"Against the Heavens: The Villain's Return"

A week passed in the blink of an eye.

And today… was the long-awaited day.

The Academy Competition.

A celebration of strength. A trial of talent. A battlefield that would determine rising stars, and possibly the next chosen disciple of legends.

The coliseum that hosted the event was already filled to the brim. Spectators from noble clans, academy instructors, traveling martial experts, and ordinary citizens filled the stone seats. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, tension, and boiling expectations. Everyone came to witness the rise of future legends, and every student participating knew—today was their chance to shine.

Young geniuses, dressed in their finest battle uniforms, waited restlessly in the waiting zone. Some were sharpening weapons. Others were meditating, hands clasped in calm anticipation. All of them were eager.

All of them wanted to prove their worth.

Up in the VIP section, built like a throne hall above the stadium with lavish carpets and gold-etched pillars, a man sat lazily on his chair.

He exhaled a faint breath and turned his gaze down toward the arena.

This man was none other than the Sword Emperor, Maximus.

He wore a deep blue combat robe with golden thread running along the sleeves like rivers of flowing energy. His sword, ancient yet unblemished, rested quietly beside him. He leaned on his chair with the air of someone too experienced to be impressed, yet too thoughtful to look away.

Beside him, however, was a completely different energy.

Henry, his loyal assistant, was flipping through scrolls and documents frantically, beads of sweat forming on his temple. His glasses had slid down slightly, but he paid no attention. Page after page, name after name, profile after profile.

"Hmm... This one has decent potential. Wait—no, background too weak. This one? His sword technique has flaws…"

Henry muttered nonstop.

Maximus sighed, rubbed his temples lightly, and looked toward him.

"Henry… just calm down."

His voice was light but carried the weight of authority.

"We can select anyone we want among them as my disciple. There's no rush."

But Henry didn't stop.

He pouted his mouth in frustration, his brows furrowed.

"Still, I need to check all this information again. What if we miss someone promising? I don't want to make a mistake. We're choosing the next inheritor of your legacy, after all."

Maximus shook his head lightly, letting out another sigh. He turned his eyes back to the stadium.

'Let's see who stands out today… Hopefully, someone worth teaching appears.'

---

Down below, near the entrance of the coliseum, a commotion stirred as a group approached in formal stride.

A man in full battle uniform, stern-faced and noble in posture, walked in proudly. His aura demanded attention and respect. His silver hair and commanding presence left no doubt about his identity.

He was the current head of the Bladecrest family.

Behind him were his two children—Rio and Roxanne—both dressed in custom-made battle outfits that shimmered slightly with defensive enchantments. Their family crest, a silver blade embedded in a crimson flame, shone brightly on their chests.

The crowd naturally gave way.

The presence of one of the Eight Great Families of the region was not something to ignore.

The patriarch of the Bladecrest clan had come not just as a father but as a symbol—to announce to the world that his children would carry the Bladecrest name to glory.

Rio clenched his fists as he walked into the competitor area. His eyes scanned the crowd, sharp and filled with rising heat.

'Leo…' he muttered in his heart.

'I will definitely defeat you today. I've worked hard. I've bled. I've trained. I've been humiliated, yes—but not anymore. I will show everyone I'm worthy!'

He exhaled deeply.

Meanwhile, Roxanne's eyes weren't focused on the arena… or even the opponents.

She was repeatedly turning her head toward the entrance.

Again and again.

Looking.

Searching.

Waiting.

'Where is he?' she thought, puffing her cheeks in visible frustration.

Today, she wasn't just dressed like a competitor.

She had worn one of the most elegant combat uniforms designed especially for her—a blend of strength and beauty. Its deep sapphire blue armor-plated corset matched perfectly with her leggings, tailored to allow maximum agility and impact. Her gloves were designed to channel her sword aura with precision.

She had prepared all this… for Leo.

'Hmph! That idiot!'

Her cheeks puffed again as she frowned.

'He hasn't contacted me for days now. Not a single word! Not a letter! Not even a stupid signal!'

In her heart, frustration mixed with a faint sense of emptiness.

'I'll show him today. I'll prove I'm not just some vase sitting at home to be looked at. I'll prove I'm worthy of standing by his side.'

She huffed.

'And then I'll make him apologize. If he doesn't… I won't talk to him for a whole month!'

She nodded to herself in pride.

---

Elsewhere in the same arena complex, Alex finally arrived.

Dressed in a newly embroidered black and gold combat uniform, his posture was upright, and his eyes glinted with arrogance. With him was Sophia, the young noble from the Aetherwind family, known for her prestige and divine lineage.

Sophia leaned closer to Alex and smiled gently.

"Alex… don't forget. If you perform well today, I'll provide you access to training resources from the Aetherwind family. My clan still owes you a favor."

Alex nodded confidently.

Inwardly, he clenched his fists in excitement.

'Leo… this is the day I defeat you. I'll prove to the world that I'm better. I'll show everyone. I'll show Roxanne. I'll show Selena…'

He smiled faintly as he imagined himself sparring with Roxanne in combat uniform, practicing side by side, her soft voice calling his name.

He chuckled. A drop of drool almost slid from his lip.

But just then—

A commotion swept through the crowd.

Selena had arrived.

Escorted by two elite guards in snow-white armor bearing the Skydawn Family's crest, she stepped into the coliseum like a moon descending into the world. Her appearance drew countless gasps from spectators.

Her temperament had changed entirely.

