Scene: Aftermath of the First Exam Day
INT. ST. ALARIC ACADEMY – TEACHER OFFICE – EVENING
Sakae Gentoshi stands before John Carter, her demeanor respectful as she bows slightly in apology.
Sakae: "Guild Master, I must apologize. I couldn't attend your duel with Yue yesterday. I would have given you advice if I could, but..."
John (holding up a hand to stop her, his expression kind): "It's alright, Sakae. What's done is done. I doubt your advice—or even your presence—would've changed the outcome much. Yue was determined to make his point."
Sakae nods, though she still seems unsettled.
John (curious): "What happened, though? Why couldn't you make it?"
Sakae: "There was a demon attack at the Graves Museum. First-year students from St. Alaric Academy were visiting, and Professor Aster and I went to secure the scene and help evacuate the students."
John (concerned): "A demon attack? You alright?" *(he eyes her to ensure she's unharmed). "You think you can handle your next match tomorrow?"
Sakae laughs softly, her usual serious expression lightening.
Sakae: "Oh, I barely needed to lift a finger. The students... they're the ones who defeated the demon."
John raises his eyebrows, clearly impressed.
John: "Did they now? Those kids must be something else if they could handle a demon on their own."
Sakae: "Yes. Their teamwork was impressive, especially against a servant of Beelzebub himself. As for tomorrow's match… I'm more than ready."
John: "Really? The Gentoshi kids aren't easy opponents. Yue and Angela sure gave me a run for my money yesterday."
Sakae "Do not worry, master. I was a Gentoshi too. If there is anyone suitable to deal with them, it is me."
John (worried) "No, Sakae... because you 'were' one, I worried about you... You must have known how ruthless they are to those they casted out."
Sakae: "I do know. The Gentoshi family has no mercy for those who fail to meet their standards." Her voice grows softer, almost bitter. "Or for those who don't fit the mold. But that's precisely why I can face them, Master. I know their methods, their tricks. And I've learned to be stronger because of it."
John regards her with pride, though his expression remains serious.
John: "I trust you, Sakae. Just remember, you're not facing them alone. We're all here with you now."
Sakae allows herself a small smile, a glimmer of gratitude in her eyes.
Sakae: "Thank you, Master. I won't let you down."
Scene: Superpower Mid-Term - Creative Soundwave
INT. ST. ALARIC ACADEMY – SUPERPOWER BRANCH – SIMULATION ROOM – MORNING
Professor Roderick stands at the edge of the simulation room, the lights dimming to spotlight the simulated city scene behind him. He addresses the crowd of students gathered to watch the duel.
Professor Roderick: "Today, we have an exciting match ahead of us. Professor Aster has returned after finishing his homeroom responsibilities, and he'll be facing two of our Superpower branch's brightest talents—Marvin Merkel and Heinz Edgar."
Marvin and Heinz step confidently into the simulated city, nodding to each other as they take in the urban landscape. Skyscrapers, alleyways, and rooftops spread out before them. Both know that Professor Aster's agility and close-quarters combat skills are a significant threat, so they've crafted a plan to make use of every inch of the city.
Marvin (to Heinz, under his breath): "Stick to the plan. No slip-ups."
Heinz: "You got it."
They disappear into the maze of city streets, splitting up to execute the first steps of their strategy.
FIVE MINUTES LATER
Professor Aster, calm and composed, enters the simulation and scans the area from a high rooftop. He's light on his feet, moving with the precision of someone who's entirely in control of his surroundings.
Professor Aster (thinking): "An open city? Not ideal for me. It gives them too many places to hide. I'll need to keep moving and track them from above."
Effortlessly, he vaults over railings, scales walls, and darts across rooftops with parkour-like precision. He keeps his gaze locked on the streets below, looking for any sign of his opponents.
Suddenly, a faint, rhythmic hum begins to echo through the city. Professor Aster narrows his eyes, scanning for the source. The hum grows louder, deepening into a powerful sonic wave that reverberates through the streets. He staggers, covering his ears as the sound overwhelms his senses, his usually sharp movements thrown off balance. Within moments, the force of the wave knocks him to the ground.
The simulation lights flash, signaling the end of the match.
