Time passes—slowly, then all at once.
Eventually, I found myself stepping into the grounds of Flameheart Academy. A place whispered about in strange corners, where rules seemed as vague as the rumors. Oddly enough, it was regulated by an 18-year-old urban guy, always surrounded by girls. He smiled too easily and spoke too little. Suspicious? Absolutely.
From my very first day, I didn't know how to react to this place. When I thought about making friends—especially with girls—this strange feeling always bubbled up. A voice in my chest would whisper, "I don't know... just be strong."
And every time I looked at a girl, an image flashed in my mind—cold eyes, a sharp voice, and the name Ivy. A girl from my past, perhaps. Rude, distant... and unforgettable.
But for the past year, there was someone else.
Z.
Or rather, Zena. Her name echoed something ancient, something familiar—strangely close to my father's name. From the moment I introduced myself and shared my name and past-life memories in class, Zena became... persistent. She kept calling out my past name like it was hers to use. It's been my fifteenth attempt at avoiding her, and yet, somehow, she always finds me.
I guess I'm odd. I don't like being around girls too much. I don't want to get involved in that mess again—especially obsession. That part of life? Not for me.
And no, I'm not some fourth-wall-breaking comic hero like Spider-Man. I'm just a guy who writes things down—thoughts, dreams, fears. My only hobby is to observe and note the world around me.
---
The next day, while heading to the academy, I heard a familiar voice pierce through the noise behind me:
"Akido!"
That name.
My past name.
I didn't have to look. I already knew who it was.
Still, I turned my head—and, as expected, it was her. Zena.
I sighed, turned back around, and kept walking.
But she didn't let up. Footsteps caught up beside me.
"Hey," she said calmly, "are you trying to avoid me again?"
With a sigh and a puff of breath, I replied, "You know I'm not. Even if I try... I can't avoid you. You're a calamity."
"How rude," she pouted.
Then her tone shifted. "Hey, do you know about the event happening today?"
"Yeah," I said flatly. "You joining?"
"Of course. But I need a partner. It's duel versus duel, you know? Want to team up?"
I narrowed my eyes. "What makes you think I want to join?"
"You might not," she said with a teasing smile, "but maybe you should hear about the prize."
I scratched my ear lazily with my pinky finger. "Not interested."
"It's two rare cultivating pills," she said. "And six hidden scrolls."
My eyes lit up.
I paused.
Then looked at her, trying to hide the sudden excitement. "Obviously, I'll join. And Zena... do you wanna be my partner?"
She smiled.
"One word," she said. "Yes."
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