"Students, please quiet down."
Ms. Caline's voice was clear and strong, instantly silencing the whispers in the classroom.
"Today, our class will welcome two new students. I hope everyone can get along well and help them adapt to the new environment as quickly as possible."
Her gesture first directed towards the girl on the left. The girl had long, smooth brown hair styled in delicate twin braids, and her green eyes, like emeralds in a forest, sparkled with a sweet and harmless light.
She wore a fashionable red-orange jacket over a polka-dotted shirt, making her look lively and approachable.
She nodded slightly, her lips curving into a perfect arc, and her voice, sweet as honey, said: "Hello everyone, my name is Lila.
I am from Italy. I am very happy to be your classmate. Please guide me."
This self-introduction, like a fragrant breeze, immediately caused a small stir in the class.
Chloé sat in her seat, curling her lip in disdain, and nudged Sabrina beside her.
Her blue eyes, adorned with delicate eyeliner, scrutinized Lila, quickly assessing the newcomer's "threat level" in her mind.
Sabrina, looking a bit nervous, pushed up her glasses and whispered to Chloé: "She seems… very articulate."
Meanwhile, in another corner of the classroom Alya, Mylène, Rose, and Juleka, who had already formed a silent alliance, exchanged knowing glances.
Their gazes darted back and forth between Lila and Jaden's backs.
There were already enough girls in the class, and every potential new face meant that their common "target"—Jaden—might have more attention diverted from him.
The competition, it seemed, had become even more intense from this moment on.
Rose optimistically whispered, "It's okay, she doesn't seem interested in Jaden's type."
Juleka nodded silently, still covering half her face with her purple bangs, but a hint of vigilance had entered her eyes.
Marinette and Alya sat in their seats. Alya poked Marinette's arm with her pen tip and whispered, "Look, another potential rival. You really need to step up your game."
Marinette's cheeks flushed slightly, and she nervously clutched her pencil, her gaze involuntarily drifting towards Jaden, her heart filled with a maiden's hopes and fears.
However, the boys in the class reacted indifferently to this.
Nathan and Marc didn't even look up, still immersed in their comic world. For them, the heroes and adventures on paper were far more captivating than new classmates in reality.
Kim was even more distracted, his mind completely on the afternoon's football match. He was already calculating how many goals he would score.
Max was adjusting the observation parameters of his robot Marc, preparing to record data from the afternoon football match.
Nino idly twirled his pen, merely glancing at the new student before looking away.
Jaden sat in his seat, outwardly calm, but inwardly he understood.
Lila, that name was synonymous with "trouble." In the reference plot, she was like a beautiful poisonous vine, using lies and feigned fragility as weapons, capable of stirring up huge commotions inadvertently.
Seeing her gaze subtly drift towards Adrien during her self-introduction, Jaden guessed about seventy to eighty percent of it—her target was likely the prominent family background behind Adrien.
Since she was trouble, the best way to deal with her was to keep his distance.
So, he lowered his head slightly, adjusted his posture, and pretended to be deeply engrossed in a difficult problem, thereby reducing his presence and avoiding any unnecessary interactions.
Ms. Caline nodded with satisfaction, then gestured towards the other girl.
"This is Kagami."
In stark contrast to Lila's sweet and approachable demeanor, Kagami's aura was cool and sharp.
She had an agile physique, neat, shoulder-length dark blue hair, and even a few faint freckles on her face, but this did not diminish her sword-like aura.
Her eyes were as calm as still water. Facing the gaze of the entire class, she simply nodded and uttered three words:
"Hello, everyone."
Concise and to the point, with no further words.
"Alright, now I will arrange your seats."
Ms. Caline pointed to a spot in the middle of the classroom, "Second row, there's still an empty seat behind Adrien…"
Before she finished speaking, Lila spoke first, in an apologetic and pleading tone: "Teacher, I'm very sorry… I have a slight hearing problem, and I might not be able to hear you clearly if I sit at the back.
May I… sit in the first row?"
