A couple of minutes later…
Kain dropped onto the bench behind the arena building, groaning like an old man.
His ribs ached, his knuckles throbbed, and he was ninety percent sure one of his internal organs was filing an official complaint.
Still… victory was victory, plus, he managed to slip out of his girl's sight so that he could heal himself a bit.
He closed his eyes with a smug grin–
[ Skill: Instant Healing ]
–Before, he immediately felt a dozen hands on him.
"Careful— careful!! He's bruised!"
Alyssa scolded, voice soft and full of worry.
"I know, I'm not manhandling him," Ruby said, gently lifting his arm while still smiling like she was proud.
Beatrix crouched beside him, her gloved fingers checking his jaw.
"You look absolutely terrible," she said lovingly.
Kain smiled.
"Thanks, sweetheart… I worked hard"
She kissed his forehead.
"We know… but we can still worry about you"
Lupa leaned over with mild concern.
"You're still alive. So I'd say you did well!"
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Kain said, deadpanned.
Lupa shrugged.
"What? I knew you'd win"
Nina plopped down beside him, handing him a water bottle.
"You fight like a disaster, but a stylish disaster. The whole fight was you just floating"
Holly giggled.
"He really did"
Hazel nodded seriously.
"It's the suit. Makes the pain elegant, though he did take more hits"
Aqua sighed dramatically.
"Kain, next time, please avoid dying. I'd like my blood pressure to survive until tomorrow"
Yani, sitting cross-legged on the ground, scribbled notes into her sketchbook.
"Conclusion: Kain's pain-to-victory ratio remains hilariously high"
Lyla clapped her hands.
"Okay! Enough diagnosis! We rented a place to celebrate!"
Kain blinked.
"You did what?"
"We thought ahead," Darcy said, grinning.
"Because we knew you'd win. Obviously!"
Ruby crossed her arms.
"And because if you lost, we needed a safe place to hide you from embarrassment"
Nina elbowed her.
"He wouldn't be embarrassed. He'd sleep, wake up, challenge the guy again, and call it warming up"
"That's fair," Kain admitted.
Alyssa cupped his cheek.
"You did really well today. We're proud of you"
Kain melted a little.
"…Thanks"
Lupa snapped her fingers.
"Alright! Everyone grab a piece! We're moving him!"
Kain blinked.
"Wait wha—"
Too late.
A dozen hands lifted him all at once.
"Careful— legs!"
"You grabbed his hair, Ruby!!"
"Lupa for the love of… STOP TRYING TO KISS HIM!!!"
You could practically feel the twitch in Kain's eye.
"PUT— ME— DOWN—!! I CAN WALK!!!"
Beatrix patted his chest.
"No, no. You've earned this"
Holly giggled.
"Yeah, the royal treatment!"
Darcy nodded.
"Technically more like furniture transport"
"Same effect," Aqua said, nodding ahead.
Kain groaned as they carried him like a drunk king.
"You know… I think I preferred getting punched"
All the girls laughed, not at him, but with him.
Ruby smirked.
"No, you didn't. You love the attention"
Kain paused…
"…I do enjoy being worshiped… yes"
"We know," they all said in union.
They pushed through the busy streets, ignoring stares as they carried a suited, exhausted, dramatic Kain like a holy artifact.
The building they arrived at was beautifully lit, with warm lanterns, quiet music, and a cozy atmosphere.
Yani swiped a key, swinging the doors open.
Hazel raised her arms triumphantly.
"Welcome to the 'Kain Won Again' Party Suite!"
Inside—
Soft couches
Tables of food
Piles of blankets
Champagne bottles
Warm lighting
A perfect celebration den.
Kain stared.
"You rented this… just for me?"
Alyssa hugged his arm.
"Of course. Every win is worth celebrating"
Lupa poked his side.
"And even if you lost, we'd still celebrate. Just with fewer sparkles"
Beatrix cupped his cheek again.
"You're ours. We take care of what's ours"
Kain's smile softened, warm, grateful, a little smug.
"I think you have it the other way…"
They looked at him with confusion before he held his arms up.
