A full month had passed since Yujin and Kain returned from Japan. The academy grounds were lively again, buzzing with cadets preparing for the first semester. After fully healing from the fierce double dungeon battle, Yujin returned to Star Academy stronger than before.
He remembered the moment on their way back from Japan when Kain had suggested he join the Sword Guild under his father. Yujin declined, politely but firmly. He had his own path to follow, and his ambitions were not bound by any existing guild.
Soon after his return, the academy announced the beginning of the new semester. The headmaster, Arcen Lucian—famously known as the Phoenix—stood before the cadets in the Grand Hall. He was the one who had replaced Murden Arkwright after the demon servant's attack and had been the first to discover the traitor within their ranks.
"The first semester begins now," Arcen declared. "It's time to prove yourselves."
Classes began with theory. Yujin excelled as expected, drawing surprised glances even from the most seasoned instructors. During the first practical class, Instructor Rowel Vayne—Yujin's assigned gunfighter mentor—watched with barely concealed awe as Yujin's marksmanship and tactical skill surpassed expectations. On the other side of the training grounds, Avelyn Drake, the swordswoman guiding Kain, was equally stunned by her pupil's rapid adaptation and growth.
Yet, even with their new skills, both teachers knew they stood before future legends in the making.
That night, under a cold and silent sky, Yujin left his dorm to train alone in the academy grounds. The spot where the demon servant had fallen still held a strange presence. As he practiced, a shadow rose from the ground—a feminine silhouette with twisted, devilish grace. She had no form, yet her presence sent a chill down Yujin's spine.
"I've come bearing a message," the shadow hissed with a smirk. "My master told me of your regression, of the timeline you changed. I was the one who killed you before, remember? This time, I want to face you at your strongest."
Her voice echoed through the night, laced with a dark, mocking elegance. "Don't die too early, Lee Yujin. Fight me again… like a man. Until then… hehehe."
The shadow dispersed like smoke.
Yujin stood frozen, heart pounding. It wasn't just the devils he knew from his past life. There were greater foes—stronger, more aware of his regression. He clenched his fists.
He couldn't afford to move slowly anymore.
"I need to be faster," he whispered.
With resolve burning in his eyes, he turned back toward his dorm. It was time to accelerate everything.
The Mistake Solvi
ng Quest had only just begun.