Professor Roderick: "Marvin Merkel and Heinz Edgar have won!"
The students cheer, and Marvin and Heinz exchange a grin before stepping forward, visibly proud but slightly winded.
Lysander (genuinely surprised): "Wait, so you two used the radio station to boost your sound abilities? That's… really creative. I didn't even think about that."
Marvin and Heinz turn to Lysander, grinning.
Marvin: "Yeah, it just clicked. You told us how dangerous Professor Aster could be up close, so we thought—what if we hit him from far enough away that he couldn't counter?"
Heinz: "And when Angela and the King used the faultline in their fight, it got us thinking about a large area attack. With a little work, we figured out how to use the city's radio network to project our sound waves across the entire area."
Yue (giving a rare nod of approval): "Smart. Adapting the faultline idea for your own strengths took some serious ingenuity."
The crowd murmurs in agreement, impressed with the creativity and teamwork Marvin and Heinz demonstrated. Marvin looks momentarily stunned by Yue's words, then manages a proud smile as he straightens up.
Marvin: "Thank you, Your Majesty. We wanted to show that the Superpower branch has strategic thinking too."
The praise from both Lysander and Yue makes Marvin and Heinz beam with pride as Professor Aster nods in respect, acknowledging their well-planned victory.
Scene: Superpower Mid-Term - Underground Trap
INT. ST. ALARIC ACADEMY – SUPERPOWER BRANCH – SIMULATION ROOM – LATE MORNING
Linda Gaouin and Hao Mingzhe stand at the entrance of the simulation room, the virtual urban city awaiting them.
Linda: "Remember, Candice Nosferatu is as skilled as Dreyfus—she's a pro-hunter."
Hao: "Lysander and Angela were right. Candice's strength lies in her physical prowess. She's an expert in the Vampiric Strength skill tree."
Linda: "Hiding won't help much. Vampires like her can track us down by scent. Ready to stick to the plan?"
Hao: "Yeah, we go as planned."
They exchange a determined look and disappear into the city simulation.
FIVE MINUTES LATER
Candice enters the simulation. Her crimson eyes gleam as she scans the environment, her movements precise and smooth.
Candice (thinking): "Most of the previous fights include a variety of hiding and traps with the same assault form being used... It's like those strategies came from the same person..."
Candice closes her eyes, inhaling deeply. The faintest hint of human scent reaches her sharp senses.
Candice (thinking): "As a vampire, humans are our natural prey. In this abandoned city, it is just so easy to spot them due to their smell."
She moves quickly, diving down through a series of staircases into an underground tunnel beneath the city. Dim lights flicker across the desolate train station as Candice's footsteps echo in the hollow silence. She stops, glancing around.
Candice (calling out): "So you kids choose this place to fight me? You should have known that I am a vampire, right? This dark and underground place benefits me."
A figure steps out from the shadows—Linda, her two braids visible as she gives a confident smile.
Linda: "Exactly. That's why we chose this place."
Candice (smirking): "Brave words. You really think you can face me here?"
In an instant, Candice's nails extend into sharp, dark claws. She lunges forward, thrusting her hand through Linda's midsection—only for her fingers to pass through like smoke.
Linda (smiling): "You didn't think this through. This entire place was a trap."
Candice's eyes widen as the entire underground station erupts in flames. Linda's image fades as her projected form vanishes, her smile lingering in the smoke.
Candice: "The exam's goal was to immobilize me, right? Clever work. Consider yourselves passed."
INT. SIMULATION ROOM – LATER
Linda, Hao, and Candice exit the simulation room, satisfied with the result.
Lysander (grinning): "So, you really went with my idea?"
Linda: "Yep! I've been practicing my projections a lot for this."
Lysander (thinking): "Linda Gaouin. Her power, Reflective Answer, lets her receive, send, and reflect thoughts. I suggested she use it to fool Candice's vampire senses. After all, vampires rely heavily on those senses to locate prey. With false smells and images, she guided Candice right into the trap. Reflective Answer isn't strong in a direct fight, but in a setting like this, it has incredible potential."
Hao: "Thanks for the advice, Advisor."
Lysander: "Hey, don't call me that—only Yue gets to do that."
Yue (smirking): "You heard him. Call him King's Advisor."
