Kevin walked alone on the street, the chilly evening breeze brushing against her exquisite face. Flickering magical streetlights cast shadows on her fair skin, but a relaxed smile played on her lips—she’d clearly wrapped everything up.

She stopped instinctively, gazing up at the starry sky. Her pale blue eyes shimmered with starlight as she recalled Elise’s words. For some reason, she always felt a trace of guilt toward her.

"Kevin, in three years, I’ll come find you," Elise had said. "We’ll give our engagement a perfect ending. I’m not worthy to stand by you yet… so wait for me."

Kevin took a deep breath and closed her eyes, savoring the cool, soothing night. Inwardly, she sighed.

"Smooth sailing," she mused. "Didn’t expect it to take just a few hours. At least Elise will survive now. That monster was cooperative enough—but I sensed it plotting something. Whatever."

A slight smile curved her lips, confidence radiating from her exquisite face. She’d layered safeguards on that monster—security tighter than a thousand nested doll-boxes. She’d even left Elise life-saving magic.

"Finally done," she muttered. "But this damn system’s already dumped a new task on me. Ugh."

It never ended. Right now, she just wanted to flee back to Divine Spirit Mountain and be a quiet, beautiful man—no, beautiful girl. First, though, she needed to reclaim her dick. She’d never even used it.

Tears betrayed her, streaming down her face and dripping to the ground. Angrily, she plopped onto a rusty park bench, its metal groaning under her weight. She let out a weary sigh.

"Stupid system, show yourself! What’s the new task?"

[Working hard per host request. Reward sent—strength enhancement unlocked.]

[Congratulations on completing your first task! This is step one to becoming strong. Soon, you’ll be this continent’s mightiest!]

"Oh, really? How thrilling," Kevin drawled, utterly sarcastic. She was already at this world’s peak—though sadly, it was just a dead end.

[New Task Issued]

[Regain your family’s ownership through strength. Secure an enrollment spot at Imperial Academy.]

[Accept] [Reject]

She stared at the translucent system panel only she could see, lost in thought. School? She’d never experienced it here. Back then, survival was the only win. She murmured softly, "School? An old fossil like me? This task is laughably simple."

As the Empire Guardian, she could secure it with a flick of her wrist—no effort needed. But a nagging thought surfaced: would the system really force her to attend? She brushed it aside. First, send orders to the imperial capital.

Why not reclaim her family by force? This world ran on connections, not just fists. Why swing a sword when words worked? Especially with Tenth Tier power—it’d be absurd overkill.

A translucent, pale blue messenger pigeon materialized on her shoulder, pulsing with magic, awaiting her command.

"Go," she whispered. "Deliver the message."

The pigeon nodded silently and fluttered away. Reclaim the family first. She’d handle the Imperial Academy spot herself later—the situation was too delicate now.

Suddenly, hurried footsteps and panting cut through the night, snapping her attention. She vaguely recognized the presence.

"Miss Kevin! I’ve finally found you!"

Lorin slowed to a stop beside her, smoothing his sweat-drenched hair. His handsome face and soaked clothes screamed hours of searching.

"You really are relentless," Kevin sighed, averting her gaze. Her tone held exasperation and confusion. She shifted on the bench, making space. "Sit."

"Thank you, Miss Kevin." Lorin sat with flawless grace—elegant, a stark contrast to her casual slouch.

"So why keep following me?" Kevin asked flatly, already guessing his answer. She fiddled with her fingers. "Don’t feed me that ‘I want to protect you’ line, Lorin. What do you truly want?"

"Miss Kevin, I genuinely want to protect you," Lorin insisted, sincerity etched on his face. For the first time, he felt this urge to shield a girl. He pressed a hand to his racing heart but found no answers.

"Is that so? Give up," Kevin said curtly. Her exquisite face showed mild annoyance as she inched away from him.

"Miss Kevin," Lorin rushed, sensing tension. He recalled their first meeting. "You didn’t… run away from home, did you?"

"Hmm…" Kevin hesitated, then decided to ride his assumption. Building on others’ lies boosted credibility. "Yes. Just a family fight."

"Oh! Would you honor me by joining me for the Heroes’ Festival in a few days?" Lorin meant no harm—he just wanted to cheer her up after her escape.

"Oh?" Kevin knew the ancient imperial holiday well. Streets would burst with snacks and bizarre toys, a riot of noise and color.

"Pass. Not interested." She rejected it instantly. She’d have downtime soon, but she’d rather rot in her inn than stroll with a man.

"Miss Kevin, you promised to fulfill—"

"Are you threatening me?" Kevin cut him off sharply.

After a pause, she softened slightly. "Are you serious?"