While Ethan trained, the heroines pursued their own growth.
SERAPHINA delved into her family's secret ice techniques, mastering spells that hadn't been used in generations. Her cold exterior began showing cracks—she sought out Ethan more frequently, claiming she needed his "predictions" for political matters.
"The Eastern Alliance is planning something," she told him during one of their evening meetings. "My sources say they'll make a move during the tournament."
"They will," Ethan confirmed. "But not the move you're expecting."
"Then what?"
"They want to kidnap someone valuable. Someone who represents the Church's power."
Seraphina's eyes widened. "Aria."
"Protect her during the tournament. Don't let her out of your sight."
ARIA struggled with the aftermath of her village's attack. She threw herself into healing training, pushing her abilities to dangerous extremes.
Ethan found her collapsed in the healing ward one night, mana depleted to dangerous levels.
"You're killing yourself," he said, carrying her to a bed.
"I have to be stronger," she whispered. "So I can protect everyone next time."
"You can't protect anyone if you're dead."
Her amber eyes met his. "How do you stay so calm? You knew the attack was coming. You saved people. But you don't seem burdened by it."
"I am burdened," Ethan admitted. "Every day, I know things that could save lives—and things I can't prevent no matter how hard I try. The weight is crushing. But I can't let it show, because people need me to be strong."
"That sounds lonely."
"It is."
Aria's hand found his. "Then let me share the weight. You don't have to carry everything alone."
[AFFECTION UPDATE]
Aria Evergreen: 45 → 58/100 (Deep Trust)
ELENA became Ethan's research partner. Together, they explored the Sage's Grimoire, uncovering secrets that shouldn't be possible.
"This section describes dimensional magic," Elena breathed, studying a page that had revealed itself to her. "The ability to fold space, create pocket dimensions... this is legendary-tier knowledge."
"Can you learn it?"
"Given time." Her eyes sparkled. "Years, probably. But imagine—if I could create a pocket dimension, we could evacuate hundreds of people during emergencies. Store supplies. Hide from enemies."
"Then let's make it happen."
Elena's growth accelerated. Her rank rose from B to B+, then to A- within two months.
VICTORIA hunted for the Frostfire Lily with obsessive determination. She led expeditions to the border regions, fighting demons and monsters for any clue.
"Come with me," she demanded one day, finding Ethan in the training grounds.
"Where?"
"The Northern Pass. My scouts found rumors of the lily. I need someone who can predict danger."
Ethan checked his system—no major events were scheduled for the next week.
"Alright."
The expedition was brutal. They fought through blizzards, battled ice wolves, and descended into caverns that hadn't been mapped. But at the end, Victoria held the Frostfire Lily in her trembling hands.
"Thank you," she said, and for the first time, her voice held no pride or fire. Just gratitude. "My aunt... she'll live because of you."
"You did the hard work. I just pointed the direction."
Victoria's golden eyes studied him. "You're not what I expected, Blackwood. When we first met, I thought you were just another weakling riding on your uncle's name."
"And now?"
"Now I think you might be the most dangerous person in the academy." She smiled—fierce and bright. "And I respect that."
[AFFECTION UPDATE]
Victoria Blackthorn: 40 → 55/100 (Growing Respect)
LUNA remained in shadows, but she was watching.
She had investigated Ethan's warning about Professor Damien and found it accurate. The professor's communications, his hidden meetings, his true allegiance—Luna had uncovered evidence that supported everything Ethan claimed.
Now she was curious.
She approached him directly for the first time, appearing from shadows in his dormitory.
"How did you know?" she asked without preamble.
Ethan didn't flinch—his [Temporal Sense] had warned him of her approach.
"Know what?"
"About Damien. About the attack. About my guild's interest in the academy." Her violet eyes were cold. "You have information that should be impossible to obtain. Even my network couldn't have gathered it."
"Maybe I have a better network."
"You don't. I checked." She stepped closer. "My father is interested in you now. He wants to recruit you—or eliminate you as a threat."
"And what do you want?"
Luna was silent for a long moment.
"I want to understand," she said finally. "You warned me. You could have used the information to expose me, to gain favor with the authorities. Instead, you helped me prepare. Why?"
"Because you're not evil, Luna. You were raised by a man who used you as a weapon, and you've never known anything else. But you have a chance to choose differently."
"You speak as if you know my future."
"I know possibilities. And in the best ones, you become a hero."
Something shifted in Luna's expression—a crack in the assassin's mask.
"My father's agents will come during the tournament," she said. "They'll try to take me back. Will you help me?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because everyone deserves a chance to be free."
[AFFECTION UPDATE]
Luna Nightshade: 35 → 48/100 (Tentative Alliance)