Lysander: "Ugh, you're not helping."
Lysander (thinking): "And then there's Hao Mingzhe, our main offense. His power, Military Oil, allows him to control a form of oil. The ability is good but Hao's inability to ignite the oil outright makes him very difficult to use his ability effectively in a straight fight. Still, if he spreads his oil in a large area, he can still be a powerhouse with great potential damage."
Hao: "Seriously, Lysander. Our ranks weren't great, but your strategy helped us beat a pro-hunter. Thank you."
Linda and Hao exchange a grin, grateful for Lysander's guidance, as he gives them a small nod, proud of the duo's ingenuity.
Lysander (smiling): "It's alright."
Kimhyun (chuckling) "It is nice that you all have won your fight. Now, if you excuse me… I'd like to borrow my partner a bit. The first fight in the afternoon is our fight."
Hao (smiling): "Yeah, I hope you well."
Linda: "Good luck."
The two wish them good luck as Lysander and Kimhyun move to the cafeteria, ready for their plan.
Scene: Superpower Mid-Term - Idea of Justice
INT. ST. ALARIC ACADEMY – SUPERPOWER BRANCH – SIMULATION ROOM – AFTERNOON
Professor Roderick announces the next round with a serious air.
Professor Roderick: "For the afternoon session, Kimhyun Narukami will partner with Lysander Chocolate Gentoshi from the academic branch. Their examiner will be Sakae Gentoshi from OverEdge."
John Carter: "Sakae, just don't end up in the hospital."
Sakae: "I won't let you down, Master."
As the simulation begins, Kimhyun and Lysander step into the cityscape of the simulation room. A few moments later, Sakae follows them inside.
INT. SIMULATION ROOM
Sakae walks into the virtual city streets, her gaze sharp as she anticipates Lysander's infamous cunning.
Sakae (thinking): "So, what's your game this time, Lysander—"
Before she can finish the thought, Kimhyun charges at her, golden lightning crackling wildly around him as he roars.
Kimhyun: "Thunderous Slash!!"
Startled, Sakae propels herself backward with her gravity manipulation, narrowly dodging Kimhyun's deadly electromagnetic slash. Her hand reaches instinctively for her black katana, Beniiro Ageha, unsheathing it with a grin.
Sakae: "Caught me off-guard? Not bad, but it'll take more than—"
Before she can complete her sentence, a sudden, cold pain pierces her stomach. A blade protrudes through her body, crimson spilling down her robes.
Sakae: "W-what...?"
Lysander's voice cuts through, twisted with malice.
Lysander (grinning): "Hahahaha... You, bitch, honestly think it would take more than a second for me to beat you?"
He steps forward, an unnatural, cruel grin twisting his face. Sakae's eyes widened in disbelief as more spectral swords materialized around her, piercing her body from every angle, leaving her bloodied and suspended in agony.
INT. OBSERVATION ROOM
The students and professors watching the scene recoil at the brutality unfolding before them.
Arlo: "What the... what did he do?"
Linda: "That smile... did he just call her a 'bitch'?"
Professor Roderick (sighing): "Yue, can you call him off?"
Yue: "Nope, bastards like that bitch need to be put in their dirty place or they would think they could sit with us on our table. This is the one thing we will never ever bulge."
Ludociel: "But… Yue…"
Dominic: "So what's he doing in there?"
Angela (softly): "He caught her off guard, obviously."
Yue: "Yeah, that bitch's overall stat is high but her speed isn't as high as Kimhyun. By throwing Kimhyun as bait, Lysander forced her to move back and focus on Kimhyun, then he could just set his swords attack in motion when she did not notice and... well, you see the rest."
John Carter: "She's incapacitated. Shouldn't that be the end of it?"
Yue's gaze sharpens, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous intensity.
Yue (smirk): "What the hell are you saying, Mr. Superhero?"
Yue opens his eyes wide looking at John as if a Lovecraftian monster looking at a human.
Yue (menacingly): "That bitch is a demon... demon won't fall with just a few stabs... She can surrender and let them pass, sure but..."
Yue looks back at the simulation room. The horrifying scene makes the entire class shake
INT. SIMULATION ROOM
Lysander approaches Sakae's pinned body, her form bloodied and broken, swords still spearing her from all sides. She tries to speak, but only choked noises escape her lips.
