Lorin finally hauled himself up the cliff rope. He took a step back from the edge, panting heavily. "Falling down there wouldn’t be a joke."

Before he could catch his breath, familiar jingling bells sounded nearby—the academy carriages had arrived.

Lorin tugged his cloak to shadow his face and vanished into the forest.

At the forest’s edge, the supervising professor addressed the students. "This trial determines your ranks. But know your limits. Signal for help and withdraw if things turn dangerous."

Though students, each represented a Royal Capital noble house. The academy, royally funded, preferred avoiding friction with any noble family. Student casualties during trials would bring unwelcome repercussions.

As everyone checked their gear, a young man in armor approached Lilith. "Miss Lilith! Long time no see."

Lilith searched her memory but drew a blank.

"I’m Mukarn," he said with a courtly bow. "We met at the Knighthood last time. I’m leading the knights guarding this trial."

"Oh. You."

Lilith recalled now—Mukarn was from the Royal Capital Knighthood. She must have seen him during her visit.

"Hope you achieve excellent results," Mukarn smiled warmly, his polished armor gleaming. "The Knighthood always welcomes talents like you."

"I’ll do my best. Thank you," Lilith replied politely before turning to Xueyi, who was preparing nearby.

Xueyi carefully fastened the bracelet Lorin gave her, then kept glancing at it.

"You really like his gift," Lilith remarked.

"Huh? No! I don’t!" Xueyi hurriedly lowered her hand, clutching her wrist as if to hide the bracelet. "It’s just... rude not to wear a gift."

Lilith smiled, but her eyes lingered on the bracelet. A flicker of something unspoken crossed her gaze.

*No one’s ever given me something like this.*

She’d received countless lavish ornaments—useless trinkets chosen for their beauty, not her. She’d never worn any willingly.

Shaking off the thought, Lilith cleared her mind. "Ready, Miss Xueyi?"

Xueyi patted her waist-sword. "Yes."

"I’m looking forward to our first cooperation." Lilith’s smile held genuine curiosity.

Since entering the academy, they’d been rivals—or rather, Xueyi had treated her as one. Normal conversations were rare; teamwork was unprecedented.

Lilith secured her own sword. Students were already streaming into the forest. "Shall we begin?"

Together, they entered the woods. They weren’t the only pair teaming up. Despite elite training, this practical trial unnerved everyone. Locations changed yearly, making each trial uncharted territory—even for veterans.

Soon, distant clashes echoed through the trees. Others had started hunting monsters.

Exchanging silent glances, Lilith and Xueyi gripped their sword hilts, moving cautiously until they reached a quiet clearing. Only then did they relax slightly.

They’d agreed: night hunts were unwise. Darkness favored monsters. Even wounded beasts could vanish into shadows, wasting effort and forfeiting Monster Cores.

Leaning against a massive tree trunk, they conserved energy for dawn. Both instinctively glanced skyward.

"Beautiful night, isn’t it?" Lilith murmured. "Fitting for our first partnership."

Xueyi shot her a skeptical look. "Since when do you talk like your admirers?"

If Lilith were a boy, the line might work. Xueyi had heard similar flattery aimed at her too often.

Lilith chuckled, catching herself. "Maybe I’m picking up habits. Though you’re starting to sound like the Second Prince."

"What? Impossible!" Xueyi’s icy composure cracked instantly.

"Isn’t he blunt with you too?" Lilith pressed gently. "He ignores status, says exactly what he thinks... and teases you without fear."

Xueyi fell silent. Lilith was right. Only Lorin spoke to her that way.

"After this trial," Lilith continued softly, "you’ll confess to the Second Prince, won’t you?"

Xueyi buried her face in her knees, hiding her expression.

"I’ll cheer for you."

After a long pause, a muffled voice came from Xueyi’s knees: "None of your business."

She’d made her feelings clear to her family after returning home. This trial was her chance. Originally, she’d planned to team with Lorin and confess at the end. Now, paired with Lilith, a stellar performance would still give her the courage to speak—and perhaps help him too.