"All of you are mine!"
Ruby grinned.
"THAT'S the Kain I know!"
The girls cheered, crowding him.
Good vibes.
Warm laughter.
Jokes bounce between them.
No shame.
Just love.
Loyalty.
Celebration.
Exactly what he deserved.
Meanwhile…
Veronica was patching up what was left of Esme's dignity.
How humiliating… her boyfriend just lost the fight he picked.
He sat on the infirmary cot, upper body wrapped in bandages, one eye bruised so badly it looked painted on.
His hair, normally groomed to immaculate perfection, was smashed in twelve different directions, like it had fought its own separate battle and lost harder than he did.
Which was true: the whole time it looked like Kain was dodging, he was actually using some of his more deadly skills.
[ Skill: Late Pain ]
[ Skill: Impact Recoil x 20 ]
Yup… Kain wasn't taking hits for nothing.
He was just giving back what was owed.
"…Stop moving," Veronica muttered, applying another healing salve.
"I'm not," Esme hissed, flinching.
"You're breathing too aggressively"
"I legit don't understand how I lost… I was the one who hit him, then a couple of minutes later, bam, I'm bleeding from everywhere!"
"So, forgive me for trying to inhale oxygen normally!"
Veronica snorted.
"He wiped you with basic movement…"
Esme pointed dramatically.
"He was FLOATING HALF THE TIME!"
"Yes. And you still couldn't hit him till he let you…"
He shriveled.
She glanced at the dent in his pride; it was deeper than the bruise.
"…Are you more hurt physically or emotionally?"
"Yes"
Veronica sighed.
She finished binding the last wrap and set aside the medical supplies.
Esme stared at the floor, quiet now.
"…He's stronger than me"
She raised a brow.
"He's the only S-rank here, Esme. What did you expect? I warned you about this too"
"…I'm A-rank"
"Yes"
"…I'm barely A-rank"
"Yes"
"…So mathematically—"
"Don't try to make math your emotional support. You'll lose harder"
Esme flopped backward onto the cot dramatically.
"…How am I supposed to show my face after that…"
Veronica smirked.
"Oh, trust me. Students are reacting more to how he WON in a silk suit than how you LOST"
Esme wheezed.
"He… he didn't even use a weapon… or mana… he just… moved"
"And hit you"
"…Repeatedly"
"And dodged with style"
"…Repeatedly"
They sat in silence.
Veronica placed a gentle but firm hand on his shoulder.
"Hey. Look at the bright side"
Esme glanced at her, hopeful.
"At least he didn't hit you hard enough to break your jaw"
Esme's soul left his body.
Back at the Party
The celebration was already in full swing.
Alyssa was pouring Kain a drink.
Ruby and Nina were arguing over who would feed him first.
Beatrix was silently guarding his plate, because Kain's girls knew the ancient rule:
Kain never serves himself. Others serve him. That is law.
(That she, of course, made up)
Holly threw a blanket over his shoulders like he was royalty.
Hazel massaged his shoulder with calm efficiency.
Aqua kept refilling beverages without being asked.
Yani was sketching Kain lounging like a king being spoiled rotten.
Darcy was adjusting his tie, even though it was already perfect.
Lyla sat beside him, brushing fingers through his hair.
It was an indulgence.
Affection.
Kain opened an eye, watching them shower him with attention.
"This is so much better than the fight," he hummed.
Beatrix nodded seriously.
"Of course it is. Violence is temporary… snacks are forever"
Lupa perked.
"And the cuddles!"
Alyssa smiled sweetly.
"And him being safe means we all win"
Kain set down his glass, gaze softening.
"…I love you girls"
Every single one of them froze.
Whipped their heads toward him.
Ruby's eyes widened.
"You said it casually this time?? No dramatic backdrop? No smirk?"
Kain shrugged.
"…I meant it"
They didn't squeal.
Didn't explode.
They just smiled —
Real.
Warm.
Holly took his hand.
"We know"
Beatrix leaned in, forehead touching his.
"We love you too"
Alyssa giggled.
