Jin liked small things.
Shared meals. Dumb jokes. The illusion that tomorrow was guaranteed.
"Oi, Jin!"
Kera dropped into the cafeteria seat across from him, tray piled dangerously high. "Big news. Rexin University applications are officially open."
Jin paused mid-bite.
Rexin University.
The place for geniuses. Monsters. Prodigies.
"You're applying again?" Jin asked.
"Third time," Kera said proudly. "You?"
Jin nodded. "Yeah."
For the first time, it didn't feel impossible.
Classes passed quickly. Afterward, Jin trained until sweat soaked his uniform. His Martial Saint talent dissected every movement, refining techniques endlessly.
Observers whispered.
"If only he'd awakened earlier."
"He could've been something."
That evening, Jin returned to the Yooha estate.
Dinner was formal. Executives discussed profits, armor exports, casualty rates beyond the walls.
Arin sat at the head.
"You applied to Rexin," she said quietly.
"I did."
"You don't need to chase me," she said.
Jin met her gaze. "I'm not."
For a moment, her legendary composure cracked—and she smiled like a sister, not a godslayer.
That night, Jin slept deeply.
He dreamed of a sky without walls.