Chapter 5: Not This Time, Kael Ashford

Chapter 5 - Not This Time, Kael Ashford"Kael Ashford!" He was really here. I could barely believe it when I spotted him just outside the auditorium doors, looking completely clueless as students spilled out around him. Kael Ashford! Even just saying his name sent a jolt down my spine—memories I shouldn't have returned to me in flashes I didn't ask for. The sun was warm, the chatter was lively, and yet all I could feel was the weight of my glare pressing down on him. How dare he? After everything— I clenched my fists by my sides as Cecilia looked at me, eyes full of confusion. "Elysia, what's wrong? Do you know him?" I heard her voice, but my focus was locked on him. His awkward expression, the way he scratched the back of his neck, the little nervous twitch in his step—like he couldn't decide whether to bolt or stay still. He looked so... ordinary. So weak! Sёarᴄh the Nôvel(F)ire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Completely different from what I remembered. The way he had smiled while the world burned. The eyes that watched as my friends died one after another. The laughter. That ruthlessness! Perhaps this was my chance—my chance to kill him and save the world. I took a breath. (Calm down!) Although I had the chance to take revenge, it might not be as easy as it sounded. He might be acting, after all. It wasn't until he killed one of the strongest heroes that people began to realize that Kael Ashford was hiding his strength. He looked weak but it might just be a trick. And I wasn't powerful either. If I failed now and he became alert, then this regression would be for naught. If I were to make a move, it should be when I was certain. Certain that I could take Kael Ashford's life. "I don't know him," I muttered. Cecilia tilted her head. "Really? You seem kind of..." "Forget it!" My voice came out sharper than I intended. She flinched a little, but I couldn't help it. How was I supposed to stay calm? I also knew that I couldn't let Cecilia near this monster. Kael Ashford just stared at me in confusion. If it weren't for my memories, I would have thought that he was some kind of naive student like her. (Hmph! Kael Ashford, consider yourself lucky.) I dragged Cecilia away and went to a somewhat secluded place. "Elysia, what's wrong? You've been acting weird since this morning," Cecilia said worriedly. "Cecilia, you must remember what I say," I said seriously as I looked into Cecilia's eyes. Cecilia nodded, although confused. I knew I was acting out of character, but this was important. "You remember that boy, right?" I asked. "The one you called out?" Cecilia asked. I nodded. "Remember to stay away from him," I said. "Why?" Cecilia immediately asked. Well, that was reasonable. Kael Ashford had yet to do anything but I knew the future. "I can't tell you for now. But please believe me. He's someone you shouldn't associate with." I knew it was a lot to ask, especially to a kind girl like Cecilia who always tried to get along with everyone. But I had to make sure that this time, she didn't get killed. Cecilia didn't say anything and fell into deep thought. After some time, she nodded and agreed. "Alright. If you're saying this, there must be a good reason," Cecilia said with a smile. I was relieved. Although Cecilia was kind, she was also stubborn and didn't change her mind easily. I thought that she wouldn't agree—but she did. After Cecilia agreed, a small weight lifted from my shoulders. At the very least, I'd prevented her from getting too close to him... for now. Even if she didn't fully understand, she trusted me. And for that, I was grateful. We made our way toward the classroom where we would have our first class. The room was buzzing with energy—students chattering, exchanging introductions, comparing entrance rankings. Arcadia Academy—where the brightest students of the continent trained—was never short on brilliance. But even among the brilliant, there were stars that shone brighter than the rest. And one of them had already taken center stage. As soon as we stepped into the class, it was impossible not to notice the group forming in the middle of the room. Or more specifically, the boy at the heart of it all. Edwin Leonhart! Tall, poised, and effortlessly commanding attention with just his presence. A small smile played on his lips as he responded to the flood of greetings from students. "You're amazing, Edwin!" "I heard you scored a perfect in both magic and swordsmanship!" "Edwin, how do you usually train?" ... The voices came from every direction, but he took it all in stride. Unfazed! Calm! Extraordinarily mature for his age. A few glances turned in our direction as Cecilia and I walked in, and soon, a ripple of murmurs followed. "There's Elysia!" "And Cecilia too... They're both in the top five!" "Elysia von Arctria... Second place overall. They say that if not for Edwin, her marks might be considered the highest in the history of Arcadia Academy!" "Cecilia of House Elvareth, right? She's supposed to be a prodigy in healing arts." "They're both so pretty too. How unfair..." I sighed! This kind of attention was... annoying. Cecilia chuckled beside me. We didn't even need to approach anyone. A few students were already heading toward us. Some came out of genuine admiration. Others... were just trying to curry favor. It was a feeling I'd experienced countless times before—even back when the Hero Party was formed and I was appointed as Vice-Captain. Before I could mentally brace myself, Jin Faelan made his entrance—loud and dramatic as ever. He practically burst into the room like he owned it. "Yo! Move aside, peasants! The real number three is here!" "Stupid, arrogant little show-off!" I cursed. He had always been like this, which made others pretty annoyed at his attitude. Cecilia giggled. "He's not wrong, though." "I hate that he's actually talented." I muttered—though I also pitied him when I remembered how his life ended along with mine. Jin grinned the moment he spotted us and jogged over. "Elysia! Cecilia! You are here!" "Did you really have to announce yourself like that?" I asked dryly. "Of course! You gotta make a strong first impression." Despite his theatrics, Jin was a reliable fighter, and truthfully, someone I didn't mind having around. He might've been a bit much at times—but his heart was in the right place. At least better than someone who would betray humanity. As the room buzzed with chatter and competition, I took one last glance across the crowd... ...only to see him again. Kael Ashford! He stood awkwardly near the back, far from the attention. No one approached him. No one even acknowledged him. He looked... out of place. (Hmph. Keep acting. This time, it won't go your way!)