Lysander (grinning wickedly): "What's wrong, bitch? Cat got your tongue?"
He reaches out and grabs her jaw, forcing her mouth open as he presses his blade against her tongue. With one brutal motion, he slices it free, severing it completely. Blood gushes down her chin, and she convulses, unable to scream.
Kimhyun (horrified): "Hey! Enough! We already won!"
Lysander "I am sorry but I'm afraid that I can't do it..."
Lysander looked back at Sakae, being pinned hopelessly on the wall with multiple swords stabbing her.
Lysander "This bitch dared to kill her parents... my aunt and uncle. In our mercy, we decided to cast her out but that does not mean we could forgive and forget what she did... The pain... the misery that aunt Lidea and uncle Jaewon have to suffer... I'll let you suffer ten times of that."
Lysander then raised his wand, the Azure, multiple magic swords, rush into Sakae like a school of piranhas rushing at its prey. Those easily cut through Sakae as if he is putting her in a giant blender, her blood spit out in many directions. She moans in mind shattering pain.
Lysander (grin) "Do not worry, little bitch. Us, academic students learn very well about human's nerve, I'll make sure you stay conscious. It would be far too merciful if you passed out."
He flicks his wrist, and a swarm of razor-sharp wings swords materializes, like a school of voracious piranhas, circling and slicing. With a command, he sends them tearing into her flesh, each blade digging in, ripping through muscle and bone. The blades grind mercilessly, biting deep, the sound of tearing flesh and cracking bone filling the room. Blood sprays, splattering in a chaotic pattern against the simulation walls.
Sakae writhes in agony, the pain so intense that it becomes a blur of red. The wings swords churn around her, a vortex of gleaming metal and malice, turning her body into a ragged, bleeding canvas of open wounds. She opens her mouth to scream, but only a strangled moan escapes.
Lysander sneers, stepping closer, his face illuminated by the eerie glow of his conjured blades.
Kimhyun (horrified): "Hey stop!!"
Lysander regarded Kimhyun with a chilling gaze, halting his vicious onslaught as the swords froze in mid-air. A slow, unsettling grin spread across his face.
Lysander (grinning): "If you want me to stop, Kimhyun… then why don't you take over? We're here to win, aren't we? She's right there, pinned to the wall… defenseless. Go on, finish her."
Kimhyun (angrily): "Why… are you like this?"
Lysander (coolly): "Like what?"
Kimhyun (struggling to hold back): "You helped me!! You helped me find justice by defeating really evil people like Wilhelm!! You help the school maintain its peace by advising Yue to step up as our leader. And now... now, you are torturing someone? Hey... what makes you different from Wilhelm if you just torture her?"
Lysander's eyes narrowed slightly. After a long pause, he smiled with a disturbing coldness.
Lysander (to himself, softly): "Ah… there it is. The answer I've been waiting for."
Lysander's expression shifted into something sharper, colder, as he reached up, patting Kimhyun's head almost mockingly.
Lysander (smiling with chilling calm): "Kimhyun... my little lovely doggo… my little big hero of justice…"
As Lysander spoke, he slowly raised his hand toward Kimhyun's head. He stretched slightly to reach, given Kimhyun's height, yet he did so with a calm, almost mocking precision, like a master petting his dog. His fingers rested lightly on Kimhyun's hair, ruffling it with a deliberate gentleness that felt disturbingly at odds with the look in his eyes.
Lysander (cold smile): "You know… I've wondered about you for quite some time. Ever since before we officially met in the Superpower Branch arena."
He paused, his hand still resting atop Kimhyun's head, a chilling gleam in his eyes as he spoke.
Lysander (stoic): "Why are you so... devoted to what you call justice? Tell me—has it ever truly done anything good for you?"
Kimhyun: "I…"
Lysander began to circle Kimhyun slowly, his steps soft, deliberate. His gaze stayed locked on Kimhyun, like a shark savoring its prey, fully aware there was no escape. He let each word hang in the air, heavy and unhurried, as if he'd been waiting for this moment for a long time.