From a quiet, beautiful girl to an ethereal fairy-like warrior. Her skin glowed faintly, and the aura surrounding her shimmered with soft lights—resonating with her recently awakened Fairy Physique.

Her presence was stunning. Otherworldly.

Alex's eyes widened. His breath caught in his throat.

'Selena…?' he whispered.

His steps paused. His heart thumped.

She didn't even glance at him.

She simply walked forward gracefully, her gaze focused far away—as if he wasn't even worth her notice.

Sophia quickly stepped in between them to ease the strange tension.

"Selena…" she said softly. "If you perform well today, I'll speak to my father. I'll make sure you get your freedom back. You can leave the Skydawn Palace and accompany Alex to receive guidance from our family."

Alex nodded rapidly beside her.

'Yes… if she sees my strength today, I can win her back. I'll win both Selena and Sophia's heart… and I'll make Roxanne realize I'm the best man for her!'

As he imagined all three girls smiling at him in admiration, he began to drool again.

But Selena's eyes narrowed.

She looked at Sophia and said coldly, "Miss Sophia… I'm already happy in the Skydawn Palace—with Leo. I don't need your so-called freedom."

And with that, she walked away without even giving them a second glance.

Alex's expression darkened. His hands trembled with rage.

'Damn Leo… he took Selena too?!'

Sophia gritted her teeth and tried to reassure him.

"Don't worry, Alex. Leo must have forced her. She wouldn't say those things otherwise."

Alex nodded, his frustration turning into blind determination.

'Yes… that bastard must've done something. I'll save both Selena and Roxanne from him! I swear it!'

He clenched his fists again, eyes glowing with a delusional sense of heroism.

---

The crowd was still buzzing after Selena's grand entrance. Her refined elegance, glowing temperament, and sacred aura had left many stunned. From nobles to students, their conversations shifted from competitive bets to speculations about her transformation.

Even Roxanne—confident and proud as she was—found her eyes narrowing.

As Selena walked past the viewing stands, Roxanne turned her head sharply to watch her. Her eyes scanned the changes in her old rival.

She saw something different.

Selena's posture was firmer. Her movement more graceful. Her once timid expression now carried a serene dominance. The aura surrounding her seemed… unearthly.

Almost divine.

'Why does she look so different…?'

Roxanne squinted her eyes, frustrated and confused. It wasn't just about appearance—it was deeper than that. She couldn't describe it. But her instincts told her something had awakened inside Selena. Something powerful.

And most importantly—Selena had clearly come as Leo's companion.

The two guards behind her bore the Skydawn Family crest, but Roxanne knew the truth.

Those weren't just guards. They were bodyguards Leo had assigned to Selena for her protection. It meant one thing.

Selena… was staying in Leo's house.

That realization hit Roxanne like a sudden gust of wind. She clenched her fists and marched up to Selena, her heels clicking against the arena tiles with each determined step.

She stood before Selena, her voice low but cold.

"Why did Leo not come yet?" Roxanne asked, trying to mask her jealousy with composure.

Selena, her expression indifferent, kept walking. But then she paused.

Her back remained turned, but she replied.

"He'll come when the time is right."

There was no extra word. No emotion. No explanation.

She continued walking away, leaving Roxanne behind with clenched teeth and a burning heart.

Roxanne stomped her feet in frustration, a storm of emotions swirling inside her. Jealousy. Confusion. Longing. Pride. Her mind was flooded with thoughts.

'Why does she look so confident?! What did Leo do to her?! What happened in these few days?!'

She gritted her teeth and forced herself to turn back toward the center of the arena.

'It doesn't matter. Today I'll show Leo who I am. He'll regret ignoring me.'

Her breath deepened. Her eyes focused.

The academy competition had officially begun.

---

The announcer's voice echoed through the stadium, amplified by spirit transmission arrays.

"LET THE COMPETITION BEGIN!"

Cheers erupted across the coliseum. Spectators stood to their feet, waving banners and flags. Students gripped their swords, talismans, and scrolls, all preparing for their turn.

The battles were randomized in the early rounds—meant to filter out the weak and raise the strongest toward the later matches.

Match after match, unknown students fought against one another, showcasing raw skills, elemental techniques, and flashy martial arts. Some were cheered. Others were booed.

But everyone in the arena had their eyes on only a few names.

Rio. Roxanne. Alex. Selena.

And, of course, Leo—who still hadn't shown up.

---

Meanwhile, in the Bladecrest resting area, Rio stood beside his father, tightening the gauntlet straps on his forearms. He closed his eyes for a moment, steadying his breath.

This was it.

His moment.

Roxanne approached him from the side, her tone unusually soft.

"Rio," she said, "do your best."

Rio turned his head slightly, blinking in surprise.

She smiled faintly.

She didn't say much—but it was enough.

His chest tightened with emotion.

'She still supports me… even after everything,' he thought. 'She still believes in me. Not Leo. Me.'

He turned to the arena, clenched his fists, and whispered under his breath:

"See that, Leo? My sister still loves me more than you."

A grin appeared on his face.

His name was called out.

It was time.

Rio stepped forward with confidence. His combat uniform, adorned with red flame trims representing the Bladecrest legacy, shimmered slightly under the sunlight.

His opponent was a random academy student—not a noble, not a known fighter—but it didn't matter to Rio.

This battle was his declaration.

His steps echoed with purpose as he entered the arena. The crowd buzzed. Some recognized him. Others whispered curiously.

But all eyes soon turned to the stage.

Rio lifted his blade, his stance clean, precise.

The announcer called out: "Begin!"

---

Chapter ends

---

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