Her gaze was pitifully fixed on the teacher, her green eyes seeming to hold a clear spring.
Ms. Caline was taken aback. Looking at her sincere eyes, she couldn't help but soften a little: "Oh, is that so? Then where would you like to sit?"
A grateful smile appeared on Lila's face. Her slender finger unhesitatingly pointed to the very front row of the classroom—the empty seat next to Adrien.
This action caused all the girls observing in secret to collectively breathe a sigh of relief.
So her target was Adrien, not Jaden.
That's great, one less competitor instantly.
The hostility in their eyes towards Lila largely dissipated.
"Okay, Lila, you can sit there."
Ms. Caline gently agreed. She then turned to Kagami: "So, Kagami, what about you?"
Kagami remained as calm as ever, saying indifferently: "Anywhere is fine."
"Hmm… then sit next to Alya. You can help each other out."
Ms. Caline arranged her seat.
As the two new students took their seats, the morning classes officially began.
Outside the window, the Parisian sky was crystal clear, while inside the classroom, new social networks had quietly unfolded, and undercurrents slowly surged beneath the calm academic surface.
The bell for recess broke the quiet of the classroom.
Lila immediately began her plan.
She knew how to quickly integrate into a new group—by demonstrating that she possessed "extraordinary connections" to quickly establish authority and attraction.
She first walked towards Nathan and Marc, who were still engrossed in their drawings. "Wow, your drawings are amazing!"
Her voice was full of sincere praise, "This reminds me of my good friend, he's a very famous animation director. Perhaps I could introduce your work to him?"
Nathan and Marc exchanged glances, seeing the same polite refusal in each other's eyes.
They were pure enthusiasts and didn't want their work to be tainted by too much utilitarianism.
"Thank you, but for now, we just want to draw quietly," Nathan replied politely.
Lila showed no embarrassment, her smile still sweet. She turned to Kim, Nino, and Max, who were discussing afternoon tactics on the other side.
"Are you discussing sports? My dad knows a world-class football coach, you know, he might be able to give you some professional advice."
Kim's eyes lit up when he heard that: "Really? You know so many people, that's amazing!"
However, before he could ask more, he was whisked away by Nino and Max, one on each side.
"Come on, Kim, tactical discussions are confidential, they can't be leaked."
Nino said, subtly dragging Kim away from Lila's "social range."
After several unsuccessful attempts, Lila's gaze finally fell on Adrien.
Adrien was sitting alone in his seat, his golden hair shimmering in the sunlight, but his handsome face bore a clear look of confusion and worry.
The discovery in his father's study that morning, the spellbook, weighed like a huge stone on His heart , leaving him no mind for socializing.
Lila approached him with her most perfect smile, and softly asked: "Adrien, you look like you have something on your mind? If you have any worries, you can tell me."
Adrien snapped out of his contemplation and, seeing it was the new student, politely smiled at her and shook his head:
"Thank you for your concern, I'm fine, just thinking about some things."
After speaking, he sank back into his thoughts, his distant politeness clearly indicating his desire not to be disturbed.
On the other side, Kagami sat quietly in her seat.
She could feel the kind glances from Alya and Marinette next to her. They seemed to want to talk to her but didn't know how to start.
And Kagami herself was also not good at initiating conversations; she was used to responding to all unfamiliar environments with silence.
Thus, a strange, kind, yet quiet standoff formed between the three.
Time passed.
Inside the fencing hall, the air was filled with the faint scent of sweat and metal after collision.
Mr. D'Argencourt, a tall, slender gentleman with a curly handlebar mustache, dressed in a white fencing suit, frowned as he watched his star student.
"Adrien,"
He said in his usual knightly tone, as if from the Middle Ages,
"By the name of a knight, your state today is like a warhorse lost in a thick fog.
Your sword is without order, your steps are hesitant. Tell me, what has shaken your knightly heart?"
Adrien took off his mask, his golden hair on his forehead soaked with sweat. He panted, his face full of apology:
"I'm very sorry, teacher. It's my own problem. I'll adjust as soon as possible."
