"I don't know why you're calling for me," I said calmly, a faint smile on my lips. "You're not my girlfriend anymore. Whatever you have to say can be said right here—in front of everyone."
Asa stiffened.
"Fine," she said after a breath. "Then we'll talk here." Her expression hardened. "I've changed my mind. We're not breaking up. I was emotional earlier."
She lifted her chin. "I forgive you. Let's get back together."
"…Forgive me?" I repeated. "If anything, I should be the one forgiving you—for dumping me like trash in front of the entire class."
She frowned. "You don't get to act like this. I'm giving you a chance."
"No," I replied evenly. "You don't get to change your mind like you're changing clothes."
"I know you're upset," Asa said, forcing a smile. "How about this? I'll let you hold my hand from now on."
"…Are you serious?" I asked flatly.
"Kairos, you know I'm traditional," she said quickly. "If we bond, I'll even go further. I'll let you kiss me."
The room went silent.
"That's unbelievable," someone whispered.
"Asa really thinks he'll crawl back," another muttered.
"Why aren't you saying anything?" Asa pressed. "Did you forget your promise not to touch me before marriage? I'm allowing you to hold my hand and kiss me."
"For the sake of our four-year relationship," she added, voice tightening, "I'll allow two intimate experiences."
So this is her plan.Lure me into bonding, then take it all back later.
I stayed silent.
"…Still not enough?" Asa snapped, cheeks flushing. "Do you think you have some god-like libido? Oh—right. You're SSS-tier now."
She clenched her fists. "Fine. As much as you want. That should be enough."
The whispers turned sharp.
"So that's the real Asa," the blonde girl scoffed. "Hiding behind that pure, wide-eyed act."
"She flipped the moment she saw his awakening," another girl said coldly. "What a snake."
"Traditional?" someone laughed. "Please."
"Kairos," Asa said loudly, pointing at me, desperation creeping into her voice. "No matter what, you have to pick me. I'm the only S-tier War Maiden here."
"…Really?" I replied.
"Yes!" she snapped. "Who else is worthy of you?"
System MessageHidden SSS-Tier War Maiden Detected.The host is advised to initiate a bond to receiveexclusive rewards.
Hidden SSS?
I turned.
Behind the crowd stood a girl with long violet hair, pale purple eyes, and a quiet presence that drew the light toward her. A simple blue summer dress. A delicate necklace resting at her collarbone.
A soft glow hovered above her.
It's her.
Mira.
The academy's acknowledged belle.
Once mocked for awakening as an F-tier Scrap Scooter.
System MessageName:Mira HartStatus:CivilianFrame Sub-Class:Civilian VehicleFrame Type:Scrap MopedTier:FBond Status:UnbondedExtra:Hidden SSS Mech
I walked toward her.
The room erupted.
"Kairos is walking toward Mira?" the black-haired boy gasped.
"If this were before his awakening, I'd call him insane," the blonde girl said. "But now? She's an F-tier. Completely unsuitable for military deployment."
"He's throwing away his future," someone muttered. "SSS-tier Core Pilot bonding with scrap?"
Mira's eyes widened. "You… you want to be my Core Pilot?"
"That's right," I said gently. "Is something wrong?"
"I—" she hesitated, blushing. "I'm not good enough for you. Asa is better suited."
"That's not your decision," I replied. "It's mine."
"You want that trash?!" Asa screamed. "Kairos! Have you lost your mind?!"
"It's none of your concern who I choose," I said calmly, opening my arms.
"I get it!" Asa shouted. "You're trying to make me jealous! You think this will make me take you back?"
I met her glare without flinching.
"You really think highly of yourself," I said coldly. "You think being S-tier makes you untouchable."
I shook my head. "You're ridiculous. I already told you—we're never getting back together."
"Kairos," Ms. Bell snapped, stepping forward. "Think carefully. You're SSS-tier. But Mira—"
"Core Pilots are free to choose their War Maidens," I interrupted. "Isn't that academy law?"
"That is true, but—"
I ignored her and turned to Mira.
"We're signing the bond."
"I won't allow it!" Asa screamed, blocking my path.
"And who the hell do you think you are," I roared back, "to tell me what to do?!"
The air froze.
A deep, furious voice echoed through the hall.
"Who dares upset my daughter?"
The arena fell deathly silent.
A man in green military camouflage strode onto the Atlar Stage. The bottom half of his hair was iron-gray, the top jet black, giving him a sharp, predatory presence. Every step carried purpose—no hesitation, no doubt.
System Message
Name: Corvin Woods
Status: Arca City
Rank: City Defense Commander
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
"F-Father!" Asa cried, immediately pointing at me.
"It was him! He upset me! He's an SSS-tier Core Pilot, but he refuses to bond with me—he wants an F-tier girl!"
Corvin Woods didn't look at his daughter right away.
His eyes locked onto me.
"SSS-tier… Someone like him belongs at the wall—or under my command." His lips curled faintly.
"Boy," Commander Woods said, his voice carrying unquestioned authority. "There is only one correct choice."
He stepped forward.
"Bond with my daughter."
Asa stood behind him, arms crossed, a smug smile already forming—as if victory were inevitable.
The black-haired boy swallowed hard. "This is bad. That's the Arca City Defense Commander…"
"If he moves," the red-haired girl whispered, pale, "Kairos won't stand a chance."
I met Corvin Woods's gaze calmly.
"Tell me something," I said, smiling. "What happens if I refuse to bond with your daughter?"
The commander didn't hesitate.
"It's simple," he replied coldly. "You die."
The arena exploded into gasps.
"C-Commander Woods!" Ms. Bell shouted. "Please—stand down!"
Before anyone could move—
"That won't be happening."
The voice was calm. Controlled.
Commander Woods turned.
A man in a black business suit stepped into the arena, his presence sharp enough to cut through the tension like a blade.
Every eye snapped toward him.