[Daybreak – Northern Courtyard]
The academy looked peaceful in the morning mist.
But for Winter, peace was a lie.
She stood across from Justine, arms crossed, a rare edge in her usually calm gaze.
"I know what you are," Winter said, voice low. "You're not just some honored disciple. You're a god's puppet. You betrayed your master."
Justine only smiled. "Took you long enough."
Her tone wasn't surprised—more amused.
"You're digging too deep, Winter. You might fall into places you can't escape."
---
[Flashback – Justine's Ascension]
Within the tower, long ago—
Hajun Ardyn lay broken at the hands of the gods. His body scorched, soul sealed.
Justine stood over him, her eyes glowing gold.
"I'm sorry, Master," she had whispered.
But her hands didn't shake when she handed him over.
In exchange, the gods gave her divinity.
And a throne of lies.
---
[Back to Present – Training Chambers]
Kael gasped for breath, sweat pouring down as he collapsed on the floor.
Lohan stood over him, arms folded.
"Again."
Kael groaned. "I… I can't…"
"You want to stay weak forever?" Lohan snapped. "That's what they expect. To pick you off one by one."
Kael clenched his fists. "I don't want to be a burden…"
Lohan crouched. "Then prove it. I'll train you. But once we start, there's no quitting."
Kael looked up at him, and for the first time—nodded.
"Good," Lohan muttered.
> [System Bonus Unlocked – Instructor's Bond]
[Effect: +10% EXP gain for student. Chance to awaken hidden potential.]
---
[Meanwhile – Celestial Domain]
Seven gods stood in a circle.
"He has killed one of ours."
"He still remembers. Still fights like the Warborn Phoenix."
"Then we move faster."
One god raised a blade made of fate.
"Send the next trial. If he climbs past Floor Ten… we erase the academy."
---
[Evening – Lohan's Dorm]
Winter sat by Lohan's bed, quiet.
"I confronted her," she finally said.
Lohan didn't react.
"She admitted it. She betrayed you."
He let out a slow breath.
"I know."
Winter looked at him. "Then why haven't you killed her?"
Lohan's eyes darkened.
"Because when I do… I won't just kill her. I'll break her godhood. Her throne. Everything they gave her."
Winter's voice cracked, soft. "And after that?"
"I climb again," he said, gaze cold as steel. "And I burn the gods down."
---