"Now eat something before Lupa tries to feed you steak through your nose"
"It was ONE TIME—" Lupa protested.
Hazel placed a plate in Kain's lap.
"Eat before it gets cold"
Food.
Warmth.
Peace.
Kain exhaled.
"…This is nice"
Ruby giggled.
"Oh, just wait, after-party cuddles will be even nicer"
He snorted.
"…I'm counting on it"
The room buzzed with life.
A small miracle of comfort.
A testament to how loved he was.
How loyal they were.
And how terrifyingly lucky he'd become.
But then the actual sweet reward from earlier arrived.
[System Notification]
[Veronica Hana | Affection: 56% | Loyalty: 50% | Lust: 85%]
[Emotion: Remorseful ]
[Thought: "I want to… speak to him"]
'So the rewards were a boost of affection from her… makes sense'
He snorted into his drink.
Then flicked the notification away like it annoyed him personally.
Alyssa nudged him with her shoulder.
"You spaced out. That's your 'I'm thinking something dumb' face"
Kain raised a brow.
"Ouch. I'll have you know, nothing dumb was being thought right now"
Alyssa gave him a flat, fond look.
Beatrix topped off his cup.
"So? What now?"
Kain stretched out, sinking deeper into pillows like gravity owed him a favor.
"…Now? I rest. With all of you. Preferably in silence"
Their expressions softened.
Alyssa slipped closer, resting her head on his shoulder.
"We'll make sure you do"
Lupa flopped across his lap like a content pup.
"Too late. I've claimed this spot. No one moves me"
Holly tucked blankets around them all.
"Seconded"
Aqua settled cross-legged at his feet.
"Should we make a cuddle schedule?"
"Yes," Darcy answered instantly.
"I'm not losing my turn again"
Nina lifted her hand.
"I'll take mornings"
Ruby waved lazily.
"Evenings"
Beatrix made a note in the air.
"Submit a request form and I will—"
A chorus of groans.
Hazel clapped once.
"Okay. No fights. Everyone gets time"
Kain shut his eyes.
"Good. Because if you fight, I'll choose favorites"
Silence hit immediately.
Alyssa whispered, horrified,
"He holds all the power…"
Ruby pressed her face into a pillow.
"This is how empires fall…"
Lyla nodded sagely.
"We should form an alliance"
Darcy pointed upwards.
"The Kain Cuddle Accord"
Aqua raised her cup.
"Motion passed"
Kain cracked an eye.
"You're all unwell"
Laughter rippled around the room.
Yes… this is all that heartbreak deserved, a nice time with his–
Knock!
Knock!
Everyone froze.
Alyssa sat up, calm but alert.
"…Are we expecting anyone?"
Kain shook his head.
"I thought you girls said this place was rented for the night"
"We did rent it," Beatrix said, already gripping her sword.
Lupa sniffed, closing her eyes.
"It's a girl"
Ruby stared.
"Wow. Narrow that down harder"
Lupa frowned.
"No—really. I know the scent… It's her"
The room shifted.
Yani quietly closed her sketchbook.
Nina straightened.
Hazel's hands stilled.
Beatrix's eyes sharpened.
"…Veronica?"
Kain raised a brow.
"She ditched Esme already?"
A faint ping sounded.
[ System Notification ]
[ Veronica Hana | Affection: 60% | Loyalty: 60% | Lust: 85% ]
[ Emotion: Anxious ]
[ Thought: "This is where they took Kain after the fight…" ]
Kain exhaled through his nose.
"I was really hoping she'd wait until morning…"
Alyssa took his hand gently.
"Do you want to talk to her? We can shoo her away if you'd rather rest"
Kain stood, joints cracking dramatically on purpose.
"No," he said, smiling faintly.
"It's better she came on her own"
He headed toward the door.
Paused.
Looked back.
"…Don't eat my food"
Ruby immediately shoved a roll into her mouth.
"No promishesh—!"
He rolled his eyes and pulled the door open.
Veronica stood there in the hallway.
Hands clasped tight.
Eyes wide with nerves.
Her red ribbon barely kept her ponytail together.
