Several hours later, Lucy, Beatrice, Gray, Ryoichi, Tom, and Armin were strolling through one of the gardens at Versalkin Academy.
Their expressions varied as they wandered through the exceptionally beautiful garden.
"There isn't much time left before the academic year ends. The mid-term exams are approaching, and the final exams will follow just a few days later."
A faint smile appeared on Gray's face as he gazed up at the star-studded sky.
Lucy also wore a gentle smile, reflecting on the memories they had shared over the past few months.
"It has truly been a wonderful year—though everything, whether beautiful or ugly, must eventually come to an end."
"We've learned and grown so much this year, ever since we met Tom, Armin, Yuta, and Previka."
"I've come to realize something I hadn't understood before: strength has nothing to do with bloodlines. Talent can be bestowed upon anyone, regardless of their origin or race."
The others looked on with mild surprise at Lucy's words.
"You've really evolved; you're far more level-headed than you used to be. It seems Duchess Amelia Eliana will finally be able to rest easy after all these years."
Lucy's expression shifted to one of annoyance as she listened to Beatrice.
"Still, you're heading in the right direction. Keep it up."
Beatrice let out a deep sigh as she looked toward her companions.
"That said, there's something strange about Yuta. Haven't you noticed how peculiar his power is? Even the 'Eye of Truth' doesn't work on him." "His strength is truly strange. I've cleared several dungeons alongside him, yet I have yet to see him use any of his abilities."
The expressions of the others shifted as well.
"True, you're right. Even though I've faced him in several sparring matches and watched him fight, he only employed his swordsmanship against Gia Guilford, and he displayed his raw power against Guther. As for his specific abilities, he's only shown one—the power he used to heal us and restore Lucy's heart to its former state."
"He hasn't used any offensive or defensive abilities—or any other kind, for that matter—up to this point. On top of that, he possesses an overwhelming presence that compels you to submit, as if you were standing before a seasoned, ruthless ruler."
Ruichi's tone was laced with doubt as he recalled the events of the past few months.
"Guys, even we haven't used our own abilities. Have you forgotten that none of us knows what the others are capable of? How could you expect him to reveal his?"
Everyone turned to look at Armin, whose face betrayed a hint of concern. Yet, they couldn't help but agree; they, too, had kept their own abilities hidden—though they knew that, sooner or later, the time would come when they would have no choice but to reveal them.
They continued on their way, trying to steer the conversation toward other topics, but that didn't stop doubt from creeping into their hearts.
"I want to ask you all something."
Lucy's face showed a touch of embarrassment, a nervous smile playing on her lips. Beatrice, Gray, Roichi, Tom, and Armin all looked at her with expressions of bewilderment. They didn't quite grasp what she was driving at, but the look on her face soon made it clear.
"Don't tell me you mean..."
"Yes."
Gray narrowed his eyes slightly as he looked at her; he understood what she was asking, and the others did as well.
"Do Yuta and I... make a good match?"
Lucy's face flushed with intense embarrassment. Gray let out a laugh, but he quickly stopped when he noticed the disapproving glares from everyone else.
"Sorry."
"It's alright."
They turned their attention back to Lucy, only to find that her embarrassment had deepened even further.
"Well, perhaps to some extent. But isn't the relationship between your father and Yuta quite strained right now? Didn't Yuta threaten to kill your father—Duke Belgord Ketali?"
Upon hearing Tom's words, Lucy's expression shifted from shock to sadness. She was well aware that her father harbored a deep, intense hatred for Yuta.
Furthermore, the relationship between Yuta and Belgord was indeed fraught with tension—even though Lucy's own relationship with her father had improved, given that she was living at her family's estate, as the city of Kesmburg is located within the territory of the Verselkin Academy. The Versalkin Academy was one of the greatest and most venerable institutions, housing 90% of the world's accumulated knowledge across various fields—most notably mana and magic, the very disciplines for which the Kathali family was renowned.
Throughout its history, the family had produced sixty-five "Emperors of Magic," including Lucy's grandfather and great-grandfather.
For this reason, the family's founder—the first Emperor of Magic in human history—chose to establish the family estate in the Kingdom of Athrias, located in the western part of the continent.
Furthermore, their responsibility for studying ancient grimoires and magical texts was another reason they had remained in the city of Kasemburg for thousands of years.
Although more than fifteen million years had passed since the founding of the Kathali family, if measured by the standards of the real world, this duration would equate to only one or two thousand years.
"Yes, you're right—but there's still a chance to mend the relationship between them, isn't there?"
"Indeed. There is still plenty of time to repair the bond between your father and Yuta."
A faint smile graced Lucy's face as she listened to Ruichi's words.
