Thousands of blazing hairs floated in the cold wind, some even brushing against Kevin's face.
Kevin, held securely in Scathach's arms, stared blankly at her. As he looked into Scathach's striking crimson eyes, he felt a pang in his chest.
So, you really do care about me...
Scathach leapt lightly to the ground, still holding Kevin. She half-squatted, her eyes scanning his battered body. Her sharp gaze slowly narrowed as she took in his injuries, her expression darkening.
"Where's the divine fruit?"
Her voice was soft, but Kevin saw something new in her eyes—questioning, anger, and even a trace of fear.
It was rare to see Scathach express anything beyond her usual composure. She had meticulously prepared this graduation test for Kevin, accounting for every variable. His supply of magical fruit was meant to sustain him through the trials. Moreover, she had ensured the bird reminded him not to use them carelessly.
But judging from his tattered appearance, he had not followed her instructions.
Kevin remained silent, either unable or unwilling to answer. He barely registered her words. Instead, he clung to the corner of her garment, gripping it tightly as though it was a lifeline.
Scathach paused, surprised by his response. Her expression softened, and without another word, she rose and swiftly carried him toward the castle.
The moment she stood, Kevin's eyes fluttered closed. His body went limp in her arms as if the string holding his strength together had snapped.
"Master..."
On her way back to the castle, the disciples training nearby spotted her. They were about to call out when they noticed her uncharacteristically focused demeanor and fell silent. She strode past them without acknowledging their presence.
"Wait... is that... Kevin?" Ferdia, one of the senior disciples, asked as he supported Cu Chulainn, whose body was still riddled with broken bones.
"Yeah, that's Kevin," Cu Chulainn replied, his voice tinged with relief. His frustration and anger seemed to dissipate, replaced with joy at seeing his brother alive.
Kevin didn't know how long he slept. When he finally opened his eyes, the first thing he felt was the dull ache in his body, though it wasn't as severe as before.
The second thing he noticed was Scathach, seated at his bedside.
"...Master?"
His voice was weak, and his vision blurry. Instinctively, he reached out to touch her face as if to confirm she was real.
Scathach didn't stop him. She allowed him to brush his fingers against her cheek before speaking in her usual calm tone.
"You're dreaming."
"Huh?" Kevin blinked, struggling to process her words.
"You're dreaming," she repeated.
This time, Kevin tilted his head in confusion. "Why would you say that?"
Scathach's eyes gleamed. "Because in your dream, you said something very interesting: 'I'll beat that old hag of a master one day and pin her to the ground.'"
Kevin froze, his mind racing.
Scathach's voice took on a teasing lilt. "Oh, and what does BBA mean?"
"...That was a dream! Dreams don't count!" Kevin blurted, his face turning crimson.
"Really?" Scathach raised an eyebrow. "But they say dreams are the purest expression of one's inner thoughts."
Kevin clutched his blanket, muttering, "It hurts... my body hurts too much to talk about this."
Scathach chuckled, leaning forward slightly as she stretched out one long, graceful leg to lightly nudge him under the blanket. "Come out," she said. "Your body won't give out just yet. I've healed most of your injuries."
"...Master, my kind, merciful master." Kevin peeked out from the safety of his covers. His eyes met hers briefly before drifting lower.
As he caught sight of her elegantly curved figure, Kevin froze. After a moment of stunned silence, he quickly shook his head to dispel the thought.
"Don't hit me!" he pleaded, raising his hands defensively. "If you hit me now, I really might die!"
"It's fine." Scathach's lips curled into a faint smile. Her eyes flicked to the nearby table, where a pile of divine fruits lay stacked neatly.
Kevin followed her gaze, his face twitching. He hastily changed the subject. "Master, have you seen my brother Cu Chulainn? He should've arrived long ago, right?"
"Hmm." Scathach nodded, her tone casual. "He did. He's quite resilient. I broke most of his bones, but he managed to stand again within a few days without any healing fruit."
Kevin's jaw dropped.
"...I think I'm going to pass out again," he said, flopping back onto the bed.
"Stop being dramatic." Scathach reached out and pinched his cheek gently.
Kevin couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Why is she being so... kind?
"Master," Kevin began cautiously. "I passed the test, right? There's no chance I'll have to do it again?"
Scathach's smile widened. "Yes, you've passed. Don't worry; there's no need to take the test again."
Kevin studied her carefully. Her smile was genuine, her tone soothing.
Maybe I'm just overthinking things, he thought.
"You've made me proud, my apprentice," Scathach continued, still smiling. "You've proven yourself worthy of graduation."
Kevin puffed out his chest. "Of course! Was there ever any doubt?"
Then it hit him.
"Wait a minute... graduation?"
Scathach rose to her feet. A magic spear materialized in her hand as her expression turned cold and unreadable. The tip of the spear gleamed, aimed directly at Kevin's head.
"In the Shadow Kingdom, there is an iron rule."
Kevin's stomach sank as he met her gaze.
"Defeat me," Scathach said calmly, her voice like steel. "Or submit to me and obey my every command."
Kevin stared at her, his mind blank.
"...Master," he said after a moment, forcing a weak smile. "Can we talk about this?"
"No."
Kevin's head fell back onto the pillow.
I knew it. I should've trusted my gut.
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