Lysander: "Kimhyun… your mother abandoned you. Tossed you away into that abusive orphanage. The only thing you had left was that sword you carried—the Narukami—which you even took as your last name."
Kimhyun's posture stiffened, but he said nothing, listening as Lysander peeled back the layers of his past, raw and exposed.
Lysander: "This world hasn't shown you justice. There was no reckoning for your mother's abandonment, no payback for the years you spent barely surviving…"
Kimhyun (hesitant): "I…"
Lysander's voice grew sharper, a chilling smile crossing his face.
Lysander: "And then… we came. One of my clan's in-laws adopted you. We saw potential in you. At first, your lightning abilities—what were they, D-ranked? But we helped you. Now you're S-ranked, most of your techniques built from our research lab. And here you are, in this academy, sponsored by us, trained by us. None of that came from justice. You're not here because it was 'right' to help you. You're here because you became one of us, adopted into our ranks."
Kimhyun's gaze fell to the floor, a flicker of uncertainty clouding his face.
Kimhyun: "I…"
Lysander's grin widened, his tone becoming almost gleeful.
Lysander: "So please, enlighten me… why are you so invested in this idea of justice? Justice never did anything for you. Everything in your life came from us, and none of it out of some noble sense of fairness."
Kimhyun started, stunned, as Lysander's words sank in. He looked up, conflicted, struggling to make sense of his own beliefs in the face of Lysander's cold reasoning.
Kimhyun: "That… why are you so interested in this?"
Lysander tilted his head, almost intrigued.
Lysander: "Because I'm curious. You're one of us… and I genuinely care about you... yet you committed yourself to this... justice thing... I don't get it... I helped you with your justice thingy in hope that I would realize it eventually but... I didn't. All those times we spent together was for me to research why you are so invested in justice... yet I fail every time I try to understand..."
He paused, locking eyes with Kimhyun, his voice soft but unyielding like a kid curious about the world around him.
Lysander (innocently): "So now, I'm asking directly… Enlighten me. Why?"
Kimhyun stands there, eyes focused on Lysander, but his body trembles, uncertain. Lysander's face twists into an eerie grin, his eyes narrowing as he circles around Kimhyun like a predator, savoring the moment.
Kimhyun: (taking a breath, steadying himself) "Maybe justice hasn't been fair to me. Maybe it's flawed, and maybe it'll never truly balance things. But I think that's what makes it worth fighting for—because it's so rare. We don't get justice just by waiting for it; we make it with every choice, every action. It's not about what I've been given… it's about what I want to give back."
Lysander's grin widens, eyes gleaming with an unsettling light as he leans closer, his voice low and cold.
Lysander: (grinning, eyes wide with an almost feral delight) "Excellent answer... So that is what he thought? And what you thought?"
Kimhyun: (confused, brows knitting) "He…? What do you mean, 'he'?"
Lysander laughs softly, a sound that's somehow both mocking and strangely amused. He tilts his head, watching Kimhyun with a curious intensity.
Lysander: "Hehe… So you're willing to cling to something so… unbeneficial? Even when you could lose everything? Even when it has never been good to you?"
There's a beat, a silence that hangs heavy in the room. Kimhyun stares at him, breathing deeply, trying to steady his own emotions. Lysander suddenly straightens up, his expression becoming icy and composed, the earlier intensity vanishing as if it had never been there.
Lysander: (coldly, with a calculating gaze) "Final question, Kimhyun… If you're so committed to this justice thing, why don't you just abandon everything we've given you? Every advantage, every weapon, every technique—turn it all over to charity, to someone else who 'needs' it. Wouldn't that be better? A truer form of justice?"
Kimhyun falters, clearly taken aback. He opens his mouth to respond but hesitates, feeling the weight of Lysander's words. The doubt flickers in his eyes, but he quickly pushes it down. He meets Lysander's gaze, refusing to look away.
Kimhyun: (firmly, but with a trace of vulnerability) "Justice isn't about… self-sacrifice to the point of emptiness. It's about balance, about creating something better from what we have. If I gave up everything, there'd be nothing left of me to help anyone. I… I'd just be empty. And empty people can't make change."
