The rooftop was silent.
Wind brushed lightly against the edge of the building.
Kai stood there, looking down at the school grounds.
Axel leaned against the wall, arms crossed.
"So…" Axel said, "what did you call me here for?"
Kai didn't turn around.
"I need you to do something."
Axel smirked.
"That serious, huh?"
Kai's eyes darkened slightly.
"…Beat Zara."
Axel raised an eyebrow.
Kai continued, his voice cold.
"Not just a fight."
A pause.
"…Beat her badly."
Silence filled the rooftop.
Axel's smirk slowly disappeared.
"…Why?"
Kai finally turned.
His expression was unreadable.
"Because she's getting too close."
Axel stared at him.
"You want me to hurt her… just to protect your secret?"
Kai didn't hesitate.
"Yes."
Axel looked at him for a long moment.
Then he laughed softly.
"You're more dangerous than I thought."
Kai stepped closer.
"And one more thing."
Axel's eyes narrowed.
"Don't say I was behind this."
The air became heavy.
For the first time—
Axel looked at Kai differently.
Not just as a rival.
But as someone willing to cross a line.
"…You really don't care, do you?" Axel said.
Kai's voice was calm.
"I care about surviving."
Silence.
Then Axel pushed himself off the wall.
"Fine."
Kai didn't react.
Axel walked past him.
"I'll do it."
He stopped briefly.
"But don't regret it later."
Kai said nothing.
Axel left the rooftop, lightning flickering faintly around him.
Kai stood alone again.
The wind grew stronger.
He closed his eyes for a moment.
"…This is the only way."
Because if Zara found out the truth—
Everything would fall apart.
And Kai wasn't ready for that.
Not yet.
—
Somewhere in the school…
Zara suddenly stopped walking.
A strange feeling ran down her spine.
Like something bad was about to happen.
She looked around slowly.
"…What is this?"
Far away—
Axel's eyes glowed faintly.
Target locked.
The Queen…
Was about to be tested.