Sebastian stepped across the threshold into the isolated zone he’d never entered before.

The barrier that had kept everyone out dissolved after his phone pinged with an access permit.

Unlike outside, this area teemed with students moving about or even fighting—despite it being class hours.

*Is this really inside Fool’s Court?*

He asked himself but quickly dismissed the thought.

*Not the time for this.*

Focusing, he checked his phone:

【Fool's Court】

【Activity Room: 608】

The sixth floor, eighth room. He headed toward the building even grander than the main academic block. No signs of combat here—like a safe zone.

And what a luxurious safe zone. European-style architecture gleamed in meticulous detail. A reception desk and lounge occupied the first floor.

Snacks and drinks lined the lounge area. *Is this a hotel or a club’s territory?*

Room 608.

Sebastian stared at the doorplate. The name beneath matched his phone display exactly:

Fool’s Court.

*Hah!*

*Alright.*

He turned the doorknob. Light from inside spilled over his face.

Most eyes in the room snapped to him.

“I’m here.”

“Welcome.”

Charlotte greeted him with a bright smile. “Grab a seat.”

Sebastian nodded, scanning the room. Honestly, it dwarfed the student council office in luxury.

Genuine leather sofas, a TV, projector, air conditioning, fridge—even a dining table. The space rivaled a standard classroom.

Only the tightly drawn curtains dimmed the room, lit solely by the chandelier above.

Four people filled the room besides Sebastian: cheerful Charlotte, Aester tallying stats on the sofa, Lin Zhong sprawled like a lazybones, and Su Han braiding Lin Zhong’s long hair into three neat plaits.

“Where’s Lin Zhong?”

Sebastian had confirmed this club had only four members. The vice president’s name was definitely Lin Zhong.

“Here…”

The lazybones on the sofa slowly raised a hand. His listless voice perfectly captured his mood.

Sebastian turned. A stranger met his gaze.

*Definitely never seen this face before.*

Silver-white hair, snow-pale skin, eyes blazing crimson like wildfire. Such elfin beauty was unforgettable.

“That’s Lin Zhong,” Aester said, lifting her head as if expecting this reaction.

“Wha—WHAAAAAT?!”

Sebastian stumbled back, eyes nearly popping out of his skull.

“That’s Lin Zhong?!” he shouted, pointing at the “lazybones.”

Unbelievable. That was the only word. He’d always despised Lin Zhong—hated how the weakling skipped training, leeching off his girlfriend’s credits. To a warrior like Sebastian, he was the lowest form of trash.

Yesterday’s duel had shattered that belief.

*How could someone that strong be weak?*

Then there were the rumors. At this school, “Lin Zhong” was a punchline. Calling someone weak? “You fight like Lin Zhong.” Calling someone ugly? “You’ve got Lin Zhong’s hidden face.”

His appearance had been mocked for years—no one knew his real face, so lies spread. Gradually, everyone believed Lin Zhong was hideously ugly.

But from this moment on, Sebastian would slap anyone who said that.

*“Check your own reflection first.”*

Ugly? Sebastian would swear Lin Zhong was the most beautiful person he’d ever seen—man or woman.

Su Han had braided both sides of his hair, giving him an oddly adorable, Charlotte-like vibe.

A club supposedly three guys and two girls now looked like one guy and four girls.

“Su Han, everyone’s here. Dungeon instance?” Lin Zhong mumbled into her lap.

“No.”

His listless tone didn’t sway her. She cut him off before he finished.

“Stingy,” he grumbled, burying his face back into her thigh, letting her braid his hair as she pleased.

“Heh…” Charlotte forced a strained smile. Their dynamic was… complicated.

“Sit,” she said, gesturing to the sofa.

“Yeah.”

Sebastian took a seat, heart still pounding. The shock wouldn’t fade—Lin Zhong’s face, his power, this club’s lineup.

He’d witnessed Lin Zhong’s strength firsthand. That crushing defeat held no luck—pure skill.

Club members: Su Han, codenamed Freya, one of Fool’s Court’s top fighters. Aester, codenamed Seraphim, their strongest support. Even Charlotte, the weak president, outclassed him. Here, Sebastian was the weakest link.

“All present. Let’s begin.”

Aester set down her pen, scanning the room. Her usual smile vanished, replaced by solemn focus.

“Speak.”

Lin Zhong lifted his head from Su Han’s lap but remained slumped, radiating lazybones energy.

“Building a club means understanding your comrades. I need to know your true strength.”

Her gaze locked onto Lin Zhong. She’d seen his power but never his all-out limit.

Su Han and Sebastian were known quantities—top-tier fighter and student council member. Charlotte’s strength was below average. But Lin Zhong?

In the S-rank dungeon, he’d mowed down Monsters like grass. She’d thought Sebastian might gauge his level.

But that duel was pure domination—an Ability Division student crushing a Martial Arts Division prodigy with bare hands.

She couldn’t read him. Why hide his strength? How far did it truly go?

“His strength?” Sebastian cut in, voice tight. “He’s stronger than me.”