"Wait here, I forgot something," Seila said, then turned and headed back toward the café.
She walked quickly—what she'd forgotten was her mini purse, and it was important to her.
Of course, she wasn't too worried. The café catered to nobles, so it would be safe.
Still, even the smallest chance of losing it made her uneasy.
But just as she neared the café, a strange smell hit her.
And then—nothing.
Her vision went dark, and she blacked out.
***
When Seila woke up, she was tied to a chair in a dimly lit room.
Fear gripped her for a moment, but she forced herself to stay calm.
First, she tried to move her hands and legs—twisting, straining—but the ropes held firm.
So, she tried to cast a spell. Even a simple wind spell could have freed her.
But...
Huh? Why can't I use magic?
"It's useless. You won't be able to use magic right now."
She looked up. A young man stood in front of her, maybe around eighteen. His brown hair looked vaguely familiar.
"Who are you? What do you want from me?" she demanded.
"Heh. No need to rush things," he said, grinning. "I'm Charles Maguire."
"Maguire?"
"Yeah. Marcus's older brother. I'm a fourth-year student. Seems like our family name's been... tarnished, thanks to you."
Seila's heart sank. No matter how strong she was, there was no chance she could take on a fourth-year. So that's how he got to her so easily.
"What are you talking about? I beat him in a fair fight. And he wasn't even top-ranked. Why don't you go kidnap the top student instead?"
"I think there is a misunderstanding. I don't care about Marcus's rank. It is even good that he is the second rank in his year for our family name.
I am only ranked 12th among fourth-year students. Losing in the same year is okay. But losing to a first-year... I can't accept that."
"And what are you going to do about it?" she shot back. "If you kill me, that doesn't undo anything. He still lost."
"You're right. Killing you wouldn't solve a thing."
He pointed to the necklace hanging around her neck.
"That's why I used that. It's the reason you can't use magic. I slipped it on while you were unconscious. But that's not all it does. After an hour of wearing it, your will becomes... flexible."
Seila froze.
"After that, Marcus will tell you to challenge him. And this time, you'll lose—badly. That'll fix our family's reputation. After that? Well, I have no idea what else he might ask you to do."
Her blood ran cold. Horror spread across her face.
"You know my friends are already looking for me, right?" Seila said, keeping her voice steady. "My father is in Lofpus City for my birthday. Once he finds out I'm missing, he'll come for me."
"Hahaha! By the time that happens, it'll be too late," Charles sneered. "We're far from where you disappeared. When they finally find you, you'll already be under my control.
And after that... I'll just have you say I did nothing wrong. Maybe we can even flirt a little in front of your father. What do you think?"
"Hoho. So this is what it was really about," another voice cut in from behind.
"Colt!" Seila shouted, relief breaking through her fear.
"Colt, huh?" Charles turned, eyebrows raised. "The top-ranked first year I've been hearing so much about. How'd you even find this place?"
"It doesn't matter," Colt said coolly. "Let her go, and I'll let you walk away—just this once."
"Colt, run!" Seila yelled. "He's a fourth-year! Just tell my father where I am!"
"You shut up now. Sleep!" Charles snapped his fingers, and Seila slumped forward, unconscious.
"Nice necklace," Colt said, smirking faintly.
It was better this way. Seila didn't need to see what came next.
"Don't act like you're not scared," Charles said, his tone darkening. "You heard her. I'm a fourth-year. Ranked 12th."
"It doesn't matter," Colt replied. "Also... I lied. I wouldn't let you go even if you let her go. I just wanted her to think so."
Charles scoffed. "You're way too cocky for your age. Just because you're top of your year, or because you caught 21 off guard, you think you're invincible?"
"You're right," Colt said. "Maybe I am overestimating myself. Should I leave, then?"
Charles stared at him for a second before barking a laugh. "Mocking me now? Hahaha! Let's see who's laughing in the end."
He pulled out a small metal object. "Know what this is? One press, and it sends a signal to that necklace. It'll blow."
Colt's smile faded slightly. His eyes sharpened.
Charles grinned wider. "So here's what happens now. I'm gonna beat you bloody... and then I'm going to kill you. And you will let me do all of that."
"Hmm... but why should I?" Colt asked calmly.
"What do you mean, why? I'll blow her up if you don't back off!" Charles snapped. "I know your type.
She's a beautiful noble, and you're just some commoner. Of course you're chasing after her like a loyal little mutt. You won't let me hurt her."
"Blow her up? With what?" Colt tilted his head, expression unreadable.
"Stop playing dumb. With thi—" Charles glanced at his hand. His eyes widened. "Huh?"
It was empty.
"Wow," Colt said, holding up the small metal device between his fingers. "Even nobles use cheap tricks like this?"
Then, without hesitation, he crushed it.
Charles stared, stunned. "How? When did you—?"
"I told you already," Colt said, eyes narrowing. His voice dropped, sharp and cold. "I wouldn't let you go even if you begged."
"You talk big, but speed doesn't win every fight," Charles snarled. "I'm an assassin. My entire family was trained to kill from the shadows. You're not walking out of here."
He vanished.
A smart tactic. In one-on-one fights, assassins held the advantage.
But unfortunately for Charles... he was against Colt.
A split second later, his vision twisted. The world spun sideways.
No, not the world—just his head.