Lysander's gaze sharpens. A hint of surprise flickers across his face, quickly masked by his usual smirk. He steps closer, closing the distance between them, his eyes boring into Kimhyun's with a cold, piercing stare.
Lysander: (whispering, almost dangerously soft) "So, you're saying you need these 'gifts' we've given you to make your little justice work? That without us, your precious ideals would be… worthless?"
Kimhyun swallows, but stands his ground, refusing to look away.
Kimhyun: "No, not worthless. Just… different. I won't deny that I'm grateful for what I have now. But it's not these weapons or powers that define my justice; it's the choices I make with them. You gave me tools, Lysander, not a purpose. That's something I found for myself."
Lysander's expression darkens, a dangerous glint flashing in his eyes. He places a hand on Kimhyun's shoulder, gripping it tightly, almost possessively.
Lysander: (cold, almost menacing) "And just how far are you willing to go with this 'purpose' of yours? When it comes down to it… if you had to choose between this justice and those you care about, would you still hold onto it?"
Kimhyun looks down for a moment, a shadow passing over his face. But then he looks back up, eyes filled with a quiet resolve.
Kimhyun: "I'd… I'd find a way to keep both. Because justice without compassion, without people… it's meaningless."
For a moment, something shifts in Lysander's expression—a flicker of something almost resembling respect or curiosity. But it quickly disappears, replaced by his usual cold smile.
Lysander: (sighs, almost in mock disappointment) "How sentimental, Kimhyun. And yet… fascinating."
He releases Kimhyun's shoulder, stepping back while still looking at him.
Lysander: (grinning) "Seeing you like this makes me feel so… hot… so enraged…"
Lysander then shout to the sky
Lysander: (shout) "Angela, can you deal with what's out there?"
Kimhyun stands tall, his heart pounding as he stares down Lysander. The tension is palpable, with Lysander's cruel grin widening as he relishes the challenge he's set up. Sakae writhes within the storm of wings swords swirling around her, agony etched into her face as Lysander toys with her suffering. Kimhyun is visibly shaken, but his resolve strengthens.
Lysander: (grinning, a dangerous light in his eyes) "I'll keep slicing her apart while you're busy talking about justice. Go on, fight me, rescue her, show me how far your noble ideas go. Let's see if you can prove that lofty justice of yours."
Kimhyun: (startled, voice shaking) "Lysander… you can't do this here. If I defeat you, I'll fail the mid-term exam. You know what that means…"
Lysander: (grinning wider, voice mocking) "Exactly. And that's exactly what I want to see. Show me, Kimhyun—just how much your justice matters to you."
Kimhyun hesitates, looking between Lysander and Sakae, who writhes in pain. Lysander's gaze is fixed on Kimhyun, eyes cold and calculating, clearly savoring the moment.
INT. OBSERVATION ROOM
Professor Roderick watches the unfolding scene with a look of mounting anger and disbelief.
Professor Roderick: (outraged) "What the hell does that damn brat think he's doing?! This has gone too far—"
He's abruptly silenced by a soft touch on his shoulder. He turns to see Angela, as beautiful as she is menacing, leaning close to him with a soft, knowing smile.
Angela: (whispering, her tone sweet yet chilling) "You're still counting on us to continue funding your precious department, aren't you?"
Professor Roderick's expression shifts from anger to a silent, terrified realization as he stares at her.
Angela: (smiling, voice a dangerous murmur) "Let him play, Professor. And perhaps I'll persuade my dear uncle to renew that funding."
In the background, Yue is smirking, clearly entertained, while the other students are glued to the scene in shocked silence.
INT. SIMULATION ROOM
Lysander spreads his arms, leaving himself wide open, his grin mocking and challenging.
Lysander: "Now, little doggo, what will you do? Are you just going to watch, or do you have the guts to try something?"
Kimhyun (thinking) "Is he... setting his traps already? No, but... is he really going to fight me? I can just rush him here, right? He has used all of his swords to torture Sakae..."
Kimhyun narrows his eyes, but then something shifts in his expression. He straightens up, putting his sword back in its scabbard, and meets Lysander's gaze with an unexpected calm. Slowly, he brings his hand to his chest, like a dog's paw.
Kimhyun: (softly, with a hint of playfulness) "Woof."
Lysander's smug grin falters, a flicker of confusion passing over his face.
