Vicky removed her armor. Without it, her nearly flawless face drew frequent glances from passersby. After two days of deep thought, she finally made her decision.

She was going home. Not to the Holy Knight Mercenary Group, but to her true home—the place that raised her.

She knew her family had searched for her these past three years. She’d even heard her grandfather, Adolf, trained female students at Cassius Academy just to find her.

All this was for her. Honestly, she’d wronged him terribly these years—spending his money and effort, worrying him sick.

He probably thought all hope was lost by now. Returning would surprise him. Vicky clenched her fists. She wouldn’t stick with those burly, disgusting mercenaries anymore.

Those selfish humans harmed others for gain. After three years of blood and gore, she refused to stay in such a place.

So she’d return to her family, to her grandfather’s embrace. All to use their power to grow stronger. She craved strength for one purpose only.

To protect the one she loved. Never again would she feel powerless like that Blood Moon night.

Especially that William—he must pay in blood!

Cassius Academy. She stood under the huge sign. It was weekend, so only a few students played magic ball on the field. From the sword hall came clashing blades and faint laughter.

Most voices were girls’. Rumor said boys’ status plummeted after her departure.

Hmm, she really did feel sorry about that.

The old gatekeeper had legs propped on his desk, dozing in a recliner. Drool nearly dripped onto his pants. His lazy ease showed weekends meant little work—no thugs dared sneak in to harass students.

The girls were freakishly strong and ruthless. Yearly, they crushed other academies in finals.

Any fool entering would be carried out fast. Once, a drunk mercenary snuck into girls’ dorms at night. Terrifying screams echoed—not from girls, but him.

Within ten minutes, he was hauled out, badly injured. His group stayed silent—it was their fault.

Even if the academy erred, Headmaster Adolf was an S Rank powerhouse. He could crush them with a finger.

After that, no one trespassed. The gatekeeper idled, playing cards or watching streams on his magic holographic screen.

He even napped on weekends. Living better than a king.

Knock knock knock! The desk shook. The gatekeeper stood, rubbing sleepy eyes. “What?” He blinked, seeing a stunning silver-haired girl with ethereal grace. Not trouble, good. But no uniform—probably not a student.

No one usually caused trouble. Headmaster Adolf now saw men as flood and beasts—even though he was an old pretty boy himself!

“Excuse me, is Headmaster Adolf here?” Vicky asked.

“Main building, sixth floor, left fifty meters, headmaster’s office. You’re welcome.” His reply flowed like rehearsed lines.

“Mm, thank you.” She smiled slightly and walked off.

“Girls these days get lovelier,” the gatekeeper muttered. “Headmaster welcomes any female visitor. Makes no sense.”

Vicky reached the office door. A sign read: “Headmaster’s Office: No Boys or Dogs Allowed.” She giggled. Her leaving really wrecked the boys here? But Grandpa was a man too!

She hesitated, then knocked.

Inside, the old man froze mid-thought. He rose slowly, face etched with weariness. He’d just recalled laughing with his granddaughter three years ago. He missed Vicky desperately. Was she alive? Safe? He often wondered.

Scowling, he yanked the door open—he hated disturbances. Before him stood a porcelain-doll face, cheeks flushed. “Grandpa, I’m back,” she whispered.

No—hallucination. Wrong door. Adolf slammed it shut, breathed deep, and reopened. No mistake! It was Vicky!

His heart boiled like water. “Is it really you, Vicky?”

“Mm, I’m back.”

“My granddaughter, I’ve missed you to death! Do you know how long I searched?” His face flushed red, body trembling with excitement.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, voice catching. She truly owed him.

“It’s okay. You’re back—that’s all.” Adolf comforted her as she sobbed like a kitten.

Only with him did Vicky act childlike. To others, she’d always been strong and brave like a boy.

“Did you suffer? Tell me who hurt you—I’ll crush even the king!” He trembled again.

“I’m fine. I need your help.” Vicky stopped crying, looking up seriously.

“Anything, child. I’ll keep your return secret—swear it.” Adolf patted his chest.

“No, not that.” She shook her head, smiling lightly. “Grandpa, I know you train S Rank peak warriors.”

“So, help me become stronger!”