She opened her mouth and froze.
Kain still wore his torn suit; bandages peeked out from under the collar, blood stained his shirt, and yet…
He looked completely calm.
"…Hey," he said.
Veronica's breath hitched.
"…Can we talk?"
"Yeah," Kain answered gently as he stepped out and pulled the door behind him.
He offered his arm with an easy smile.
"Care for a walk?"
"Yes…"
A couple of minutes later…
The lamp-lights flickered along the stone path, soft and warm.
Their footsteps echoed quietly, almost too quiet for a city notorious for noise.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Kain didn't rush her, he simply walked with his hands in his pockets, letting the night breathe for her.
Eventually… Veronica exhaled.
"…I'm sorry"
He glanced at her, a bit confused as to what she was apologizing for.
"What for?"
Veronica's voice wavered.
"For… everything. For how I've acted. How I treated you. How I never stepped in when Esme ran his mouth…"
She hugged her arms, looking smaller than usual.
"I thought… if I just stayed neutral, things would balance out. But… I let it get worse. I let him… drag you into something stupid because I didn't stop him"
Her jaw clenched.
"And then you… you still didn't humiliate him. You just… took the hits"
Kain huffed lightly.
"Well it was the only way I could apologize to him"
She gave a tiny laugh, sad, but real.
"I misjudged you. Badly. I thought you were… trouble. Someone who only played along because he wanted attention"
She shook her head.
"But you're… good. Kind. Quietly terrifying, but good"
Kain raised a brow.
"Quietly terrifying?"
"You did all that without using mana," she reminded him.
"What am I supposed to call that?"
"…Fair"
They kept walking.
Her voice softened.
"…I was scared. Of you. Telling Esme was wrong… I know that doesn't excuse anything, it doesn't but I wanted you to know… I regret it"
Kain watched her out of the corner of his eye.
Her shoulders were lowered.
Her voice was unguarded.
Her steps lacked tension.
It struck him: Her defense was gone.
Not lowered, gone.
Like she wasn't holding any wall at all.
His expression didn't change.
But something stirred behind his eyes.
A quiet, dark curiosity.
He pulled out his phone casually.
Group Chat:
Pack up. Head back to the dorms.
We'll celebrate tomorrow.
Messages instantly exploded.
Ruby:
WHAT WHY!?!
Nina:
He's ditching us for another woman this is betrayal
Darcy:
I respect it
Beatrix: …
Alyssa:
We'll head out. Don't stay out too late!
He smirked faintly, then slid the phone back into his pocket.
Veronica didn't notice.
Her gaze was on the path.
"You got dragged into a fight you didn't ask for. And yet you still… you still protected him"
Kain shrugged.
"If that's how you see it than so be it"
She blinked, then cracked a smile.
"Somehow that makes it worse"
They reached a small garden courtyard, quiet, lantern-lit, away from prying eyes.
Veronica stopped.
Her hands trembled slightly.
"…I don't expect forgiveness. You don't owe me anything. And I know I'm late, painfully late. But… I didn't want to pretend nothing happened"
She bowed her head.
"…I'm sorry, Kain"
Silence stretched.
Kain leaned against a stone railing, watching her.
Expression unreadable.
Eyes sharper than before.
Then—
"…I appreciate you saying that"
Veronica looked up, surprised.
Kain continued, voice low.
[Skill: Good Guy Act]
"Most people avoid responsibility. Hide behind excuses. You didn't"
He shrugged.
"That's worth something"
[Skill: Sexy Smile]
Relief bloomed across her face, fragile, grateful.
He hummed thoughtfully.
"…You drink?"
She blinked.
"…What?"
"I've got cold beer back at my place," he said casually.
"Good brand. Not cheap"
Veronica stared, stunned.
"You're… inviting me over?"
Kain gave a lazy shrug.
"Figured we could talk where there's seating. And alcohol"
Veronica hesitated for a heartbeat, then nodded lightly.
"…I'd like that"
Kain pushed off the railing and motioned for her to follow.