Suddenly, Ruichi stopped in his tracks. The others looked on, puzzled, while an expression of shock—tinged with a mix of bewilderment, surprise, and doubt—washed over his face, as if he had just realized something significant.
"What is it, Ruichi? Why did you stop?" Gray's expression—along with those of the others—was filled with bewilderment, prompted by Ryuichi's sudden halt and the abrupt shift in his demeanor.
"Am I the only one who noticed that Gia Guilford looks like a female version of Yuta? The resemblance is striking—it's as if she's an exact replica, only she's a girl instead of a boy."
Everyone's faces registered shock as they took in Ryuichi's words.
It was plain for all to see; the likeness between Yuta and Gia was extraordinary. While it might be conceivable for two people of the same gender to share an identical appearance, the fact that they were of opposite sexes A degree of resemblance like this goes beyond the bounds of mere coincidence.
Coincidences happen, certainly—but not to this extent. Even twins of the same sex often differ in various ways.
While some might share the same tone of voice, they are, at the very least, of the same gender—both male or both female.
But for one to be a boy and the other a girl—yet bear such a striking resemblance that it is nearly impossible to tell them apart, save for their biological differences and the distinct feminine physical traits Geya possesses—is something that cannot be explained away as a mere coincidence.
"Once, I asked to spar with Geya, but it felt as though I were standing before Yuta Caseral himself. They are alike in every respect: their mindset, their commanding presence, their fighting style, and their way of thinking. Even when they speak to one another, their voices sound almost identical—as if the very same person were speaking."
A look of sudden realization washed over everyone's faces as they began to piece the events together.
"Yes—they even share the same aura. Do you all remember the Academy Tournament?"
Everyone nodded, recalling the event.
How could they possibly forget that tournament—the one where Lucy nearly lost her life, where Yuta fought three arbiters, and where he killed an assassin named Agid with such brutality that, in the eyes of the people across the Central Continent and the four other continents, he appeared as nothing less than a monster?
Observing their expressions, Gray decided to continue. "I heard from some students that Yuta spoke with Jiya on one occasion, and that he visited her several times afterward."
"Furthermore, I've heard that Yuta Caseral prepares food for her every single day and delivers it to her personally. I followed him once and saw him enter the training facility where Jiya practices; he would stay there for an hour each time."
"It seems there's a connection between him and Aster Guilford—the daughter of the Magic Emperor—but something tells me there's more going on between them, something we know nothing about."
"You all know how Yuta's mind works. He wasn't swayed by either Lucy or Prefica, even though they are among the most beautiful girls in the academy."
Tom rested his chin on his hands, trying to piece together the recent events and connect them with what Gray and Ryoichi had said.
But then, Armin interrupted, drawing everyone's attention to a spot he was pointing toward.
"Look—Yuta and Jiya! They're walking around together!"
Everyone's expressions shifted to astonishment as they watched Yuta and Jiya strolling together.
They looked so much alike that anyone unfamiliar with them might have mistaken them for twins, rather than two individuals from entirely different families.
Or, at least, that's how it appeared to them.
Lucy's expression soured as she glared at Jiya.
"Seriously? He's only known her for a few days, and already he's out on a date with her—while I'm stuck walking around with an idiot like Gray!" Gray's expression soured at Lucy's insult, but he chose to let it slide, deciding not to argue with her for the time being.
---
Yuta was strolling through the gardens of Versalkin Academy with Gia.
Gia glanced toward the source of a gaze she had sensed, only to find several people staring at her and Yuta with looks of utter astonishment—though there wasn't a hint of admiration to be found on any of their faces.
"Aren't those your classmates from the elite class? Gray de Molière, Ruichi de Molière, Tom Fragelsen, Armin Stolvin, Lucy Kethali, and Beatrice Azwasen?"
Yuta followed Gia's gaze and saw them staring back, their expressions filled with shock. Lucy, in particular, wore a look that seemed to be a mix of jealousy, surprise, and disbelief—or something to that effect.
"Why don't we go over to them, and then head to where we were planning to go?"
Gia listened to Yuta's suggestion, her expression remaining calm, before nodding in agreement.
With her consent, the two of them made their way toward his classmates.
---
"Yuta and Gia—together, as a couple? No, no, no! Why on earth? Oh, Yuta, my dear—to think you've been snatched away from me so quickly!"
"I still remember the day he pulled me against his chest. It was as hard as rock, yet, at the same time, incredibly warm."
"Perhaps we've misunderstood the situation; maybe they just happened to run into each other by chance." "If that's the case, then I'll confess my feelings to him."
"But what if he rejects me?"
"What? You love me? I can't believe you interpreted our friendship that way! What a disgusting girl you are!"
