Lyrien and Toma passed through the gate, and the moment their wrists crossed the threshold their watches began to beep.

  “WIN.”

  To their surprise, a helicopter was waiting just beyond the gate. The pilot turned — it was one of their teachers.

  “Congratulations! You’re the third and fourth people to complete the desert survival course!” the teacher announced, smiling.

  Lyrien blinked in astonishment. “What? Teacher, you’re here?”

  Toma shrugged, tone flat. “To be honest, I was expecting something else.”

  “Come on, get in the helicopter. I’ll fly you two back to the academy,” their teacher said, already gesturing toward the open hatch.

  Lyrien’s eyes widened. “What? You’re a helicopter pilot too?”

  The teacher winked. “There’s a lot you still don’t know about me.”

  Toma glanced at his watch. “What time is it?”

  “Almost five in the morning,” the teacher replied. “So I don’t even need to say how terrible your timing is! I’ve been sitting here bored all day, and you two show up in the middle of the night!”

  Toma’s answer was a single, bored mutter. “Uh-huh. Can we just go already?”

  “Yes, yes! Get in! But be prepared—the flight back to the academy will take more than two hours!” the teacher called as he started organizing the preflight checks.

  Toma groaned. “You’ve got to be kidding me…”

  ***

  Inside the pyramid, Vaen lay slumped in a shadowed corner, fury coiling through him.

  Damn it, that girl interfered too! I didn’t see that coming! That makes four people who’ve passed already — there aren’t many spots left… I have to make it too! But I’ve taken so many hits… my whole body hurts! There’s no danger right now, so I’ll just take a nap and climb to the top of the pyramid once I’ve rested. But just wait, Toma Sorien… I’ll get my revenge on you. And when I do, it’ll be brutal and merciless!

  He ground his teeth, folding himself into a tight, furious sleep.

  ***

  Morning light spilled over the academy grounds as Lyrien and Toma finally returned — but what they saw waiting for them caught them completely off guard.

  A massive crowd of students had gathered, cheering, waving, shouting their names.

  “Whoa… that’s a lot of people!” Lyrien gasped, eyes wide.

  Before she could react further, Toma suddenly grabbed her hand. “Lyrien, run! Come on, follow me!”

  He pushed through the mob with surprising speed, still holding her hand tightly as they weaved between the cheering students. They didn’t stop until they reached the academy courtyard — a quiet park surrounded by tall trees and morning mist.

  Lyrien let out a soft, ladylike laugh, covering her mouth with her hand. “Ahh, we shook them off!”

  Toma flopped down on a nearby bench, exhaling hard. “I’m exhausted!”

  “You’re right,” she said between breaths. “I think I’ll go rest in my room.”

  “Want me to walk you there?” Toma offered without thinking.

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  She smiled, shaking her head. “No need. You know the girls’ and boys’ dorms are separate — it wouldn’t be good if someone saw us and got the wrong idea.”

  “Oh, right! Sorry, you’re totally right — I forgot about that!” he said, scratching his neck awkwardly.

  “It’s fine. And… thank you for everything,” Lyrien replied with a soft smile.

  She turned to leave — but Toma called out to her again. “Wait, Lyrien! I’m meeting with Arvian and Arlen this weekend for a little team discussion… You should come too!”

  “W-wait, me?” she asked, blinking in surprise.

  “Yeah, of course! You’re part of our class and our team. Trust me, Arlen and Arvian are great people!”

  “Alright then… I’ll be there,” Lyrien said after a short pause.

  "I’ll text you the details as soon as I get back to my room!"

  “Okay, Toma. Thanks for everything!” she said warmly, her smile bright and genuine.

  They said their goodbyes and went their separate ways.

  On her way back, Lyrien blushed deeply, her heart fluttering. I can’t believe it… Toma’s going to add me as a friend!

  As Toma was walking toward the dormitory, a sudden message from the academy popped up on his phone:

  “The first phase of the academy’s annual championship has officially concluded.

  Those who have advanced to the next round must report to the academy on Monday at 8 a.m. for continuation.

  Wishing everyone a pleasant weekend — The Warrior Training Academy.”

