System Breaker.

All the Awakened students were standing in front of the Grand Master's office, whispering among themselves.

"Do you think the Grand Master will strip them of their titles as Chosen?"

"Yeah, definitely. Lately, they haven't been important in the world rankings, especially here at Vendal City."

"I think it's partly that girl's fault."

One of them turned their gaze towards Nova, and soon everyone was glaring at her and Aera. A student walked up to Nova with two other girls beside her and said:

"If you hadn't dragged that murder case to court, Caden and everyone else wouldn't be in this mess."

Nova wanted to respond, but the Grand Master's office door suddenly opened. Everyone's attention turned to the people exiting – it was Ren and Emron, their faces pale with fear. The other students fell silent, only murmuring softly, while some mocked them. The two Chosen walked away towards the exit.

Aera lightly tapped Nova's shoulder and asked:

"Why isn't Caden out yet… and who exactly is this Grand Master?"

Nova turned, grabbed Aera's hand, and pulled her towards a corner.

"The Grand Master is the one who runs this academy. He's the founder. There are rumors that he is…"

Before Nova could finish, noises began to echo near the office. The Awakened students looked towards the door as the last two people emerged: Aaron and Caden, both covered in injuries.

Caden walked up to Nova and Aera, Aaron trailing behind. The students all watched as Caden, with his split lip and cold expression, said:

"We're ........"

Aera made the most comical grimace and asked:

"Umm… does that… does that mean… it's part… of the… plan…?"

Nova stood there, stunned, as the others around them were even more shocked.

At the same time, inside the luxurious St Freech hospital of Vendal City, Leila was sitting on her hospital bed watching the news, especially the reports on the murder case of the Director and all its controversies.

As she rewatched the moment where Caden defended Nova, anger flushed her face red, and she grit her teeth.

News broadcast: "Our national hero, Caden Dark, has admitted to being in a relationship with a certain Aera, whom you can see on screen. This cold, handsome, and charming hero has finally confessed he's dating someone. Millions of netizens around the world are talking about it!"

Another anchor added:

"Are you sure? I sensed tension with Nova too. But what intrigues me is Leila. I thought they'd be the perfect hero couple."

A male presenter mocked:

"Ah, Leila. Apparently, according to reliable sources, our dear heroine got defeated by an S-ranked foreigner. No wonder our hero lost interest. Isn't she bedridden at St Freech Hospital in Vendal High?"

The others, embarrassed by his words, hesitated to respond until one woman nervously said:

"Um… dear colleague, perhaps you're right. Leila, please recover soon."

Hearing and watching everything, Leila was overwhelmed with rage. She threw her remote at the TV screen, shattering it instantly.

A mysterious man entered the room and said calmly:

"I told you this would happen. Now look at the consequences."

He sat down on the chair beside her. This man was handsome, smiling, and had the same facial features as Leila. He was tall, well-built, with short, straight hair, looking like a young man in his prime.

Leila, red-faced and furious, began crying while throwing objects at him. One of them cut his cheek slightly, yet he continued smiling and said:

"Talk to me instead of throwing things at me, little sister."

Leila screamed in anger:

"I want you to deal with that presenter first!"

He replied:

"Already done."

She continued:

"Find out everything about this Aera."

He answered:

"It's in progress."

Approaching her, he gently stroked her hair and said:

"Ask me for anything else, and I'll do it."

Leila rested her head on his shoulder and whispered:

"Take care of Aera and Nova for me, please."

His expression turned dark as he replied:

"As you wish."

Then he added:

"Mom and Dad would like to know how you're doing. I suggest you come home; I've already arranged your flight."

Hearing this, Leila became even angrier and screamed:

"No! I won't leave! Not away from Caden… never! I hate you!"

She hit him repeatedly, leaving small scratches on his face. He shouted back:

"Leila, you still love that guy?! He hasn't even come to see you at the hospital. Do you really think he cares about you? I don't."

Leila continued struggling as doctors rushed in. Her brother stood up and said to them with an icy tone:

"Take care of her, and make sure she reaches the airport safely. Otherwise, you will all pay the consequences."

The doctors shivered in fear, replying:

"Y-yes, sir."

Her brother leaned down, kissed her forehead, and walked out of the room. Picking up his phone, he said coldly:

"Derek, cancel all my appointments. I'm heading to Vendal High."

That evening at Vendal High, the three Chosen were gathered with Caden. The atmosphere was heavy.

Ren began:

"Guys, I think this mission is too rushed… and who will protect Vendal City if anything happens while we're gone?"

Aaron replied:

"The army. They said the new special forces will be here."

Emron added:

"I don't feel right about this mission."

Caden stood up, murmuring:

"Pathetic."

Aaron slammed his fist on the table.

"Where the hell do you think you're going, you bastard?! You're the one who got us into this mess and now you're calling us pathetic?! Leila's been in the hospital for almost a month and you haven't even asked how she's doing. You shut down the investigation to imprison the girl who hurt her, and now she's gone missing. Everyone looks down on us because of your stupid decisions – all because of that idiot girl trying to surpass the strongest! You've changed completely!"

Caden turned to him, his expression glacial and dark.

"Say that again, I dare you."

Suddenly, a voice echoed from outside:

"He said you're not doing your job as a hero properly."

Hearing this voice, the three Chosen froze, terrified and shocked.

"A-Ared…" they stuttered simultaneously.

Caden frowned, his face darker than ever. The door opened to reveal Leila's brother, flanked by bodyguards. He stepped forward with a sinister smirk and said:

"It's been a while, Number 1."