The government car slid out of the Association's gate, moving smoothly under the shade.
In the back seat, Rami and Selena sat beside Lin Tian. Up front, Jin Wook glanced at them through the mirror, his smile steady.
"Comfortable ride, isn't it?" Jin asked casually.
Rami replied, voice flat. "Better than anything I've been in."
Selena said nothing. She just stared out the window.
Jin Wook caught the chill in the air. The tension wasn't in words. It was in the eyes.
Rami's gaze was steady. Calm in a way that felt off.
Selena... guarded.
Lin Tian? Fingers trembling slightly. Eyes darting around the car.
Jin chose his target.
"Mr. Lin Tian. Your classification is unclear, but we're fairly certain it's rare or above. On behalf of the Association, we'd like to invite you to join."
He spoke as if refusal wasn't an option.
"You'll have spots in Star High. Salaries. Private training. Skillbooks... An offer hard to turn down."
His voice carried confidence. The response didn't come.
Selena cut in, sharp:
"Skillbooks? Aren't we supposed to create our own skills at this stage?"
The air shifted.
Jin Wook smiled, explained.
"True, skills are typically developed on your own. But we have rare records—skills from past users. Not complete, but some match your type. They could save you decades."
Rami spoke, like he'd been waiting:
"My classification's mental. You said 'enhanced'? Sounds rare to me."
No pause. Lin Tian jumped in:
"My classification's undetermined. No point in books that don't match."
Measured words. But they landed hard.
Jin pulled back, stalling.
"Yes... yes. We do have records. One past user—enhanced mental type. Died decades ago, but his legacy remains."
Rami was about to speak, but Jin raised a hand.
"Those details come after official registration."
Silence.
Then Rami said:
"I can't agree without talking to my father."
Jin raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Rain?"
Rami looked straight at him. "How do you know?"
"He was at the test. Spoke with our scouts. Told us not to interfere. Said he's responsible for both of you."
Silence again.
But Rami's eyes weren't quiet. Selena looked at him, reading his face.
"If it's already decided, then why offer anything?" Rami asked flatly.
"He approved Selena joining the school. As for you—it's your choice."
Selena snapped: "And who gave him the right to decide my future?"
Jin's voice stayed firm: "The law requires legendary-class users to enroll. It's not a contract. It's protocol."
Rami stepped in, voice low but firm:
"Selena will go. But the Association's offer? We haven't accepted."
She looked at him, stunned. He took her hand. Squeezed it gently.
She said, finally: "Fine. I'll go."
Lin Tian ended it: "I appreciate the offer. But I prefer staying free."
Jin Wook smiled one last time. "The Association forces no one. Our doors remain open."
But inside, disappointment churned.
Exactly what he expected from rare types... not easy to tame.
The car reached Lin Tian's orphanage. He stepped out silently. Didn't look back.
The car rolled on, stopping next in front of Rami and Selena's home.
They stepped out slowly.
The street was quiet. The entrance familiar.
Rami said: "Feels like our last day here."
Selena stared at the building, face unreadable. "Didn't think I'd miss this place."
They shared a glance. Walked forward, silent.
The garden looked emptier than usual. Dim lights cast odd shadows.
Selena broke the silence, voice soft, still facing forward:
"Why did you agree to send me to Star High? You know I wouldn't go without you."
Rami answered calmly, but there was calculation behind his tone:
"The government won't back off. They'll start soft. Then pressure you. I wanted to stay ahead—make it look like you're cooperative, ease the heat on you. Don't worry... you won't go alone."
She paused, turned slightly. Eyes searching his face.
"Makes sense... but you're hiding something."
Rami smiled faintly. Barely touched his eyes.
"Nothing hides here, right?"
She laughed under her breath. Light, but not carefree.
"Still didn't explain what happened with Mortix."
Rami exhaled slowly. Didn't answer.
Her instincts never missed.
They kept walking through the garden. Still empty. Too empty.
No voices. No children. No noise.
Something felt off.
He glanced at Selena. Her senses were sharp—just like his.
They reached the main door. Rami reached out to open it.
And froze.
Selena stood beside him.
Staring.
Equally stunned.