Chapter 3: Stella
The college gates slowly emptied as the afternoon sun dipped lower.
Jule stood quietly near the entrance, hands in his pockets, posture relaxed but alert—like someone used to enduring pain without complaint.
"Brother!"
A familiar voice rang out.
Jule turned to see Alena running toward him, her academy uniform fluttering slightly as she moved. Her pink hair caught the sunlight, soft and bright, framing her gentle face.
She stopped in front of him, her eyes instantly narrowing.
"Why do you always arrive before me?" she asked, then paused.
"…And why do you have scratches on your head?"
Worry flooded her expression.
Before Jule could answer, she reached up and lightly touched his forehead, checking the wound with careful fingers.
Jule smiled faintly.
"I slipped," he said calmly. "Just clumsy as always. It's nothing serious."
He placed his hand on her head gently, ruffling her hair.
"It'll heal soon."
Alena puffed her cheeks.
"You always say that," she muttered, her ears turning red as she pulled her hand back.
Jule chuckled softly.
And together, they headed home.
---
Their house stood on the edge of Nima Village—a poor settlement inhabited mostly by commoners.
The houses were old. The roads cracked. Hunger was common here.
Some people survived by honest work.
Others… by stealing.
Alena placed her hand on the door.
"Mom! We're home!"
The door opened.
A woman stepped out.
She had the same pink hair as Alena, though tied loosely behind her head. Her beauty had not faded—but exhaustion lived deep in her eyes.
This was Elena.
Their mother.
"Go wash up," she said warmly. "I'll finish cooking."
Her health had been damaged years ago when awakened energy surged through the city. Since then, she rarely left the house.
Jule never allowed her to work again.
From the age of fourteen, he had carried the burden himself.
---
The house was small.
One room served as kitchen and dining area.
One as a living space.
One as a bathroom.
Nothing more.
Yet to Jule, it was enough.
They ate together quietly.
Elena kept glancing at Jule.
"Are you hurt again?" she asked gently. "You don't have to hide it from me."
"I'm fine, Mom," Jule replied with a reassuring smile.
"Tomorrow is the awakening. Today, I'll rest."
Alena looked at him eagerly.
"I'll help you prepare!"
Jule shook his head.
"Rest well. Both of you."
As he stood up, Elena spoke softly, her voice heavy with concern.
"Don't push yourself too hard… You've already done enough."
Jule paused, then nodded.
"I know."
---
That night, the house was quiet.
Jule spent hours reading—old awakening records, system theories, energy resonance charts. Then he sat cross-legged, calming his breathing, focusing his mind.
Not to force fate.
But to be ready for it.
---
Morning came.
Sunlight filtered through the thin window curtains.
Jule opened his eyes.
Alena was already awake, standing nearby.
"Good morning, Brother," she said, smiling shyly.
"Good morning."
"Breakfast is ready!" she said quickly, then hurried out, her face pink.
After eating, they left together.
At the college gates, Alena waved cheerfully before running off toward her building.
Jule turned toward the open field.
The Awakening Grounds.
---
The area was packed.
Students buzzed with excitement. Teachers stood in formation. Energy barriers shimmered faintly around the field.
On a raised platform sat the principal, flanked by several dignified figures—clearly nobles or high-ranking guild representatives.
Then—
"JULE!"
A bright voice called out.
Jule turned.
A young woman approached.
She had chestnut-brown hair tied back neatly, sharp eyes filled with confidence, and a body honed by constant training. Her uniform was customized, fitted for combat.
She walked with natural authority.
This was Stella.
Jule's girlfriend.
And the daughter of a powerful S-Rank Guild Leader.
She smiled warmly as she reached him.
The surrounding students stiffened.
Especially Tony.
Jealousy burned in his eyes—but he didn't dare move.
Stella's status was untouchable.
---
Stella attended only the first period—theoretical knowledge and certification. After lunch, she trained directly with her guild.
Despite that, she ranked first in practical exams.
She was exceptional.
Dangerously so.
If Jule told her about Tony…
Tony would disappear.
But Jule never did.
Because power invited retaliation.
And commoners were disposable.
Jule understood one rule clearly:
Never reveal your hand.
Never expose your blade.
---
"Hey," Stella said, tilting her head slightly.
"You seem distracted."
Jule smiled faintly.
"Just thinking," he replied. "About today."
Her eyes softened.
"Then don't worry," she said confidently.
"I'll be right here."
Around them, hatred simmered.
But Jule's gaze remained calm.
Because soon—
Everything would change.