Sin Slayer System : Levelling Up From C-Rank to SSS-Rank

The next morning, sunlight slipped gently into Elric's room, painting soft gold lines across his blanket. He stirred, feeling strangely light, as if a heavy stone had been lifted from his chest overnight.

He stretched, rubbed his eyes, and took a deep breath. Today felt different ,calmer, brighter.

Downstairs, he could already hear the faint sounds of his mother humming in the kitchen. He pulled on his uniform and headed down, catching a whiff of fried eggs and warm bread.

Just as he sat down to tie his shoes, there was a soft knock on the door. His mother peeked out the window, then smiled warmly.

"It's Ernestina and her mom," she called over her shoulder.

Elric's heart skipped. He stood quickly, smoothing his shirt, as his mother opened the door.

Ernestina stood there, her hair neatly brushed and uniform spotless, her face lighting up the moment she saw him. Behind her, her mother smiled kindly, holding her bag over one shoulder.

"Good morning!" Ernestina's mother greeted. "I came to pick up Elric so they can go to school together today. Ernestina insisted."

Elric's mother stepped aside to let them in. The two women began chatting immediately, catching up like old friends.

Meanwhile, Ernestina looked at Elric, her eyes bright. "Can you join for breakfast?" Elric asked her, motioning toward the dining table.

She shook her head gently, her lips curling into a small smile. "I already had breakfast, so you go on."

"Okay then," he said, settling into his chair again. As he ate, Ernestina watched him patiently, her fingers tracing the edge of the table.After a few more bites, Elric wiped his mouth and pushed his plate away. He stood and picked up his bag. Ernestina smiled and stood too, as their mothers finished their conversation with warm laughter.

Together, they all stepped outside to Ernestina's mother's car. Elric's mom walked with them to the gate, waving as they climbed in. Ernestina's mother started the engine, and soon they were rolling down the street toward school, Ernestina and Elric sitting side by side in the back.

As the car disappeared around the corner, Elric's mom stood in the driveway a while longer, her heart full.

She turned back inside, a soft, hopeful smile on her face. She felt a gentle warmth spreading through her chest, stronger than she had felt in a long time.

"He's really changing," she murmured to herself. "That girl… she's a blessing."

Inside, the house felt brighter. The air felt lighter, as though it, too, knew that Elric was finally stepping onto a better path.

As soon as Elric and Ernestina stepped out of the car, the usual buzz of the school yard hit them like a wave. Students paused mid-conversation, their eyes wide and curious, whispering to each other just like they had the day before.

Elric's mom gave them both a warm smile from the driver's seat. Ernestina bent down politely, her shy voice almost lost in the morning noise.

"Thank you so much, Mom," she said.

Mrs. Blake(Ernestina's Mom )reached out and gently squeezed Ernestina's hand. "Take care, dear. Study hard! I'll see you both later," she called before driving away.

Elric and Ernestina turned toward the entrance, their shoulders brushing lightly as they walked.

But just as they passed the main steps, a familiar chill crawled over their skin. There stood Mabel, her arms folded across her chest, her red lips curled into a sly, wicked smile. Beside her stood Rosemund, Amber, and Lyra.

Freya wasn't there today; she hasn't reported to school yet.

Mabel's eyes gleamed as she watched them approach. She stepped forward, her heels clicking against the tiles. The other girls crowded around, creating a tight, tense circle.

"Well, well, well… Look who decided to show up," Mabel sneered, tilting her head. She gave Ernestina a long, slow, poisonous stare from head to toe.

Then she turned her gaze to Elric, her voice suddenly sweet and dripping with fake affection.

"Hey, darling… have you really forgotten all those sweet moments we shared? All the late-night parties, the clubs, the dancing… you and me," she cooed, stepping closer, her perfume heavy in the morning air.She paused dramatically and turned to Ernestina, eyes narrowing into sharp slits.

"And now you leave me… for this?" Mabel spat the words out, her finger jabbing at Ernestina's chest. "This shy, pathetic little thing? She doesn't even belong in your world, Elric. You could've at least picked someone better. But her?"Ernestina's cheeks flushed red. Her fingers twisted around the strap of her bag, her eyes darting to the ground as she tried to hide the hurt.

Elric watched silently, his jaw clenched. He felt Mabel's finger poke at Ernestina, saw her shoulders trembling. A wave of something fierce rose inside him ;stronger than all the temptations, stronger than all his old habits.

Without a word, he stepped forward, grabbed Mabel's wrist, and pulled her hand away from Ernestina. His voice came out low, calm, but burning with new strength.

"Leave her alone," he said, stepping so close that Mabel's smile finally faltered. "And get out of my way."

Mabel stared at him, stunned, her mouth slightly open.

Elric didn't stop. He looked straight into her eyes, his expression clear and unyielding.

"I'm not yours anymore. I'm not what you thought I was. And I never will be again."

For a moment, silence spread like a crack through the crowd. Even Rosamund and the others looked shocked, their usual mocking smirks gone.

Ernestina finally looked up, her wide eyes shining. She stepped closer to Elric, her hand slipping into his ; a small but brave gesture that made his heart tighten.

Elric squeezed her hand gently, then turned his back on Mabel without another word. He led Ernestina toward the entrance, their steps steady and sure.

Behind them, Mabel stood frozen, her hand hanging in the air. Her friends shifted awkwardly, glancing at each other, not knowing what to do.

As they passed through the school doors, Ernestina let out a small, shaky breath. She glanced up at Elric, her eyes warm and bright despite everything.

"Thank you," she whispered.

Elric squeezed her hand again and gave a small, genuine smile.

"Always," he said.

And together, they stepped into the hallway , side by side, stronger than they had ever been before.💞