Just then, a cool voice came from the doorway.
"If this is the level of your school's fencing team, then it's quite disappointing."
Everyone looked in the direction of the voice, only to see Kagami, now in a white fencing suit of the same style. She held a training longsword, her eyes sharply scanning Adrien in the arena.
She used a slightly arrogant posture to mask her poor communication skills, which made her appear very aggressive.
"My name is Kagami, and I want to join the fencing team," she said directly to Mr. D'Argencourt.
Mr. D'Argencourt's brows furrowed even more. He disliked such a provocative posture.
He responded in a rigid and serious tone: "Young lady, a knight's honor is not gained by words.
If you wish to join my team, you must prove your worth with the sword in your hand.
Go, defeat my best student, and you will earn your place."
He pointed to Adrien.
Adrien took a deep breath and put his mask back on. He knew this was an unavoidable duel.
The signal for the match to begin sounded.
Adrien launched the first attack, his movements swift and elegant, textbook perfect.
However, Kagami's defense was like an impregnable fortress; no matter how Adrien's sword parried, he could not break through her defense.
"Too slow," Kagami uttered coldly.
Suddenly, she moved.
Her counterattack was as fast as lightning, without any superfluous movements—simple, direct, and deadly. Adrien only saw a flash of cold light before him, and the target area on his chest lit up with a red light.
Before he could adjust, Kagami's second and third attacks followed in quick succession.
Adrien was completely suppressed. The more anxious he became, the more chaotic his movements, and the distracting thoughts about the spellbook further diminished his judgment.
Finally, after a flawed attack, Kagami's sword tip stopped precisely in front of his mask.
The score was set. Adrien lost, without a doubt.
Kagami retracted her sword, performed a standard fencing salute to the coach and Adrien, then turned and left the fencing hall without a word.
Adrien stood dejectedly in place, his mask concealing a face full of sweat and frustration.
Agreste Mansion, in the cold and luxurious office.
Gabriel had just finished an unpleasant phone call. On the other end of the line was Mrs. Tsurugi, Kagami's mother.
"Gabriel, I hope you are clear about our agreement. I sent Kagami to Paris,
It's for her to receive a better education, not for her to correct your son, who has been spoiled by his friends."
Mrs. Tsurugi's displeasure was clearly audible through the receiver.
"She merely won a friendly practice match, Mrs. Tsurugi," Gabriel's voice was steady, devoid of emotion.
"A practice match? Kagami told me your son was distracted on the field, too weak to withstand a single blow.
Gabriel, your indulgence is making him weak.
You allow him to make unnecessary friends, to do meaningless things, all of which I would never allow Kagami to do."
"I will discipline my son myself,"
Gabriel coldly interrupted her and ended the call.
He stood silently before the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, looking out at the Parisian scenery, but his mind was not there at all.
Adrien's abnormality… Mrs. Tsurugi's words, though harsh, had enlightened him.
"Nathalie," he called out.
Nathalie appeared silently behind him, holding a tablet, as efficient and calm as ever.
"Sir."
"Was there anything unusual about Adrien today?" Gabriel's voice was icy.
Nathalie's body hesitated for a moment. Her finger unconsciously traced the edge of the tablet, a subtle movement that did not escape Gabriel's eyes.
"He… before he went to school today…"
Nathalie's voice faltered slightly, "He seemed… to have entered your room."
Gabriel's pupils contracted.
"Pull up the surveillance footage."
His command was concise and unquestionable.
Nathalie quickly operated the tablet, and the huge display screen on the office wall lit up, switching to the surveillance footage from the study doorway that morning.
On the screen, Adrien's figure appeared.
He furtively opened the study door and walked in.
A few minutes later, he walked out again, and his backpack seemed a little more bulging than when he went in.
The air in the office seemed to freeze at this moment. The light from the display screen reflected on Gabriel's face,
His usually expressionless face now, for the first time, showed a complex expression mixed with fury, betrayal, and extreme coldness.
