There was an assembly today instead of classes—more preparation for the festival. Students who weren't entering the tournament were assigned tasks like running food stands and putting up flyers around town.
Since Aura and Fenix were participating, they were taken to the battlefield, where the rules were reviewed in detail.
"The arena is 50 by 25 feet. If you're knocked out of the ring, you lose. If a battle lasts longer than five minutes without a clear victor, it's declared a draw—except for the final match, which has no time limit. There are no restricted attacks, but killing your opponent is strictly prohibited. If an accident occurs, medical staff will be nearby to treat anyone in critical condition. Any questions?"
Fenix raised his hand."You may ask," Janx said.
"Is it okay to release my seal during battle?"
Janx, who was overseeing the rules today, lifted his list and scanned through it."Name?"
"Fenix."
As Janx read through Fenix's file, a bead of sweat formed on his temple."…Although you are equipped with a level 10 seal, you are only permitted to release two levels of it. Your power has a tendency to become unstable and difficult to contain."
Fenix pouted."That's no fun."
Janx gave an awkward laugh."Any more questions?"
A girl in an orange shirt raised her hand."Yes, you."
"Is there a tag team event this year?"
Janx shook his head."We're saving that for the summer festival."
She looked disappointed.
Aura then raised her hand."Yes, Aura?"
Several students glanced at her—she was somehow the only one whose name Janx consistently remembered.
"The battles are single rounds, correct?"
Janx nodded with a smile.
"…Also… do you know what kind of food will be served this year?"
Janx tapped his chin."I believe it's hot wings and pizza—mostly party foods. There will also be stands selling chocolate-covered bananas, funnel cakes, hot dogs, and ice cream. I also heard something about guacamole… and both a chocolate and cheese fountain."
Aura's stomach rumbled audibly at the thought. She quickly looked down, hoping no one noticed.
"Thank you," she said quietly.
Janx scanned the group again."Any more questions?"
No one responded.
"Alright, everyone is dismissed except those assigned to kitchen duty."
Some students sighed. Aura was free to leave—and Fenix followed close behind her.
Extra: Fenix's Point of View
I could feel the drowsiness creeping in, and I couldn't help but yawn. Aura was writing diligently, and the only thing keeping me awake was how cute her serious expression was.
"Fenix!" Ms. Emerald shouted.
I lifted my head. She pointed at the equation on the board."Answer this."
She usually teaches chemical explosives, but occasionally switches to math—which, in my opinion, is incredibly stupid.
"The answer is 4k² over k³ times 3."
She smiled widely, placing her hands on her cheeks, blushing."You never cease to impress me."
Her expression made me feel like I might vomit… but I held it in.
When class ended, I helped Aura pack her things. She seemed like she wanted to say something, but was too embarrassed. I pretended not to notice—until she suddenly blurted,
"I'm so sorry, I have to go to the bathroom—um! I'll be right back!"
And just like that, I was alone.
I slung both of our bags over my shoulder and waited outside Madam Vanessa's classroom.
"Oh, hey Fenix. You're alone for once."
A girl I didn't recognize approached me.
"Yeah."
She hesitated."So… I heard you're dating Aura now."
"Yeah."
"…Well… I've been meaning to talk to you for a while. I mean, it's awkward now that you have a girlfriend, but… I don't want to give up without ever trying."
Her feelings were obvious.
So was my answer.
"That's unfortunate. I don't have time today—and I never will. You should feel grateful I'm even speaking to you now, because it won't happen again."
Her expression crumpled—shock, then hurt.
For a moment, I almost laughed.
Then Aura came running back.
The moment I saw her, everything else disappeared.
Her small frame rushing toward me, her uniform slightly disheveled—it made my chest tighten in a way nothing else could.
My irritation vanished instantly.
"I'm sorry I made you wait," she said, not even noticing the girl beside me.
"I would wait forever if I had to," I replied. I meant it.
She blushed. I smiled.
"I can take my bag now," she said softly, eyes downcast.
She never looks at me during moments like this.
I handed it over.
By then, the other girl had quietly left.
Relief settled in.
"Aura… before we go in… can I kiss you?"
Her eyes widened, cheeks flushing deeper.
"…You don't need to ask things like that…"
I leaned in and kissed her.
Her lips parted—so I deepened it.
She dropped her bag.
I laughed softly against her lips before pulling away.
Aura quickly crouched, fumbling to pick it up."Let's go to class now," she mumbled.
"As you wish."
I followed behind her.
I don't stand a chance.
There's no way I could ever resist a girl like Aura.
Main Story (Same Day)
Aura found it hard to concentrate in class. She kept stealing glances at Fenix, who sat beside her, smiling in her direction—making it nearly impossible to focus.
"Alright, everyone, hand in your homework."
Fenix submitted his report first. Its sheer thickness made Aura feel disheartened. Still, it was too late to add anything, so she handed hers in as it was.
The class reviewed Chapter 32.
When it ended, Aura turned to him."I won't be beaten by you again!"
Fenix laughed."What are you talking about?"
Aura pouted.
"You're too adorable, Aura."
Flustered, she threw her bag at him. He caught it easily.
"You! Carry that for me!"
"I will," he replied with a smile.
She turned and ran off.
"There will be no sparring today," Cleaver announced. "With the tournament approaching, you will focus on stretching and training. Choose a partner."
Aura pouted. Fenix looked delighted.
"Aura and Fenix are prohibited from partnering."
The temperature in the room spiked instantly. Heads turned toward Fenix—his hair almost flickering like fire.
"As the strongest students, you should help others improve."