  Toma thought to himself, Hmm, so it’s already over!? That means Vaen and a few others have advanced as well… Interesting. I wonder who else besides Vaen made it through, and how many of them?

  Then the weekend arrived, and the four of them — Arvian, Arlen, Toma, and his guest Lyrien — met up in a café.

  “Guys, let me introduce a friend of mine and our classmate who’ll be joining our team — Lyrien!” Toma said with a grin.

  “Hello!” Arlen greeted cheerfully.

  Arvian crossed his arms. “We know exactly who Lyrien is, no need for introductions. By the way, you two are on the front page of the academy newspaper under the headline ‘Possible Romantic Relationship’, along with pictures of you running hand in hand or swimming together in rather revealing outfits.”

  Lyrien’s face turned bright red.

  “Toma, once again, you managed to cause the biggest commotion possible! Don’t be surprised when you’re always the center of attention after this!” Arvian continued.

  Toma scratched his head and gave a sheepish grin. “Oops! My bad… but can I read the article? I hope they wrote good things about me!”

  “No,” Arvian said firmly.

  “Oh, come on, Arvian, don’t be so strict with me!” Toma groaned.

  But then Arlen interrupted them with a smile. “Come on, guys — and of course, Lyrien — let’s celebrate instead!”

  “Right!” Toma brightened. “The important thing is that we successfully completed the first stage, just like we planned! The goal is for at least two of us to reach the finals and make it all the way to the end! I’ll definitely be in the finals, so one of you three will have to be my opponent!”

  “I’ll be your opponent, because I’ll make it to the finals too!” Toma shot back confidently.

  “No way, I’ll be there instead of you two!” Arlen shouted.

  “And what about you, Lyrien?” Toma asked, turning to her.

  “Well, I’ll do my best too!” she said.

  “Of course, you’re strong and capable! Have a little courage!” Toma encouraged her.

  Then Lyrien declared more confidently, “Yes, I’ll be there too!”

  At the end of their meeting, Toma walked Lyrien home.

  “You were right, Toma. Arlen and Arvian really are nice guys!” Lyrien said with a smile.

  “Of course they are — they’re my friends, after all!” Toma replied with a grin.

  “Toma, what’s your goal in this championship?”

  “My goal, huh? Simple — to show myself to the world and to the captains, so I can become a warrior as soon as possible!”

  “I see,” Lyrien murmured, looking ahead thoughtfully.

  “And what about you, Lyrien? What do you want to achieve in the academy championship?” Toma asked curiously.

  “Me? I don’t have any big ambitions. I just don’t want to bring shame to my family’s name.”

  “Hey, hey, hey! You can’t say that!” Toma protested. “You’re capable of way more than you think! You’re talented, and you work hard! You have everything it takes to become an amazing warrior — you just have to believe in yourself!”

  Hearing those words of praise, Lyrien’s face turned completely red.

  “What do you mean by that, Toma?” she asked softly.

  “Well, I don’t worry about the challenge in front of me. I mean, even if it’s bigger than I am, I still face it with all my strength and courage! And you can do the same — just believe in yourself. I believe in you, and I’ll be cheering for you!”

  Lyrien’s breath caught for a moment, and she could only whisper, “Believe in myself?”

  “Yes! Just like when, instead of leaving the pyramid, you came back to help me! It’s in moments like that when you realize you’re capable of it!”

  “I didn’t even think about it that way before… but you’re right, Toma! I promise I’ll give it everything I’ve got!”

  “That’s the spirit!” Toma said with a grin.

  Just then, Toma’s phone made a small beeping sound — he had received a message.

  “Ah, it’s Arvian! He says I left my wallet at the café, and he took it with him. But if I need it, I should come get it now, because he won’t have time later! Tch, he won’t have time? What could he possibly be doing?”

  Lyrien laughed softly at his annoyed tone.

  “Damn it, I was just about to buy a few things! Sorry, Lyrien, but I’ve got to run before Arvian disappears!”

  “Okay, go ahead!”

  “Thanks — and don’t forget what you promised, because I’ll be watching you!”

  “Okay! And thank you for everything, Toma!”