Lost in her own fantasies, Lucy didn't notice that Yuta was approaching them.
"No, no, no! What if he doesn't feel the same way? I've only been looking at this from my own perspective... Wait a minute! Didn't he tell Previka that they were alike?"
"Yes, that must mean Yuta likes strong girls—so he can produce strong offspring! He thinks just like Previka does. And I'm strong too; I could bear strong children—that's sure to convince him!"
"Besides, if he didn't love me, why would he have saved me from those kidnappers who wanted to seize my contract with the Ruler of Time, Chimera? And why would he have defied my father, Blagord Kethali? And why would he have used such unique abilities to bring me back to life?"
"All of this points to one thing... Yuta loves me!"
As Lucy remained deep in her romantic reverie, a look of bewilderment crossed Armin's face. He watched as her expression shifted—from tension to anxiety, and finally to pure joy.
Armin shook her shoulder, snapping her out of her thoughts.
"Lucy... Lucy... Lucy, wake up!" Lucy's expression shifted to one of shock as she looked at her companions, who were staring back at her in bewilderment—a realization that left her feeling rather embarrassed.
As she gazed at them with an awkward, sheepish smile, she caught sight of Yuta and Jiya, which only deepened her shock and embarrassment.
"When did you two get here?"
"Just a moment ago, but you didn't notice us arrive—you were completely lost in thought."
Jiya's expression remained calm and indifferent as she looked at Lucy and the rest of the group.
"By the way, were you two on a date? Did we interrupt you?"
There was a hint of mockery in Gray's tone, prompting Lucy to strike him in the side.
Gray clutched his side, wincing slightly, and shot Lucy an annoyed look—but she simply ignored him.Exactly.
"I'm sorry about what Gray said. He's an idiot—you know that as well as anyone."
Jia's expression remained calm as she listened to Lucy's apology. She then glanced at Yuta for a few seconds, as if trying to discern the source of their assumptions through him.
But Yuta's face was cold and unreadable, so she turned her gaze back to Lucy.
"We aren't on a date..."
A sigh of relief escaped Lucy—unintentionally—which made it clear to Jia that Lucy had feelings for Yuta.
Even so, Jia chose to ignore it; she herself felt no love for Yuta—her feelings toward him were entirely different, bearing no resemblance to love at all.
"Regardless, the situation is not what you think."
Everyone's expressions shifted to confusion. If they weren't on a date, what exactly were they doing together at this hour?
Noticing the skepticism on their faces, Yuta and Jia realized that the others had misunderstood the situation—and, in fact, had interpreted it even worse than before.
"I was training at the facility, as I usually do, when Yuta arrived. He told me he's planning to raid an XX++ rank dungeon this Friday—in two days' time. He asked me to walk with him in the garden so we could decide which specific dungeon to target and what supplies we'll need."
Jia stopped speaking and looked at them, only to see that their expressions had turned to ones of embarrassment.
Still, she chose to ignore it. It is only natural that a young man and a young woman walking around alone at nine o'clock at night would arouse a great deal of suspicion.
Silence descended upon the scene for several minutes, before Yuta broke it with his usual, steady tone.
"There is another reason why I asked her to walk around with me. She has been overtraining—to the point of neglecting her meals—and has even lost consciousness on several occasions due to extreme exhaustion. That is why I have been bringing her food over the past few months. Furthermore, our striking resemblance is what compelled me to help her and prevent her from causing herself any harm."
Expressions of astonishment washed over everyone as they listened to Yuta's words.
"Mr. Yuta, you're an incredible person! To go out of your way to help someone, even when there's no blood relation—that is truly noble of you."
Armin was clearly impressed by Yuta's actions, which only deepened the sense of guilt felt by Gray, Ryuichi, Tom, and Lucy; they couldn't even bring themselves to look Yuta in the eye.
"We apologize, Yuta. We hope you can forgive us."
Their voices were heavy with regret, leaving both Yuta and Jiya feeling quite bewildered.
"What are you apologizing for?"
Yuta asked, a look of genuine confusion crossing his face as he gazed at them.
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
Lucy, Ryuichi, Tom, and Gray remained silent, prompting Yuta to look at them with even greater perplexity.
Gray decided to shift the subject immediately.
"Yuta, there's something rather strange here. Both your hair and Jiya's have become full of white strands. How is that possible when you're both still so young?" "And the strangest part is that this is happening to both of you at the same time, in nearly the same spots, and with the exact same number of white hairs."
Yuta and Jiya glanced at each other for a few seconds, realizing that the strands turning white were appearing in almost identical locations on both of them.
"You're right. What a coincidence!"
