The scent of medicinal herbs filled the academy's vast healing hall. Small torches scattered along the walls cast a warm light, dancing as if to comfort the afflicted. Saroto opened his eyes slowly, his body feeling heavy as if surrounded by mountains, but breathing became easier.
He turned to his side… and found the Star Princess sitting on a wooden chair near his bed. Her small head rested on the edge of the mattress, and she was fast asleep, unconsciously holding his hand. She seemed serene, her hair shimmering in the light, like a star descended from the sky to watch over him.
Saroto smiled briefly, a rare smile that pierced his usual composure, then it quickly vanished as he turned his gaze forwards. There, in the opposite bed, he saw Lucien lying, his face pale but sleeping peacefully. He was talking in his sleep, all because of that blind man.
Saroto felt a tightness in his chest; he wasn't used to being seen weak or lying next to his rival. He sat up abruptly, his body still weary, but his willpower stronger. He carried the Star Princess and placed her on his bed, then used teleportation and vanished from the academy.
He teleported directly to the family home. He traversed the palace corridors until he reached the massive stone gate leading to the Time Chamber. He descended the long staircase until he arrived, and there, in the center of the dark hall illuminated by the glow of crystals, he found his father.
The king of the Luin family stood in the center of the room, his broad body dripping with sweat, his hands gripping a heavy sword as he practiced repeated attacks against a void filled with immense pressure. He turned when he sensed a familiar energy, his sharp eyes settling on his son.
"Oh… Saruto? I didn't expect to see you so soon."
The son approached, his steps quick, his eyes burning with a rare seriousness. His father sat down and said, "Tell me about the academy. What was it like?" Saruto turned toward him and sat beside him, then began to speak. Everything: his duel with the Ice Heir, the cooperation test, their disastrous failure, the week-long deadline… even the coach's last words still echoed in his mind.
The father paused for a moment, then laughed, a deep laugh that came from his chest like a hammer striking iron:
"So… either you cooperate, or you're expelled?!"
He slapped his thigh and laughed again:
"That's brilliant!"
Saruto frowned, his fist clenching:
"What's so funny about that, Father…!"
But the father gradually extinguished his laughter, stepping closer, his footsteps echoing in the hall. He stood directly in front of him, raising a finger in his face:
"Then prove yourself. Show them who the Luin son is. Don't just survive… assert your dominance. Make them respect you, not because you're an heir, but because you're invincible."
His words pierced Saruto's heart like a sword. He felt a surge of energy build up inside him, a mixture of pride and defiance. He raised his head, his violet eyes gleaming like burning embers.
"I will," he answered in a low but sharp voice. "This time… I won't let anyone mock me or the Luwin family, Father."
The father smiled and gestured toward the arena within the ruins. "Then… begin training. You have a week. Make every moment worth a lifetime."
Saruto replied, "Yes, Father."
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