"Then let's go"
As they walked back toward the dorms, Veronica let out a small breath, like a knot in her chest had finally loosened.
She looked at Kain's back, a strong back.
The back of a man.
'Hahaha Esme… I'm gonna fuck the brains out of your girl'
10 Minutes Later…
Kain unlocked the door and nudged it open with a theatrical bow.
"Welcome to my humble lair, again…"
Veronica cracked a small smile as she stepped in.
It was surprisingly clean.
Unlike the last time, when she saw some shirts on the ground.
There were a few odd trinkets on shelves, an organized desk, and the faint scent of cedar incense.
"…You're neater than I expected"
Kain snorted.
"Why wouldn't I be?"
She coughed lightly.
"…I mean, statistically speaking—"
She glanced around, shoes neatly lined, jackets hung, books stacked.
"You live like a functional adult"
"Crazy, right? Don't tell anyone, I have a reputation"
He walked to the mini-fridge, pulled out a can, and tossed it underhand.
"Here. Pepsi. Classic. I would've grabbed alcohol but…" he shrugged.
"Thought maybe we should talk while our brain cells still work"
She caught it, blinking.
"…You remembered I like Pepsi"
"I make notes," he said casually, grabbing his own.
Veronica felt her cheeks warm just a little.
He wasn't lying; he noticed the small things.
She sat on the couch, popping the tab.
He sat beside her, just close enough to feel present without crowding.
They clinked cans.
"To regrets?"
She offered.
Kain shook his head.
"To not repeating them"
She paused… then smiled.
"…Better"
They took a sip.
Silence, but a comfortable one this time.
Kain leaned back.
"So. When you're not abandoning innocent bystanders to social execution… What do you do for fun?"
She groaned into her hands.
"Please stop reminding me—"
"Nope," he said immediately.
"I'm milking it until I'm bored"
She laughed.
"…I read," she admitted.
"Mostly fantasy. Some history. I like cooking, too"
"Cooking?" He raised a brow.
"What's your specialty? Poison?"
She nudged his shoulder lightly.
"Rude. I make good pasta"
He nodded approvingly.
"Good. Means you can feed me later. I like this plan"
She rolled her eyes, smiling into her drink.
"What about you?"
He stretched his legs.
"Hobbies? Hmm…"
He counted on his fingers.
"Training. Sleeping. Eating. Annoying Ruby and the others… It's a full-time job"
Veronica laughed.
"What about something actually relaxing?"
"…Cooking, sometimes. Reading, too. Mostly old books"
"Romance?" she teased.
He gave her a straight face.
"Absolutely. I'm a sucker for tragic endings. Nothing gets me like two idiots who suffer because they don't communicate"
She blinked.
"That… is oddly specific"
He sipped.
"I've been through things"
She stared at him, amusement mixing with curiosity.
"…You're strange"
"Thank you. I cultivate it"
A light quiet settled again, softer, warmer.
Then Veronica spoke.
"…You know, you're not what I expected"
"I get that a lot"
"No — I mean…"
She frowned slightly, searching for the words.
"You joke, you keep things light… but you listen. You actually listen"
Kain shrugged.
"People say interesting things when you let them"
Her eyes lingered on him.
"…You're good company"
Kain smirked.
"I'm great company. Ask anyone. 5-star reviews"
She snorted into her drink.
He watched her, the relaxed posture, the way her eyes held no tension now.
He shifted slightly, resting his arm casually along the back of the couch, not touching her, but close enough that she felt the presence.
"So," he asked, voice softer, "why'd you stick with Esme anyway?"
Her face dimmed, but not closed.
"…He's… comfortable," she admitted.
"And he's been by my side ever since we were kids"
She stared at the can in her hands.
"Promising that we would climb the ranks together"
She glanced up.
"He's changed a lot ever since becoming an A-Rank student. Picking a fight instead of trying to find another way to fix the issue"
'Well, I did talk shit, but no need to mention that part'
His smile was faint, hard to interpret.
"Well, he was doing his best to protect you, so don't hold it against him. And people like you talk because they're afraid of silence. Silence is honest"
"…You're full of weird quotes, you know that?"
