving birth to new interpretations, repeating endlessly."

  He glanced briefly at the board.

  "Some suggest the universe is constantly expanding without limit. Others argue it is finite, constrained by dimensions beyond our perception."

  He paused, then smiled faintly.

  "But regardless of perspective… the most widely accepted conclusion is this—

  the universe is infinite in size."

  A brief silence followed.

  Then—

  Emonda began clapping.

  "Well done," she said with clear approval. "That was an excellent explanation, Leon. You may return to your seat."

  Leon nodded and walked back to his desk.

  As he passed Angelita, he glanced at her once more—this time wearing a faintly smug smile.

  Angelita puffed out her cheeks slightly, shifting uncomfortably in her seat.

  This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  (W-What was that look supposed to mean…?)

  Before she could spiral further, a familiar voice snapped her back to reality.

  "Hey—are you okay?"

  Angelita turned to see Aurexia leaning closer, her brow raised with concern.

  "Oh—uh—yeah!" Angelita replied quickly. "I'm fine. Sorry."

  Aurexia studied her for a moment, then shrugged.

  "Heh… you've been zoning out a lot lately."

  Angelita laughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of her head.

  (If only you knew…)

  Somewhere deep inside, she could feel it.

  This classroom—

  These students—

  Even this world—

  Everything was slowly being drawn into something far greater.

  And at the center of it all…

  stood The Creator.

  "Alright, class," Emonda said as she closed her notebook with a soft snap,

  "that concludes today's lesson."

  A brief pause followed as her sharp emerald eyes swept across the classroom.

  "Don't forget—the virtual battle is tomorrow," she continued, her tone firm.

  "I expect to see students who truly deserve to stand here."

  Her gaze hardened slightly.

  "As for the rest…"

  She sighed quietly.

  "I don't think I need to say anything more. You already know."

  With that, Emonda gathered her papers and walked toward the door.

  Just before stepping out, she paused.

  She glanced back over her shoulder, her expression unreadable—yet heavy.

  She already knew where the virtual battle would lead.

  Victories.

  Failures.

  Broken confidence… and shattered dreams.

  And yet—

  Perhaps…

  Just perhaps…

  There was still a faint glimmer of hope.

  At least, that was what she believed.

  A small, almost melancholic smile curved her lips before she turned away, closing the door behind her with a soft click.

  The classroom fell quiet.

  Angelita watched the door long after it had shut.

  Something felt… strange.

  She tilted her head slightly.

  She could feel it.

  Sadness.

  Regret.

  A quiet weight lingering in the air—emotions that hadn't been spoken, yet were undeniably present.

  (…Wait.)

  Angelita blinked.

  (How do I even know that?)

  Her thoughts drifted back—

  Back to the forest.

  Back to Donovan.

  Back to the moment her body and mind had changed.

  (Enhanced Senses…)

  A realization struck her.

  (Does this skill stay active all the time?)

  The System responded instantly.

  — Answer —

  — The skill remains active by default to ensure the Master's safety and to prevent unforeseen variables. —

  Angelita frowned slightly.

  (Hmm… that's convenient, but… won't that strain my body?)

  There was a brief pause.

  Then—

  — Answer —

  — Initiating side-effect analysis. —

  — Researching… —

  — Research complete. —

  Angelita held her breath unconsciously.

  — There are no negative side effects associated with the skill, Master. —

  Her shoulders relaxed.

  (Oh… then that's a relief.)

  She leaned back in her chair slightly, thinking more carefully.

  (So that means… unless I push Enhanced Senses to its absolute limit, it won't drain much energy, right?)

  The System replied without hesitation.

  — Answer —

  — Correct, Master. —

  Angelita exhaled softly, a faint smile forming on her lips.

  (That means I can rely on it…)

  Her gaze drifted toward the window, where sunlight spilled gently into the classroom.

  (Tomorrow's virtual battle…)

  (I won't lose.)

  Not after everything she had gained.

  Not after meeting him.

  Somewhere deep within her chest, resolve burned quietly—steady, unwavering.

  And unseen by anyone else…

  Her senses continued to observe everything.

  A short while later, the bell rang—its sharp echo signaling the end of the school day.

  Angelita rose from her seat, calmly gathering her books and slipping them into her bag. The classroom slowly emptied as students chatted among themselves, the noise gradually fading into the corridors outside.

  She stepped toward the door.

  Before her hand could reach the handle, a firm touch landed on her shoulder from behind.

  A chill ran down her spine.

  "May I speak with you for a moment?"

  The voice was calm—controlled.

  Angelita turned slowly.

  Standing behind her was Leon Albert.

  "Y-Yes… of course," Angelita replied, her tone cautious rather than afraid.

  Leon smiled politely and brushed a lock of red hair away from his eyes, straightening his posture as if reminding himself who he was.

  "Allow me to introduce myself properly," he said.

  "I am Leon Albert, the Tenth heir of the noble Albert Family."

  Angelita blinked once.

  "…Okay?" she said flatly. "And?"

  For a brief moment, Leon hesitated.

