In a dim, secluded dormitory room, the air was heavy with frost. A lone figure knelt on the cold floor — the same masked assassin who had failed to kill Princess Nina.
Before her shimmered a tall, crystalline mirror formed of pure ice — the result of her spell, Frostlink Communion. Within its frozen surface, a dark silhouette flickered to life: a man cloaked in black, face hidden behind an obsidian mask.
"Forgive me, Leader," the woman said, bowing her head low. "I failed you. I couldn't complete the task you assigned me. The girl… she escaped from my grasp."
The man's voice came from beyond the ice — low, distorted, and chilling, "How did that happen?"
"Everything was going according to plan until… that boy interfered." Her tone trembled slightly, a mix of shame and frustration. "I don't know how he found us, but he ruined everything. If not for him, I would've finished the mission."
The figure in the mirror remained silent for a moment — the air itself seemed to freeze tighter. Then she spoke again, her tone pleading.
"Apologies, Leader. Please grant me another chance. They've mistaken me for some petty molester and even arrested an innocent man in my place. They must be lowering their guard now. Let me use this confusion — I swear, I won't fail again."
"No." The leader's voice cut through the silence like a blade of ice. "You will not act — not yet. Cease all movements and await my arrival. I will enter Silver Heaven Town soon. Once we unite, we will decide our next steps."
The assassin lowered her head further. "Understood, Leader. I'll follow your command."
The mirror flickered, its icy glow dimming until the dark figure vanished. A heartbeat later — crack! — the surface fractured, shattering into countless shards that scattered across the frozen floor. The assassin rose slowly, her reflection broken across the fragments.
"Soon…" she whispered coldly, tightening her gloves. "You won't escape next time, Princess Nina — nor you, boy."
The room fell silent, save for the faint hiss of melting frost — as the final chill of night swallowed the light.
**********
Amid the bustling heart of Silver Heaven Town, sunlight spilled over rows of colourful stalls, merchants calling out their wares, and the aroma of fresh bread and roasted spices filling the air.
Through the lively marketplace walked a teenage girl — her short, frizzy pink hair gleaming in the afternoon light, her violet eyes sparkling with curiosity.
She wore a sleeveless green warrior hanfu, a travel-worn cloak draped over her shoulders, and a confident smile that turned a few heads as she passed.
Stopping at the edge of the square, she took a deep breath, stretching her arms above her head.
"Finally," she said with a cheerful sigh, "I made it. That was one long journey."
Her gaze swept across the vast cityscape of towers and banners fluttering under the sun.
"Wow… Silver Heaven Town is even bigger than I imagined."
A faint breeze lifted her pink locks as she closed her eyes, smiling softly.
"But don't worry… I'll find you."
Her tone brightened, brimming with playful determination.
"We'll meet soon—Shaun. I promise."
With a grin and a small giggle, she turned toward the bustling streets, her footsteps blending into the rhythm of the crowd — a single spark about to ignite a brand-new story.
**********
The next morning, sunlight filtered through the tall windows of Silver Heaven Academy. Inside the classroom, Instructor Sakura was in the middle of her lecture on herbal antidotes for poison, her voice calm and melodic. Just then, a soft knock echoed at the door.
"Instructor Sakura, may I have a moment?" came a familiar voice. Every head turned instantly.
"Good morning, Lady Grandmaster," Sakura said warmly. "Please, come in."
Lady Maya stepped gracefully into the room. The air changed — calm authority wrapped in crimson. All disciples immediately stood and bowed.
"Good morning, everyone," Maya said with a faint smile. "Please, be seated. I apologize for interrupting, but I have an important announcement to make."
Whispers rippled across the room as she continued.
"Today, I am pleased to inform you that a new disciple has joined Silver Heaven Academy. She has come all the way from the Azure Pearl Region — a coastal kingdom famed for its crystalline shores and sea-blessed magi. She is also…" Maya's eyes softened. "…the princess of that region."
The classroom erupted with murmurs.
"A princess? From another region?"
"Wow, our academy's really attracting nobles now!"
Maya raised her hand lightly. "Settle down, everyone. Now then — let us welcome your new classmate. Please enter, Lady Heavens."
All eyes turned toward the door. A moment later, a beautiful girl stepped inside, her presence bright as dawn itself.
She had short, frizzy pink hair that shimmered like coral and gentle violet eyes that sparkled with life.
Her sleeveless emerald-green warrior hanfu, trimmed with silver embroidery, accentuated her graceful yet confident aura — elegant, yet full of energy. For a moment, the entire classroom froze.
"She… she's so cute!"
"She's adorable!"
"Even her walk feels like a dance!"
The boys practically fainted. Even the girls couldn't look away. Shaun, too, found his heart skipping a beat. There was something strangely familiar in that smile — something that made his chest tighten.
The girl stood proudly at the front. "Good morning, everyone," she said with a radiant grin. "My name is Timia Heavens. I'm from the Azure Pearl Region — well, technically its princess. It's an honour to meet you all!"
Bang! Her cheerful smile shot through the classroom like an arrow. Half the boys clutched their chests dramatically. "I think I'm in love!" "Timiaaa!" "Marry me, Princess!"
"Alright, calm down," Maya said sharply, though a hint of amusement touched her lips. "Behave like civilized disciples, not… whatever this is. Remember, Lady Timia is a guest from another region. I expect you to uphold the dignity of Silver Heaven."
"Yes, Lady Grandmaster!" the class chorused.
Maya turned to Timia with a kind nod. "Lady Timia, you may begin your academic days starting today. Please — choose any seat you like."
Every boy in the room immediately straightened up, some even patting the seats beside them. The girls glared daggers in silent protest. Timia only smiled, scanning the room carefully — her eyes moving from row to row… searching.
Then, her gaze stopped. And in that instant, her face lit up like the morning sun. She walked straight toward the middle row, where Shaun sat frozen. The room went silent, anticipation thick as mana. Timia stopped in front of him.
"Are you Shaun Thunderhawk?" she asked softly.
"Y-yeah," Shaun stammered, confused. "That's me. What's—"
Before he could finish, she leaned forward and hugged him — tightly. Gasps echoed like thunder. Shaun's entire brain froze. His arms hovered helplessly in the air.
"Wow… I can't believe we finally met again!" she said, her voice trembling with joy. "I missed you so much, Darling!"
Pin-drop silence. Every single disciple — including Sakura, Maya, and even the distant birds outside — went still. Then, all at once—
"D-D-D… DARLING?!" the class roared.
Shaun's eyes widened in sheer panic as every stare in the room turned on him. Natasha's jaw dropped. Sabastian looked like he'd been struck by lightning. And Sakura could only whisper, "Oh dear…"
Meanwhile, Lady Maya simply folded her arms, hiding a knowing smirk behind her composure. The curtain closed on that uproarious moment — as destiny, love, and chaos all began anew.
**********