"Yeah. I steal them from old men and hope no one notices"
She laughed again.
This time, her knee brushed his.
She didn't move away.
Kain's eyes flicked down… then back up.
"I'm glad you came with me," he said.
"…Why?"
"Because you wanted to talk to explain yourself better"
She shook her head.
"No. I just didn't… want to lie anymore"
"That's the same thing"
She stared at him, really stared.
"…You're different up close"
"In a good way?"
"…Yes"
Kain nodded, satisfied.
"Good. Would've been awkward otherwise"
She smiled, gentle, a little shy, but open.
He winked.
She flustered lightly but didn't look away.
A beat passed.
Kain set his empty can aside.
"Want another?" he asked.
"…Sure," she murmured.
He stood, heading to the fridge.
She watched him…
And Kain couldn't help the thought sliding through his head.
'This is almost too easy…'
He grabbed another Pepsi, popped it open, and handed it to her as he sat, just a little closer this time.
Their knees touched.
She didn't move.
Neither did he.
Her eyes lifted to his, wide and unguarded.
Kain smiled, lazy, warm, dangerous.
"Comfortable?" he asked.
"…Yeah"
"Good, then want to play a game?"
"A game?"
He grinned.
The mood was right, she felt close, and he wanted to get his dick rubbed.
"Yeah… a fun game"
Veronica bit her lip, feeling a flutter in her stomach at the suggestive tone in his voice.
She wasn't used to this side of him, this gentler, more inviting demeanor.
It was disarming, intriguing even.
Esme never looked at her like that, with a smile that promised excitement and perhaps something more.
She was used to a loving and adoring gaze.
"What kind of fun game did you have in mind?"
She asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
Inside, her heart raced, a mix of nervousness and an unfamiliar thrill.
She knew she should probably refuse, but the disappointment with Esme and the warmth radiating from Kain made her want to indulge in something different, something just for her.
Kain's grin widened, eyes twinkling with mischief.
"Well, I have this game of Jenga... but it's not the usual kind. Each block has a challenge, and if you pull it out, you gotta do as it says. It's a lot of fun, I promise!"
He reached over to a nearby drawer and pulled out a regular-looking Jenga box.
Till he turned it around and showed the giant pink sticker on it that said 'Adults only!'
Veronica watched, pulse quickening, as he opened it to reveal blocks that were bright pink but with tiny words on them.
She felt a rush of heat to her cheeks.
She swallowed hard, heart pounding in her chest, curiosity and a hint of nerves battling within her.
'He wants to play a sex game with me?'
She could hardly dare to believe it.
Yet here they were, the charged atmosphere between them making his intentions quite clear.
Kain held the box out to her, eyebrows raised questioningly.
"So, what do you say, Veronica? Feeling lucky tonight?"
His voice was a low, playful rumble; it sent shivers down her spine.
It was thrilling to be wanted, desired like this, even if it was just for some harmless fun.
Veronica hesitated only a moment longer before reaching out to take the box with slightly trembling fingers.
'I can't believe I'm actually considering this... but why not?'
She looked up at Kain, a shy but determined smile on her face.
"Okay, let's play," she agreed, hugging the box to her chest.
Kain's eyes sparkled with delight and a hint of triumph as Veronica agreed to play.
He couldn't believe his luck.
The reserved Veronica from a few days ago was actually game for a naughty round of adult Jenga with him.
'And just like that, my dick will be sucked haha!'
"Excellent choice," he scooted even closer to her on the couch until their thighs were pressed together.
"I promise we'll take it nice and slow. No pressure, okay? Just two friends enjoying each other's company"
He took the box and put it aside as he stacked the blocks up, which only took a few seconds.
"Ladies first. Pull a block and read off what it says. And remember, no matter what, you've gotta follow through. That's the rule"
Veronica took a deep breath, fingers brushing against Kain's as she selected a block.
She squinted at the tiny print, heart pounding in anticipation of what sexy command the block might hold.
This was really happening.
She was about to play a naughty game with her friend... and she couldn't wait to see where it led.