  A faint sheen of sweat appeared on his temple as his gaze—unintentionally, or perhaps not—drifted downward to her breasts. Angelita noticed immediately.

  Her posture was relaxed, her school uniform fitting naturally against her frame, her chest rising subtly with each steady breath—nothing exaggerated, nothing intentional. Yet Leon's eyes lingered just long enough to betray him.

  "Ah—!" He quickly looked away.

  "I—I apologize," he said hurriedly. "I was… staring earlier. That was improper behavior for a nobleman."

  Angelita narrowed her eyes slightly.

  (Arrogant.)

  (At least he's honest about it.)

  Before she could respond, Leon cleared his throat and continued.

  "Anyway… I wanted to speak to you about tomorrow."

  Angelita stiffened.

  "The virtual battle?"

  Leon nodded, stepping a little closer—but not crossing the line.

  "I can make it easier for you to win."

  Angelita's eyes widened—not with excitement, but disbelief.

  She took a half-step forward, her movement natural, uncalculated. The motion caused her uniform to shift subtly with her body—something Leon clearly noticed, judging by the faint hitch in his breath.

  "And how exactly do you plan to do that?" Angelita asked, her voice sharp but controlled.

  Leon leaned in, lowering his voice to a whisper near her ear.

  "We bribe a few students," he said casually.

  "Most of them will agree. Everyone here comes from influence families. If things go wrong, they'll simply transfer to institutions that suit their… needs."

  Angelita froze.

  For several seconds, she said nothing.

  Then—

  She stepped back.

  Her expression hardened.

  "How dare you."

  Leon blinked.

  "Eh?"

  "How dare you offer me something like that," Angelita said coldly.

  "I don't approve. Not even for a second."

  Her voice didn't shake.

  It didn't waver.

  Before Leon could respond, Angelita turned sharply and stormed out of the classroom, the door slamming shut behind her with a loud echo that silenced the hallway.

  Leon stood there for a moment.

  Then he laughed softly to himself, eyes gleaming.

  "…Even when she's angry," he muttered, lips curling into a grin,

  "she's still incredibly attractive."

  He adjusted his coat and walked off in the opposite direction.

  Angelita moved quickly through the academy's luxurious hallways, marble floors reflecting the golden light from above.

  Her fists clenched at her sides.

  "I won't," she whispered under her breath.

  "I won't cheat."

  Her steps slowed.

  "I'll succeed through my own hard work…"

  Her grip tightened around her bag strap.

  "…Otherwise, I won't be able to look my mother in the eye."

  Her thoughts drifted—unbidden—to a tall figure beneath an endless sky.

  "…Or him."

  Her resolve settled deep within her chest.

  Tomorrow, she would fight honestly.

  No shortcuts.

  No compromises.

  Only her strength.

  Angelita exited the academy, weaving her way through the crowd of students pouring out of the gates. The noise of chatter and laughter slowly faded behind her as she turned onto the path leading toward the forest.

  (I should go to Donovan.)

  (This will be my last training session.)

  (At least the virtual fight was postponed until tomorrow…)

  A faint sense of relief settled in her chest.

  She lifted her gaze toward the sky, the sunlight filtering through drifting clouds. Slowly, she closed her eyes—and her thoughts slipped back to the previous day.

  She had been running toward the academy at full speed, her breath uneven.

  (I'm going to be late!)

  (How did an entire day pass without me noticing while I was contemplate to acquire that skill?!)

  The realization had struck her in a strangely exaggerated, almost cartoonish way—panic mixed with disbelief.

  Bursting through the academy gates, she rushed straight to her classroom: Class 2-B.

  She slipped inside and froze.

  The teacher wasn't there yet.

  Angelita exhaled quietly and walked to her seat, sitting down as if nothing unusual had happened. She straightened her posture, smoothing her uniform, trying to look perfectly composed.

  Time passed.

  Then, finally, the classroom door opened.

  "Good morning, everyone."

  A woman stepped in and walked toward the board with confident strides. She picked up a piece of chalk and wrote her name clearly.

  Emonda

  When she turned to face the class, her sharp yet calm gaze swept across the students.

  "I'm your new instructor, Miss Emonda. I was recently transferred here, and before we begin, there's something important you need to hear."

  The room fell silent.

  "Ahem."

  She unfolded a piece of paper and began reading aloud.

  "To all students:

  The virtual fight has been postponed from today to two days from now due to technical issues with the arena.

  Thank you for your understanding.

  —The Principal."

  She lowered the paper and placed it on the desk.

  "That's all. Let's proceed with today's lesson."

  Without pause, she turned back to the board and began explaining a physics topic.

  Angelita, however, barely heard a word.

  Her attention lingered on the announcement.

  (The virtual fight was postponed…)

  (Was it really just technical issues?)

  (Or is there something else going on?)

  The question lingered at the back of her mind, unsettling but distant.

  The memory faded.

  Angelita opened her eyes as the forest path stretched before her once more. The scent of earth and leaves filled the air, calming her racing thoughts.

  (Either way…)

  (I need to focus on my training with Donovan.)

  (This session matters.)

  A quiet excitement bubbled within her.

  Her steps grew lighter, her pace quicker.