"Teacher…" Fenix's voice dropped, sharp and dangerous. "I do not want to work with anyone but Aura."
Some students began fainting from the heat. Only Aura and Cleaver remained unaffected.
"Your classmates need your help. You can't cling to Aura forever."
Fenix clicked his tongue."If I hadn't promised not to cause any incidents—"
Before he could finish, Aura kissed his cheek.
"I'm happy you want to work with me… I want that too. But please don't get so upset. We can spend extra time together after school, okay?"
The heat vanished instantly.
"Alright!" Fenix replied, smiling.
Cleaver wiped sweat from his forehead."Everyone, choose partners."
Before anyone could move—
"Any boy who tries to partner with Aura gets a broken arm!" Fenix shouted.
Every boy immediately reconsidered.
They began with stretches, followed by observation, advice, and stamina work. The class ran two hours longer than usual.
Fenix looked drained—for the first time, Aura saw him genuinely tired.
"You look worn out," she said, clearly amused.
Fenix groaned, then leaned forward and rested his head on her shoulder.
"I am tired… so let me sleep over again."
Aura blushed.
"Th-that… why can't you sleep in your own room? It's closer…"
Fenix straightened and met her eyes.
"I have trouble sleeping when you're not beside me. And… you promised we'd spend more time together."
Aura turned away, hiding her blush.
"You're right… I did promise."
Then, more quietly—
"Can we… go on a date too? I mean—if you're not too tired…"
Fenix chuckled, covering his mouth before meeting her eyes again.
"I have enough energy for that."
Two weeks passed quickly, and before anyone realized it, the Festival had begun—it was time for the tournament.
Aura had prepared a special leotard for the occasion, while Fenix remained in his usual school uniform.
"Isn't that hard to move in?" Aura asked, scanning him in the waiting room.
"I'll manage… plus it's fireproof, so it's the most convenient thing I own for fighting."
Aura's eyes widened in realization, and she nodded."Oh—I understand!" she said, smiling.
Fenix's lips trembled as he tried to suppress his own smile, but failed."You're just too adorable, Aura."
She pouted at that."Oh—and you look very sexy in that skin-tight outfit. It's hard not to think about ravishing you."
"How can you say that so calmly?!" Aura shouted, turning bright red.
Fenix traced his fingers lightly along her waist. Aura flinched and stepped back.
"It's easy to say because it's the truth," he replied, smiling, his hand still lingering in the air where she had been.
Unable to respond, Aura bit her lip and looked down. Fenix stepped forward and pulled her close.
"How about we make another bet… on who wins today?"
"That's fine…" Aura said after a moment. "If I win… you have to give me your virginity."
Fenix's body temperature spiked instantly, and he pushed her back—gently, but fast.
"Eh—um… fine. If I win… we skip class for a day and spend all that time together instead."
Aura tilted her head, amused."You're surprisingly pure for someone who just threatened to ravish me."
Fenix turned away slightly."I… will. It's just…"
He exhaled, and the air around them seemed to cool.
Aura reached toward him, wanting to comfort him—but before she could, the announcer's voice boomed through the arena.
"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the Annual Spring Festival at Maledictus Academy! Take your seats—the main event is about to begin!"
Cheers erupted. After a moment, the announcer continued:
"First up, we have an A-ranked student—Vision! Versus a B-ranked student—Hydro! Don't let the ranks deceive you—those are based on academics. This should be a close fight!"
The two stepped forward, bowed, and took their stances.
"FIGHT!"
Vision's eyes shifted from silver to green—subtle, but unmistakable to anyone paying close attention. In the same instant, his body split into ten identical copies.
"It appears Vision has created clones! What a turn of events!" the announcer exclaimed.
Hydro scanned the surrounding figures, then dropped into a defensive stance. All ten Visions attacked at once. Contrary to expectation, they weren't illusions—each strike carried weight.
Unable to defend against all of them, Hydro exhaled deeply and dissolved into mist.
The clones scattered, searching.
Then suddenly—one of them choked violently and collapsed.
"What's this?! Hydro has launched a hidden attack!" the announcer shouted. "How will Vision handle an opponent he can neither see nor touch?!"
The choking clone convulsed—then exploded.
From the center of the blast, Hydro reformed, breathing hard.
Vision smiled.
"You fell for the illusion."
In the next instant, all of the remaining clones detonated at once, smoke swallowing the battlefield.
When it cleared—
"Vision is the winner! Vision wins!"
Medics rushed in to carry Hydro away while Vision exited without a word.
A five-minute intermission followed.
"Your match is next, right?" Aura asked, absently allowing Fenix to hold her.
"Mm… you might as well be naked," he murmured, eyeing her figure.
Reflexively she slapped him and in a flustered voice said,"Answer my question!"
Fenix laughed, catching her hand, pulling it from his cheek and pressing a kiss to her palm."Don't hit so hard—you'll hurt yourself."
Aura yanked her hand away, blushing fiercely."D-do you have a match next or not?"
Fenix smiled at her, almost fondly."Yeah… I do."
Aura suddenly leaned in and kissed him, catching him off guard.
"Well—good luck!" she said, far too loudly.
Fenix chuckled, leaning close to her again."I don't need luck. I'll win regardless."
Aura closed her eyes as he kissed her back.
"Couldn't you two have a little more consideration for the rest of us?!" one of the other fighters snapped.
A few others grumbled in agreement. Soon, cups, shoes, and whatever else people could grab were tossed in their direction—
But Aura and Fenix didn't even react.
They just kept kissing.