David left the cafeteria, leaving Noah behind, and made his way to Vincent's office. Approaching the door, he knocked and immediately heard a cheerful voice.
"Come in."
When David entered, he expected to see Vincent. Instead, a young man with pink hair and pink eyes—like a sakura in bloom—stood before him. His face was pleasant, but his smile was strangely unsettling.
Surprised, David muttered, "Did I get the wrong room? Sorry—"
The young man stopped him. "You were looking for Vincent, weren't you?"
David turned back. "Yes."
With a faint smile, the man said, "Vincent stepped out for some business. I came to see him as well, so I'm waiting here. Whatever you wanted to tell him—pretend I'm Vincent."
David hesitated for a moment. "You're a teacher, then?"
"Oh, of course! Where are my manners?" The man laughed lightly. "I'm the instructor for energy control. My name is Mr. Ryan. So, what brings you here?"
"Tomorrow I have a duel. I just wanted Mr. Vincent to be informed. But if he's not here, I'll tell you instead."
Ryan chuckled, his laughter oddly high-pitched. "Ah, I see, I see! Boys throwing down challenges—how delightful! He-he-he. The duel will be at the arena, correct?"
"Yes," David confirmed.
"Perfect. In that case, I'll be the judge," Ryan said, smiling broadly.
David shrugged. "Suit yourself. Then I'll take my leave. Goodbye."
He walked out, while Ryan watched him go. So that's him, Ryan thought. One of the academy's current prodigies… how fascinating. His smile widened as he thought of Vincent.
Just then, the door opened and Vincent himself stepped inside. Seeing Ryan in his chair, he growled, "What the hell are you doing in my office, in my seat no less? Get out before I throw you out."
Still smiling, Ryan replied cheerfully, "Oh, Vincent, why so grumpy? Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed? Maybe try being a little sweeter to me?" He puckered his fingers at his lips and blew a mocking kiss toward the teacher.
Vincent's face twisted with disgust as he dodged it. "Go to hell," he snapped.
Meanwhile, in the sealed room where Han was kept, the blindfold was finally removed from his eyes. For hours, he had struggled, screaming and thrashing, but the soundproof walls swallowed every cry. When the blindfold was taken off, a young man appeared before him. His face was delicately beautiful. His hair was pink, and his eyes the same pale pink.
In panic, Han stammered, "W-what are you doing? Why did you kidnap me? What do you want from me?"
"Easy now, easy," the Boy said with a smile. "I didn't kidnap you. Why would I?"
"Then how do you explain this?" Han demanded.
Sai smirked. "Explain what? Look—you can talk, you're unharmed. Does this really look like kidnapping?" His tone was casual, almost playful.
Han's breath came ragged. "Then what do you want? Tell me!"
"What do I want? Nothing too big." Sai licked his lips and whispered, "I just want your body."
Han recoiled. "Wait… what? You want my body—?"
"Oh, don't get the wrong idea." Sai quickly pressed his hands to his chest in mock embarrassment. "I'm not some kind of pervert."
He snorted, then added, "Honestly, you're not even my type—no offense. You're kind of ugly."
"Hey! That's offensive!" Han growled, trying to hold back his anger.
Sai only shrugged. "Fine, fine. The truth is, I'm interested in another boy—the one you'll be fighting tomorrow. I just need to borrow your shell for a day. Afterwards, I'll give it back. Deal?"
"What? Why are you interested in him? And… what's your name?" Han asked, forcing himself to sound braver than he felt.
"My name is Sai," the man replied with a grin.
Han's heart skipped. He remembered: Sai was a second-year, ranked fourth among the academy's prodigies. He's a monster, Han thought. I can't refuse him. I have no choice but to accept.
"…Fine. But on one condition," Han said, clenching his teeth.
"And what would that be?" Sai asked, smiling wider.
"You have to help me defeat that arrogant upstart," Han muttered, his tone quiet but firm.
"Oh? Defeat the one who's first in the rankings? You're insane." Sai chuckled, but after a pause he nodded. "Still, I'll accept. I need your vessel."
For Han, the deal was tempting. If Sai—disguised as him—won the duel, Han's name would echo through the academy as the one who brought down a genius. He didn't care about honor. Victory was victory.
With the agreement sealed, Sai's pink eyes glimmered as a predatory
smile stretched across his lips. Wait for me, David, he whispered silently.