His son had stolen his deepest secret.
The teenager he had tried to protect by all means, yet also strictly controlled, had, right under his nose, taken away the key that could overturn everything.
"Nathalie,"
Gabriel slowly turned around, his eyes behind his glasses glinting with a chilling light.
"It seems… I need to re-evaluate my son's 'extracurricular activities'."
Meanwhile, inside the gymnasium, the whistle for the three-on-three soccer match was about to blow, and the atmosphere was already ignited.
On one side, Kim was stretching his robust limbs, his muscles clearly visible beneath his jersey. As a forward, his eyes were filled with a desire to score.
Behind him, Max calmly put on his goalkeeper gloves. His robot, Marc, hovered in mid-air beside the goal, its blue electronic eyes flickering with data streams, ready to perform real-time dynamic analysis of the entire match.
Their third teammate was another tall boy from a different class, who was currently fist-bumping Kim, mutually hyping each other up.
On the other side, the lineup appeared more agile. Marc was tall and slender, with long legs, skilled at breaking through with speed and technique.
Nino wore his signature baseball cap and headphones, his body swaying slightly to an invisible rhythm, preparing to play as a flexible defender.
And standing in their midst was Adrien, who had just changed into his sportswear.
Originally, this position should have been Jaden's.
But at this moment, Jaden was leisurely sitting on the bench by the sidelines.
Beside him, Nathan had already spread out his sketchbook, charcoal pencil in hand, observing the field layout with great interest, ready to capture those fleeting "highlight moments."
Jaden showed no sign of disappointment at being substituted; instead, he wore a relaxed expression, watching Adrien interact with his friends, as if he were the audience most looking forward to this match.
It was not easy for Adrien to be here, looking so refreshed.
Just over ten minutes ago, in the fencing hall, he was still enduring the frustration of a crushing defeat.
Arang Ke did not harshly reprimand him; instead, he enlightened him in an almost philosophical way: "Adrien, a knight's heart can sometimes be shrouded in fog, but this is not weakness.
True strength is acknowledging the existence of the fog, then finding your own ray of light to dispel it.
Your sword should not only be wielded for victory, but also for what you wish to protect.
Go on, your training ends early today. Go find your 'light'."
These words were like a key, gently unlocking the heavy lock in His heart .
He temporarily shed the fear and suspicion of his father's identity, that suffocating burden.
He walked into the empty changing room and, amidst rows of cold lockers, sat against the wall, burying his face in his knees.
"Plagg…"
He whispered.
Plagg floated lazily out of his shirt, letting out a big yawn.
"What is it? I was dreaming of a giant mountain of camembert cheese."
Adrien looked up, his golden hair disheveled against his forehead, his emerald eyes full of confusion and pain. "Plagg… what should I do? That book… if my father really is…"
"Oh dear, your face looks worse than moldy camembert cheese right now."
Plagg floated in front of him, sticking out his tiny tongue, and unexpectedly licked his face.
"Hey!" Adrien was startled by the sudden, cheese-flavored wet touch, instinctively leaning back. "What are you doing, Plagg!"
"Just trying to wake you up."
Plagg circled his head once, saying in a tone that saw through everything,
"What's the use of you sitting here looking miserable? Even if your father really is that fashion disaster who loves to wear purple tights, if you rush over and question him now, will he admit it?
He'll just extend your grounding until the next century and confiscate all my cheese!"
Adrien was amused by Plagg's exaggerated yet practical statement, but the gloom still lingered.
"But I can't pretend nothing happened…"
"Who told you to pretend nothing happened?"
Plagg stopped in front of him, his tiny hands clasped across his chest, like a little philosopher,
"My advice is—strategic retreat! You quietly put that broken book back, and just pretend none of this happened.
That way, you're still the obedient son, he's still the busy dad, and your life won't change at all.
As for the truth… we can take our time, observe secretly, understand? Acting impulsively now will only alert him and put yourself in a passive position."