  Her eyes shimmered—bright and determined, sparkling like distant stars—as she continued forward.

  (I'm ready.)

  Angelita ventured deeper into the forest, her footsteps carrying her through paths she knew by heart.

  This forest had always been her refuge.

  Back when the world had labeled her as worthless—before her Awakening, before her life had changed—it was here that she came during her darkest moments. Among the trees and shadows, she had found something she never did among people: quiet acceptance.

  She continued forward until she reached the familiar clearing.

  The place where she and Donovan had trained.

  She stopped and slowly scanned her surroundings.

  (Hmm… where is the Creator?)

  Her gaze swept across the clearing once more.

  Then her eyes landed on the large stone where Donovan had once been seated.

  Angelita walked closer.

  What she saw made her pause.

  From the exact spot where Donovan had sat, flowers had begun to bloom—petals of red, white, and yellow intertwining naturally, as if the land itself had responded to his presence.

  (…Amazing…)

  A faint sense of awe stirred within her.

  She tore her eyes away from the flowers and looked around again.

  (But where is the Creator…?)

  Her brows furrowed slightly.

  "This is strange… The last two times, He was already here."

  Angelita began pacing around the clearing, her eyes searching every corner.

  This was the first time she had arrived and not immediately found Him.

  A subtle wave of unease crept into her chest.

  Then—

  Her expression shifted.

  (Enhanced Senses.)

  A spark of realization lit up her face, and a small smile appeared.

  (System, can you locate Donovan?)

  The response came instantly.

  —Executing—

  —Searching…

  —Search complete.—

  —The Creator is located a short distance away, near a river.

  Angelita's smile widened.

  "Oh—! I know exactly where that is," she said softly, excitement creeping into her voice.

  "He must be there!"

  Since childhood, she had wandered this forest countless times. Whenever she felt rejected or alone, she came here—to breathe, to think, to exist without judgment.

  Even when she had no one, the forest had never turned her away.

  Angelita broke into a run, weaving swiftly between trees as she headed toward the river.

  Her heart raced—not from exhaustion, but anticipation.

  (I'm coming, Donovan.)

  Eager to see Him once more, she disappeared deeper into the forest, the sound of rustling leaves trailing behind her.

  Two minutes later—

  Angelita arrived at a massive waterfall, its roaring cascade pouring endlessly into a long, winding river below.

  Mist filled the air, glittering faintly as sunlight filtered through the canopy above.

  Donovan sat at the river's edge, his posture calm and unmoving, eyes fixed on the falling water.

  To him, the droplets did not rush.

  They drifted.

  Each bead of water collided, separated, and merged again at an impossibly slow pace—so slow it was as if time itself dared not flow without his permission.

  Angelita watched him from behind a nearby tree, careful not to make a sound.

  (He's… so quiet.)

  Not peaceful.

  Not relaxed.

  Just… absolute stillness.

  Then—

  Donovan's eyes shifted slightly.

  Without turning his head at first, his gaze rolled effortlessly to the side.

  A heartbeat later, he turned and looked directly at her.

  Angelita jolted in exaggerated surprise, her body stiffening comically as her eyes widened.

  "W-Wha—?!"

  "Well done," Donovan said calmly.

  His voice cut through the sound of the waterfall with ease.

  "As expected, you're using your Enhanced Senses far more efficiently," he continued.

  "Once I allowed you to perceive my presence, you located me almost immediately."

  His expression did not change.

  Indifferent. Emotionless. Absolute.

  "Good job."

  Angelita slowly stepped out from behind the tree and approached him, stopping just beside where he sat.

  Her Enhanced Senses were still active.

  And because of that—

  She felt it.

  An unnatural warmth surrounded Donovan.

  A colossal aura—white and black intertwined—enveloped him completely. It wasn't violent, yet it radiated an overwhelming pressure, as if reality itself bowed quietly around him.

  Angelita swallowed.

  She glanced at Donovan, who continued to watch the waterfall as if nothing unusual existed.

  Then—

  He shifted his gaze toward her.

  The moment their eyes aligned—

  Snap.

  The effect vanished.

  Her senses abruptly returned to normal.

  Angelita's eyes widened, and she instinctively opened her mouth to speak—

  But Donovan spoke first.

  "You don't need to see everything," he said calmly.

  "Believe me."

  He paused, then added flatly,

  "I merely deactivated the skill. You can reactivate it later."

  His tone was cold, but each word carried undeniable authority.

  Donovan rose to his feet.

  Angelita remained frozen, still processing what had just happened.

  Then he turned fully to face her.

  "Now," he said.

  Her heart skipped.

  "This final lesson will not grant you a new skill."

  Angelita stiffened.

  (Not… a skill?)

  Confusion flashed across her face.

  Then—Donovan continued.

  "But it will determine whether you survive using the ones you already have."

  Her breath caught.

  "I will teach you hand-to-hand combat."

  "Eh?!"

  Angelita exclaimed, her eyes widening in pure shock.

  Hand-to-hand combat?

  Against him?

  . . .

  Did you notice that?

  Good…

  Then, welcome to my world.