The academy buzzed with festive joy.

Yet a white-haired boy sprinted through the crowd, cradling a blood-stained girl in tattered clothes.

(Why why why why!!!)

Feeling countless strange stares, Sharkai Bai roared inside his head.

Still, he pushed forward under the pressure.

Right now, others’ boring opinions mattered less than rushing her to the infirmary.

"Oh, it’s you."

Earth Spirit Rehake, the infirmary’s frequent visitor, knew Sharkai Bai all too well.

But this time, the injured one seemed to be the girl in his arms.

"Please!"

Sharkai Bai handed her to a rushing nurse.

He’d never doubted this ordinary-looking old man’s skills.

No matter how badly hurt, Sharkai Bai always woke in a clean infirmary bed—scars erased by Rehake’s mastery.

Time ticked by as Sharkai Bai sat outside the operating room, guessing the girl’s story.

Lost during the festival? But getting lost wouldn’t leave her injured in a dark alley. Chased by terrorists?

"What a hassle..."

He leaned back on the bench, staring at the ceiling.

He didn’t regret saving her. Walking away was impossible.

After over an hour, the operating room door opened.

"She’s stable. I put her in your usual room. She can leave after waking. Is she your friend?"

Earth Spirit Rehake stood with hands in his white coat pockets, tone calm as ever.

"...Uh, sort of."

Sharkai Bai stood to reply.

He couldn’t say he found her in an alley. Over-explaining wasn’t his style.

"Hmph. Being your friend is dangerous."

"Yeah, yeah. I’ve got it tough too."

(It’s exhausting taking this blame!!!)

Facing Rehake’s rare joke—usually so stern—Sharkai Bai smiled outwardly but raged inwardly.

Saving this stranger was his own choice.

Sharkai Bai entered the familiar ward. The girl lay quietly on the bed.

Her face was clean, dressed in neat clothes.

"Cute kid."

He sat beside her, studying her features.

No beastly thoughts crossed his mind—he simply saw a sweet child.

He’d stayed by her side all day, waiting.

He’d forgotten the two girls bickering under a tree: Cecilia Xuelian and Xia Feina.

Right now, furious, they scoured the academy, vowing to "make him taste true suffering."

"...Where am I?"

The girl opened her eyes and sat up.

She recalled fleeing unknown pursuers into this academy.

Her gaze landed on Sharkai Bai, asleep beside her.

"Did he save me?"

She’d been brought here by this white-haired boy.

Feeling the bed shift, Sharkai Bai woke.

"Huh? You’re awake?"

"Th-thank you!"

"Don’t mention it. Anyone would’ve helped."

"Still, I’ll remember your kindness!"

Sharkai Bai stood to stop her from bowing off the bed.

He didn’t need thanks from a weak, recovering girl. Saving her required none.

"Big brother, I’m Hesna."

"I’m Sharkai Bai."

Just then, Hesna’s stomach growled loudly.

She gave an embarrassed smile.

"Let’s grab food first."

Sharkai Bai led her out. Evening had fallen; stalls glowed with lights, buzzing with energy.

Spotting snacks, Hesna transformed—energetic, almost unrecognizable.

Sharkai Bai struggled to keep up.

"Cotton candy!"

"Hey! Finish the candied apples in your left hand and the skewers in your right first!"

"Wow! Prizes! Big brother, let’s go!"

"Slow down! You’ll trip! ...Sigh."

Her excitement confirmed she was just a young, immature girl.

Bai followed, holding her half-finished soda.

For a moment, he felt like a father with his daughter.

"I’ll hit that third-row bracelet sign!"

"Good spirit."

After paying the stall apprentice, Sharkai Bai watched Hesna focus.

Bang! She fired.

Predictably, she missed.

"Again!"

Bang!

"Darn it! Again!"

Bang!

"Blast! Again!"

Bang!

"Waaah!"

Not one shot landed.

Staring at the bracelet, Hesna slumped in defeat.

"My turn."

Sharkai Bai paid again, took the air rifle, aimed casually—

Berserk Mode activated.

Boom!!

Not just the bracelet sign—nearby prizes crashed down too.

The apprentice’s greedy grin turned stormy.

"So cool, big brother!"

"Hmph. Basic marksmanship."

Sharkai Bai handed her the blue gift box.

Truth was, Berserk Mode’s force created suction—missing the box but dragging everything down.

Inside lay a transparent bracelet, shimmering like ocean blue.

Hesna slipped it on eagerly.

"Fireworks starting at the field!"

"Let’s go!"

Crowds surged toward the playground.

"Come on, Hesna."

"Mhm!"

They walked side by side.

"Isn’t that Sharkai?"

Wilkor appeared behind them.

Today, nearly every acquaintance had Cecilia Xuelian’s order: "Report Sharkai Bai’s location immediately."

"Gotta tell Cecilia first."

Below the playground, Sharkai Bai and Hesna gazed up.

Fireworks exploded in dazzling colors over Celestial Engraved Magic Academy.

"Wipe your mouth properly after eating."

Sharkai Bai squatted, wiping crumbs from Hesna’s lips.

"...Hey, big brother. Do you have a girlfriend?"

Hesna asked, eyes on the sky.

"No girlfriend, but a fiancée—"

Blushing—a rare sight—he was caught off guard by a young girl’s question.

Soft warmth touched his lips.

Hesna’s rosy mouth pressed against his.

Sharkai Bai’s eyes widened.

Fireworks lit her delicate face, eyes closed.

Playground.

"Re!al!ly! When I catch him, he’ll learn what aliiiiive means! Damn you, Darling!"

Furious, Cecilia Xuelian rushed toward Wilkor’s pointed spot.

As she neared, the white-wrapped gift box slipped from her hands.

The moment Sharkai Bai pushed Hesna away, he glimpsed Cecilia Xuelian standing nearby.

Behind them, fireworks burst again—colors flooding the sky like dawn.