Adrien stared blankly at Plagg, a simple and direct wisdom shining in the Kwami's seemingly playful eyes.
Yes, he had been too hasty. Fear and shock had made him lose his composure.
Plagg was right; maintaining the status quo was the wisest choice before having absolute proof and a foolproof plan.
"I know… I know what I should be worried about, Plagg."
Adrien took a deep breath, his eyes gradually regaining clarity,
"Thank you. You're right, I'll put the book back. Just… just pretend none of this happened."
However, before putting it back… a hint of determination flashed in his eyes.
"Plagg, claws out!"
A flash of green light streaked through the small changing room, and the agile figure of Cat Noir replaced the confused teenager.
He didn't hesitate, drawing the metal staff from his waist and skillfully operating the screen on one side of the staff.
A miniature lens extended from the front of the staff, aimed at the ancient spellbook he had taken from his backpack.
"Switch to camera function, start recording."
"At least I need to save this information until I find the answers," he murmured to himself.
He opened the spellbook, page after page. The staff's camera silently recorded every mysterious symbol, every illustration depicting ancient miraculous holders.
He photographed quickly and meticulously, intending to engrave all the book's secrets into this weapon, a blend of technology and magic.
He deliberately avoided scrutinizing the content on the pages, afraid, afraid of seeing irrefutable evidence about his father in some inconspicuous corner.
He didn't want to know the answer yet; he needed time.
He would temporarily store these video files and, later, when he had the chance, show them to Master Fu.
He realized he wasn't ready to know the final answer so soon; he needed time to process and prepare.
After recording was complete, he de-transformed.
"Revert."
The light dissipated, and Adrien returned to his original form. Plagg floated out, looking tired, and Adrien immediately took a large piece of camembert cheese from his bag and offered it to him.
Watching Plagg devour it, the last bit of gloom in His heart also dissipated.
He changed his clothes, tucked the heavy spellbook back deep into his backpack, and strode purposefully towards the gymnasium.
He quickly walked into the gym and immediately saw his friends, whose game was about to start.
"Hey, guys, still short a player?" he called out with a smile.
Nino, seeing his refreshed appearance, immediately waved excitedly: "Adrien! You're just in time! We were waiting for you!"
Jaden also smiled at him, voluntarily walked off the field, and patted Adrien's shoulder: "I'm a bit tired anyway, you go on, do well."
"Thanks, Jaden." Adrien gave him a grateful look and quickly joined the team.
"Beep—"
With a whistle, the game officially began.
Kim, like a cannonball, was the first to charge towards the soccer ball, his strong body giving him an absolute advantage in collisions.
But as soon as he had dribbled the ball a few steps, a lean figure—Marc—ghosted up to him, constantly interfering with agile footwork, looking for an opportunity to steal the ball.
Adrien, meanwhile, roamed the midfield, his movements graceful and efficient, like a noble young master on the field, always appearing in the most crucial positions.
A wonderful chemistry formed between him and Marc; several exquisite short passes instantly tore through the opponent's defense.
The ball flew towards the goal with a whoosh, but goalkeeper Max's expression remained unusually calm.
Marc, above his head, emitted a series of calculation sounds, its blue electronic eyes precisely locking onto the ball's flight path.
"Optimal interception point, lower left, angle thirty-seven degrees."
Max moved at the sound, his body springing out like a coiled spring, and he securely caught the ball in his arms.
Nathan on the sidelines watched intently, his charcoal pencil swiftly sketching on paper. He drew the moment of Kim's powerful shot,
and also Marc's agile dribbling. Each sketch was full of dynamism and tension.
On the other side of the gymnasium stands, it was a different scene.
"Sigh…" Marinette rested her chin in her hands, looking at Jaden sitting quietly on the sidelines, and sighed with a hint of disappointment, "If only Jaden were on the field."
"Then you wouldn't have any regrets."
Alya pulled out a professional pair of binoculars from somewhere, aimed them in Jaden's direction, and handed them to Marinette, "Here, VIP seat view, every detail clear."