Yuta cast a sidelong glance, his inner monologue taking on a cold, mocking tone:
"Oh... the fool seems happy. Not long left until the 'harvest' for him. These white hairs are a clear sign that the experiment is beginning to manifest externally—not just at the genetic level."
Pulling himself from his thoughts, Yuta looked at Jiya.
"Well, let's be off. Have a good night, everyone."
"You two as well."
Yuta and Jiya departed, leaving their companions behind.
---
A few minutes after they left, Jiya—who was sitting in a chair positioned for an optimal view of the stars—spoke up:
"You knew they were watching you the whole time, and you knew their true intentions—yet you chose to put on an act, portraying yourself as a kind, wronged soul. You really are a difficult person to fathom."
"True, you're right. I knew they were suspicious of me, assuming we were in a romantic relationship. But judging by your reaction back then, it seems you don't harbor even a shred of love for me."
"Still, you must be very careful when it comes to Duke Aster Guilford. He is not a man to be trusted." "And yet, I'll tell you something: when he dies, it will be by my hand. But you won't be seeking revenge against him then; instead, you will sever your ties with the Guilford family once and for all, and you will uncover the truth that remains hidden from everyone else. Remember that, Gia."
Yuta's gaze was filled with absolute confidence, as if he were certain that what he said would inevitably come to pass.
This left Gia puzzled; she couldn't fathom the source of his immense self-assurance.
Nevertheless, she didn't give it much thought, dismissing the scenario as impossible.
In her view, it was inconceivable for Yuta to defeat the Magic Emperor, Aster Guilford—a man of such overwhelming power that, bolstered by the blessing of a mysterious entity, he could even vanquish those who had attained the rank of Sovereign Master.
Still, she decided to let time take its course; she was well aware that Yuta's talent was terrifying, and she was confident that he would reach the rank of Sovereign Master within a few years.
"We shall see, Master Yuta Caseral."
A faint smile appeared on Yuta's face as he listened to Gia's words.
He then leaned in close, placed his hand on the back of her head, and kissed her on the lips.
Gia's expression shifted to one of mild shock at his sudden action—though the true reason for her astonishment was not the kiss itself, but something else entirely.
Yuta pulled away, leaving Gia frozen in place, stunned.
"Remember this feeling." "It's a good feeling—strange, yet familiar all the same; it's beyond words."
"I suppose it's getting late. It's ten o'clock—time for bed, don't you think, Jia?"
Jia remained silent for a few seconds before responding to Yuta's question in a fairly calm tone.
"Yes, it is late, and tomorrow will be a long day. Besides, there are only six days left until the written exam."
Yuta and Jia left the garden, heading toward their respective rooms.
---
Somewhere, inside an underground facility, a figure sat in a chair—their body completely covered—with one hand resting on a desk in front of them.
"My fruit is nearly ripe, and This will be her final year. Experimental subjects 1.1 and 1.2—from sample number 000002546, Group D—were the finest work I have produced in the last five centuries."
"More than ten billion subjects have perished, with the exception of Yuta Caseral. Even though he was split in two during my experiments, that is of no consequence."
"Furthermore, Yamizars and that whore are both dead. How fortunate for me! The only person who could have exposed my secret—that whore, Niren—is gone."
The figure struck a bell, prompting a member of the Scorpion Organization to enter.
"Yes, Master Black-and-White Scorpion? What is your command?"
The soldier spoke with a submissive tone, kneeling on one knee. He dared not even slightly lift his head, overwhelmed by the crushing, dominant presence of the Black-and-White Scorpion.
"Do you know who assisted the Demonic Scorpion in establishing his organization?"
A look of bewilderment crossed the soldier's face.
"I... I do not know, sir. I only joined the organization three years ago."
The Black-and-White Scorpion tilted his head, observing the recruit.
"Truly, you are useless. I have little patience for people of your sort."
In an instant, the Black-and-White Scorpion reduced the recruit to a mangled mass of flesh, blood, and bone—leaving behind nothing but a gruesome, gory mess and a solitary skull.
It happened with such blinding speed that the young man did not even realize he had died until it was far too late. "The individual who assisted the Demonic Scorpion in establishing his organization was known as the 'Venerable Heaven-Shatterer.' He wore a white mask inscribed with three phrases, each written in a different color:
'Torment, and you shall be tormented.'
'Show mercy, and you shall be shown mercy.'
'Kill, and you shall be killed.'
'Yet, he has not appeared for centuries. It has been 1,260 years since the founding of the Organization of Time. How swiftly time flies—especially when I recall that I joined when the organization was only 760 years old.'
'Five hundred years of patience have passed; the time has come to harvest the fruits I have sown.'"