Lysander: (stunned) "Huh?"
Kimhyun: "Woof. Woof."
Kimhyun tilts his head, looking up at Lysander with wide, innocent eyes, his wolf ears and tail visible as he lowers himself into a crouch, mimicking a dog's submissive posture. He even raises his hands slightly, palms down, as if waiting to be petted. Then, he crawls closer and gently bites the hem of Lysander's trousers, holding it lightly in his teeth while giving Lysander a look of pleading innocence.
Lysander: (taken aback, sputtering) "W-what are you doing?"
Kimhyun: (smiling up at him) "Being a cute little dog. Isn't this what you like? So… will you stop the swords now?"
Lysander looks down at Kimhyun, momentarily thrown off balance, his usual cold exterior cracking just a bit as he takes in Kimhyun's unexpected response.
Lysander: (sighs, exasperated) "You… you really have some strange kinks, Kimhyun."
Kimhyun: (smiling, wagging his tail playfully) "I started having them because of you. You like it when I'm like this, right? Woof."
Lysander sighs again, but there's a faint, reluctant smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Kimhyun looks up at him, his gaze pleading yet determined.
Kimhyun: "Please stop hurting her?"
Lysander holds Kimhyun's gaze for a long moment, then sighs heavily, almost in resignation.
Lysander: "Fine, fine… you win, doggo. I'll dematerialize the swords and let her go."
With a snap of his fingers, the hurricane of swords surrounding Sakae dissipates, and she falls to the ground, gasping, bruised but alive. Kimhyun lets out a breath of relief, releasing Lysander's trouser leg and sitting back on his heels, a soft smile on his face.
Kimhyun: (grinning up at him) "Thanks, Lysander."
Lysander rolls his eyes, but there's a faint hint of amusement in his expression as he looks down at Kimhyun, shaking his head.
Lysander: "You're ridiculous… but surprisingly effective."
Kimhyun gives him a playful "woof," wagging his tail as he rises to his feet, while Lysander watches, a faint smirk on his face. A quiet understanding passes between them, something unspoken but strangely respectful.
INT. OBSERVATION ROOM
Professor Roderick, still visibly shaken, watches as the scene winds down, Angela's hand still resting lightly on his shoulder. She smiles faintly, pleased.
Angela: (murmuring to herself) "Well, that was… amusing."
Yue chuckles, leaning back with a self-satisfied smirk.
Yue: "Looks like our little 'pup' has some tricks up his sleeve after all."
The screen fades to black as the observers murmur among themselves, the match's outcome leaving them with more questions than answers.
Scene: Demon of Falling
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – EVENING
Sakae lies in bed, her face still pale as healing potions work their magic on her battered body. The faint glow from her bedside monitor casts soft light across her face. Though her tongue has been regenerated, her speech is still slow and slurred, as if her body is adjusting to the trauma it endured. At her side, John Carter watches her with a mix of concern and fierce loyalty.
John Carter: (softly, with a touch of anger) "The Gentoshi family… They never know when to stop, do they? Always trying to bring down those they cast aside, especially someone as resilient as you."
Sakae: (weakly, her voice wavering) "I… I'm sorry, Master… I failed you. I… couldn't stand up to them."
John's expression softens as he takes her hand gently, shaking his head.
John Carter: "Don't say that, Sakae. You didn't fail anyone. They're ruthless, and they went after you because you have something they'll never understand—heart. Strength that doesn't come from fear or power."
As John speaks, the door opens, and a few familiar faces slip quietly into the room—members of OverEdge, each bringing a different aura of encouragement and camaraderie. They gather around her bed, their expressions a mixture of relief and pride.
MEMBERS OF OVEREDGE
Milo (grinning, hands tucked in his pockets) "There she is, our resident powerhouse. You gave them a good run, Sakae. They didn't know what hit 'em."
Alina (gently setting a bouquet of flowers on her bedside table) "I brought these for you. They symbolize resilience and renewal… Just like you, Sakae. We're all proud of you."
Ryker (leaning against the wall, arms crossed but a rare smile on his face) "Don't let this get to you. You got knocked down, but you're still here, yeah? That says more than enough."