"Alya!" Marinette's face instantly flushed. "This… this is too blatant!"
"And when you usually sneak glances at him, that's not blatant?"
Alya winked mischievously, "Quick, look, look, Nathan is showing him the sketches he just drew, he's smiling so beautifully!"
Marinette half-heartedly took the binoculars and secretly glanced through them. Her heart felt like it was being scratched by a kitten's paws, both itchy and numb.
In another row of seats not far away, Chloé and Sabrina were watching the game with boredom.
"Boring."
Chloé yawned, twirling her golden hair with fingers adorned with exquisite nail polish,
"It's just an ordinary soccer game, what's so good about it?
Though, Adrien's skills are still decent. But that's about it, compared to Jaden… he's still a bit lacking."
"Yes, yes, Chloé is right," Sabrina echoed from beside her.
Chloé watched for a few minutes, found it uninteresting, and stood up to leave.
"Let's go, Sabrina, it's too noisy here."
As soon as she stood up, a sweet, gentle voice sounded nearby.
"Chloé, do you find the game uninteresting? Would you like to… chat with me, perhaps we could be friends?"
Lila had sat down next to them at some point, her face adorned with her signature, harmlessly sweet smile.
Chloé stopped, glancing down at her with undisguised disdain in her eyes.
"Friends? What class are you in, to even speak to me?"
Lila's smile stiffened.
Chloé didn't give her a chance to react, continuing with sharp words, "Besides, aren't you quite busy? During break time, I saw you fluttering around the class like a butterfly, flirting with this one, cozying up to that one. And the result?"
Her gaze swept over the boys on the field who kept their distance from Lila,
"They don't seem to be falling for your tricks much. So now you've come to me?"
She chuckled, her laughter full of scorn, "You really have no self-awareness. Let's go, Sabrina, don't let this kind of person lower our standards."
With that, she turned her back and, with Sabrina trailing behind her, haughtily left the gymnasium.
Lila was left sitting alone, her hands quietly clenching at her sides.
The sweet smile remained on her face, but the warmth in her eyes had dropped to freezing point.
And in a corner of the stands on the other side, Kagami was also silently watching the field.
Her gaze wasn't focused on the intense scramble for the ball, but rather on Adrien as he ran.
She saw the genuine smile on his face when he high-fived Marc, and the serious expression when he discussed tactics with Nino.
The troubled, weak boy from the fencing hall was gone, replaced by a vibrant soul, sparkling among his friends.
"Is being with friends… really that good?" she murmured softly, unconsciously voicing the question in her heart.
"Of course it's good! He's amazing!"
A lively voice answered her. Kagami turned her head and saw Marinette and Alya standing not far from her. It was Marinette who had spoken, her eyes now gleaming as she looked in a certain direction, her face showing undisguised admiration and affection.
Kagami followed Marinette's gaze and saw Adrien, who had just scored a goal and was celebrating with his teammates.
She nodded knowingly. So, this cute girl liked Adrien.
She stated as a matter of fact: "You have feelings for him."
"Wh-what?!" Marinette, hearing this, jumped up like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. Her hands flailed wildly, her feet stumbling as if she might trip, "No, no, no! Absolutely not! How could I… I…"
"Oh dear, calm down!"
Alya quickly pulled back the incoherent Marinette, then smiled and explained to a bewildered Kagami: "Um, I think you might have misunderstood."
She pointed to the resting area by the sidelines, to the figure quietly watching the game, "We're not talking about Adrien, it's that one, Jaden. Marinette said Jaden is amazing."
Kagami looked in the direction she pointed and saw the black-haired, black-eyed boy who, by simply sitting quietly, created a world of his own.
"Oh…" Kagami was a little surprised, then understood.
It was a misunderstanding. She looked at Marinette, whose face was as red as a ripe tomato and who wished she could disappear into a crack in the floor, and then at Alya, who had a mischievous smile.
So, is this what it feels like to be with friends? To joke, to be shy, to be flustered because of someone else…