On the Aire Continent, winter's approach marked an uncharted place.

Atop a cliff, a figure stood. Below stretched an endless sea of blood-red water.

The air reeked of an unbearable stench.

Grotesque creatures floated on the crimson waves.

A scene straight out of the apocalypse.

Yet on the misty, blood-tinged peak, a lone silhouette remained.

"Outside... it seems that time has come again,"

a middle-aged voice echoed in this eerie silence.

Boom—Boom—

A rift tore open in the crimson sky.

Monsters in the blood sea roared in terror.

Sharksea Yanjun flew toward the ripped gap.

"To Holy Carthus, to see my dear son."

At Holy Carthus Academy of Magic, winter neared.

After a semester, apprentices welcomed their long-awaited holiday.

Sharkai Bai, who usually spent this time alone,

now followed three girls. He'd endured the most troublesome, exhausting semester—yet meaningful.

"Hmph, finally survived this life,"

"Midterm joiners have no right to complain,"

"Now, now! Big Brother and Sisters should relax properly on break!"

"Xia Feina, Hesna—if you've nowhere to go, stay with me at the academy?"

Since entering this school, he hadn't returned to the Sharksea Clan of the Western Sea.

He realized Xia Feina and Hesna likely had no home to return to.

Sharkai Bai spoke up.

"I don't need to go back to my clan anyway."

"Great! Great! Great!"

"Mhm!"

The girls accepted instantly. If Bai left, only they'd remain in the dorm.

His invitation was perfect for their plans.

Only Cecilia Xuelian stood aside, scowling.

"Xuelian, the Cecilia Family must need you, right?"

Sharkai Bai seemed understanding.

But inside, Cecilia Xuelian disagreed.

Family duties awaited—but leaving like this felt unsatisfying.

Unsatisfied...

Unsatisfied letting Sharkai Bai stay with other women! Aaaah!!!

"Ahhh, middle-aged ladies should just hurry home to chores," Xia Feina taunted, spotting Xuelian's glare.

"What did you say!?"

Cecilia Xuelian snapped.

"I! WILL! STAY! TOO!"

Each word dripped with willful defiance. Arms crossed, she glared at the white-haired girl.

"Don't be mad. Family matters come first, right?"

"Fine! Ozbel can handle it! Besides, the eldest son should be next clan head anyway!"

Bai's words failed. Xuelian had decided.

"Hmph, really."

Curled slightly, Bai followed the girls again.

Unnoticed by himself,

a contented smile lifted his lips.

Their four-way story continued through the cold holiday.