Sakae: (her eyes welling up with tears as she looks around at her friends, barely able to speak) "Everyone… I… I don't deserve all this. I couldn't even… protect myself…"
Alina: (shaking her head firmly) "Don't say that, Sakae. We're all here because we believe in you. You're strong, not because you don't fall, but because you always get back up."
The door opens again, and this time, Kimhyun steps inside, a look of deep remorse on his face. He approaches slowly, almost hesitant as he watches Sakae lying in bed. After a moment, he bows deeply in respect.
Kimhyun: (quietly, sincere) "Sakae, I'm sorry… I was part of the test, and I didn't understand what it would put you through. I never intended for things to go this far, and I apologize for not realizing sooner… for not protecting you."
The room falls silent as Kimhyun's words hang in the air. Sakae looks up at him, her gaze softened by a faint glimmer of understanding.
Sakae: (with difficulty, but gentle) "You… didn't mean to… hurt me, Kimhyun. I know that. I… forgive you."
Kimhyun's shoulders relax slightly, relief washing over him as he nods gratefully.
Kimhyun: "Thank you, Sakae. I promise… I won't let something like this happen to you again."
Scene: The Gold's Justice
INT. ST. ALARIC ACADEMY – ACADEMIC BRANCH – PRIVATE LOUNGE – DUSK
Sunlight filters through the wide glass windows, casting a warm glow across the plush, reserved lounge. Lysander stands near the window, gazing out at the courtyard with a contemplative look. Yue lounges on one of the velvet armchairs, smirking as he casually tosses a book onto the table between them.
Yue: (mocking tone) "Had some fun with your little test, advisor?"
Lysander doesn't immediately respond, his gaze fixed on the courtyard below. Yue's smirk deepens, and he continues, sensing an opportunity to needle.
Yue (smirk): "It's a bit sad, don't you think? Your loyal little dog, waving his ears and tail to prove his loyalty to you… and then crawling to that bitch's hospital room to apologize. It's almost pathetic."
Lysander's gaze sharpens slightly, but he maintains his composure.
Lysander: "He doesn't…"
Yue: (arching an eyebrow) "What?"
Lysander: (with a faint grin) "His loyalty is with us… always has been, always will be. Kimhyun thinks he wants to be a hero, to embody all those noble ideals of justice and morality. But to be that, he needs us—needs to be grateful to us. We're his roots… his foundation."
Lysander turns away from the window to face Yue, a gleam of satisfaction in his eyes.
Lysander: "Kimhyun will never betray us. This little test of mine only proved it. Even when I threatened that bitch's life, he didn't fight me—he begged. If I hadn't chosen to stop, he would have let it happen. Justice or not, he knows his place."
Yue: (smirking as he leans back, folding his arms) "So, you're happy?"
Lysander: (satisfied, with a nod) "More than happy. You know, the reason I approached Kimhyun in the first place was to understand this… 'justice' concept. I wanted to know why people I respect—my brother Andrea, and now Kimhyun—would sacrifice so much to pursue something so intangible, something so… unbeneficial. Now, I understand."
Yue: (curious but sardonic) "Any thoughts on it?"
Lysander: (shrugging with indifference) "It's not for me, really. 'Bettering the world,' 'fighting for something rare'—all that nonsense. We've achieved more in our own way. Sure, it's not ethical, but it's effective. That's all that matters."
Yue: (chuckling) "Efficiency over virtue… I can get behind that."
Their conversation is interrupted by the sound of heels clicking sharply on the marble floor. Angela strides into the room, her presence commanding. She's impeccably dressed, her expression calm yet watchful.
Angela: (with a small, knowing smile) "Are you boys done with your scheming?"
Lysander: (turning to her with a casual smile) "Yeah. What's up, sis? Done putting Roderick in his place?"
Angela: (smirking as she adjusts her cuffs) "Oh, yes. A little reminder about his precious lab and funding, and he folded like a house of cards."
Lysander: "Thanks, Angela. Couldn't have pulled this off without you."
Angela: (smiling, almost warmly) "Anytime, big bro."
The three of them exchange glances, their expressions conveying an unspoken agreement. They turn their attention back to the courtyard below, watching as if they are overlords watching over their playground, ready for their next step.