Valentine's Day III

The lessons ended with some new insights about Julius, but not the information I truly wanted. Luna remained my best hope for deeper knowledge about him.

'Seems like the only thing I can do is get stronger,' I mused. Luna was the only one who could tell me the real secrets about Julius.

"Emperor Julius was someone interesting, wasn't he?" Lucifer commented as we headed to lunch.

"Interesting" felt like an understatement for someone like Julius.

"He's the reason we're alive today," Rachel added. "Without him, we wouldn't have discovered <Radiant >-rank for a long time."

"The problem is that other invading species also adapt and keep up with us," Cecilia pointed out. "That's why magical innovation alone hasn't given us a decisive edge. Technology has helped, but it isn't enough."

Despite the apparent peace, humanity was still threatened by powerful invading species at our borders.

"I wonder how someone so great ended up dying?" Ian wondered aloud. "Liam Kagu died because of the Heavenly Demon, right? So what about Emperor Julius?"

Ren's shoulders tensed at the mention of his ancestor. "He didn't die because of the Heavenly Demon! My ancestor wiped out the vampires and was forced to rush back without resting, which is why he died!"

"Oh, sorry," Ian quickly apologized, noticing how flushed Ren had become.

The legacy of legendary figures from the past loomed over everyone here, especially those from powerful families who were direct descendants of these icons.

For Ren and Cecilia, this was even more pronounced. Their ancestors, Liam and Julius, were legends among legends, part of the Seven Supremes who achieved timeless milestones that etched their names into history.

Ren had inherited the same Gift and mana affinities as Liam Kagu, burdening him with immense pressure to elevate the Kagu family and become the strongest of his generation, just like the past possessors of God's Eyes.

'And he almost surpasses Lucifer until Lucifer unlocks his second Gift, God's Eyes,' I thought, the weight of their legacies evident in the tension surrounding us.

We headed to the cafeteria, where a pink atmosphere enveloped the students.

'Is this what they mean by love being in the air?' I mused wryly, clenching my fists to keep memories from resurfacing.

Male and female students mingled more than usual, their laughter and smiles filling the space. Groups that were typically segregated by gender were now intermingling, their faces alight with the excitement of young love.

It made sense; they were teenagers, just beginning to explore love and attraction, experiencing the thrill of dating for the first time.

Ah, adolescence.

Though I shared their teenage hormones and body, my mind was far more mature. I couldn't fully empathize with their giddiness, but I understood what they were going through, having experienced it myself once upon a time.

The eight of us grabbed our food and headed to our table. As usual, the <Ascendant >-rank guards dispatched by the major forces kept a watchful eye on us, their gazes laser-focused on our group.

'I doubt anyone would have the nerve to give us chocolates with this level of scrutiny,' I thought.

But I underestimated the determination of the royals and nobles sitting with me.

Despite the intimidating presence of the guards, a few brave students still approached our table, their faces flushed with a mix of nervousness and excitement. One by one, they handed over carefully wrapped chocolates, each gift accompanied by stammered words of admiration and affection.

Rachel, Cecilia, and Seraphina accepted their chocolates with gracious smiles, while Ren and Lucifer responded with polite nods. Even Jin managed to get some chocolates despite his cold demeanour. Ian, true to form, flirted shamelessly with every girl who approached him, eliciting giggles and blushes.

Even I received a few chocolates to my surprise.

"Looks like Valentine's Day is a big deal here too," I commented, trying to keep the conversation light.

Rachel smiled at me, her eyes twinkling. "It's a day to celebrate all kinds of love, after all."

"Though it does feel like a battlefield," Ren muttered, eyeing the pile of chocolates growing on our table.

"Well, at least it's a sweet one," Lucifer quipped, popping a piece of chocolate into his mouth with a grin.

"Wow, you guys are popular, aren't you?" Luke said as he approached our table, holding a box of chocolates.

My brows furrowed for a moment, but then I relaxed, recognizing that his gesture carried no romantic intent. I knew exactly who his chocolates were for.

He was going to give them to Rachel. Over the past weeks, it had become clear he was quite infatuated with her. However, our table had a strict, unspoken rule: only platonic gifts were accepted. Any hint of romantic interest was met with polite but firm rejection.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Rachel," Luke said with a genuine smile, his nervousness barely masked as he handed her the box.

Rachel blinked in surprise before returning his smile. "Thank you, Luke."

Luke's neck turned a shade of red as he rubbed it awkwardly, then took a seat at our table, trying to hide his nerves.

As the conversation around the table continued, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

Turning, I saw Rose approaching with a nervous smile and a box of chocolates in hand. The red heart stickers plastered on the box made her intentions clear.

My breath caught in my throat.

'Don't say it, don't say it, don't say it,' I thought desperately.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Arthur," she said, extending the box toward me. "I like you. Would you like to go out with me?"