The Academy's Terminally Ill Side Character
Chapter 44 - 44: Sacred Flame [1]

Honestly, all I wanted right now was to go back to the one place that felt right.

The gym.

Over the past week, my body had finally started to feel better—stronger. Not only had I conquered the 20kg dumbbells, but I was also beginning to challenge the next boss in the lineup: the 30kg dumbbells.

We were currently locked in a tense stalemate.

Some days, I managed to get the upper hand.

Other days, not so much.

But I was close. So close to beating it.

That is, until Professor Lena showed up.

"This is your last day before the semester officially begins. You do realize that, right?" she said, arms crossed like she'd caught me sneaking out past curfew.

Yeah, I knew.

"If you push yourself too hard today, what are you going to do tomorrow? Limp through orientation?"

I'd figure something out.

"And what if you get injured?"

I can take care of myself. You don't have to hover over me like a babysitter.

Of course, none of those thoughts made it past my lips.

I just stood there, sweating, arms limp from the last set, as she continued to look at me like I was an unruly younger brother.

And just like that, I was banned from the gym for the day.

It was... frustrating.

The 30kg dumbbell was right there—gleaming under the fluorescent light like some final boss waiting to be conquered.

I swear it even looked smug.

Being told to back off now, when I was so close, felt like getting yanked out of a fight just before landing the finishing blow.

Still, I knew better than to argue with Professor Lena when she was in one of her "I know what's best for you" moods. Not because I agreed—hell no—but because she had this uncanny ability to make you feel extra pathetic if you talked back.

So I nodded.

Grudgingly.

And dragged myself out of the gym with all the grace of a sulking cat kicked off a sunny windowsill.

Outside, the late afternoon sun hit me like a spotlight.

Velcrest's campus was quieter than usual—most students were either finishing up last-minute errands or cramming in whatever freedom they had left before the semester officially kicked off.

Me?

I wandered aimlessly, aimlessly enough to make myself annoyed.

I wasn't used to not having a goal, a next rep, a next lift.

For a second, I considered sneaking back into the gym through the side entrance—but then I remembered Lena's threat.

If I so much as touched a dumbbell today, she'd have me doing paperwork for the entire first week.

And no gains were worth that.

Guess I had no choice now but to rest.

Still, I couldn't help feeling a few regrets.

For one, I hadn't gained any visible muscle.

I let out a sigh and glanced up at the ceiling.

I didn't want to admit it, but I was nervous. Tomorrow, Velcrest Academy would officially begin.

And with it… the plotline.

Everything I'd been preparing for—every choice I'd made—was finally starting to matter.

There were so many things to do. So many paths to consider. So many people I needed to watch, protect… or eliminate.

This wasn't a game anymore.

I pulled the blanket over my chest and stared into the darkness.

"Alright," I murmured to myself. "Let's see how this story unfolds."

I just hoped I'd be ready for it.

***

The next morning came faster than I expected.

Sunlight poured through the curtains—warm, golden, and a bit too cheerful for what today meant. I sat up slowly, my body reminding me with every stiff movement that, yes, I was still stuck in this body. Still not where I wanted to be, physically or mentally.

But none of that mattered.

Today marked the official start of Velcrest Academy.

Day one of the real game.

I went through my morning routine on autopilot. Shower. Brush teeth. Get dressed. My uniform hung crisply from my shoulders—tie a little off, hair mostly in place, and eyes a touch sleep-deprived but sharp.

Not perfect. But it would do.

I was ready to face whatever this place threw at me.

Just as I was about to leave, a voice called out behind me.

"Which class are you in, Rin?"

I paused at the doorway and turned slightly, only to see him—or rather, her—Leona Harper.

Leona, the cross-dressing girl who'd chosen to live as a boy at the academy. This was the first time she'd spoken to me since we both woken up.

Strange, right?

She had actually woken up earlier than me, got ready in silence, dressed in the male uniform with practiced ease. I know her real identity and that's why I decided to wake up hour later then her.

...And since waking up we don't talk with each aside from normal morning greetings.

It was quiet. Peaceful. I thought we were both fine with that arrangement.

So why talk to me now?

I glanced at her—him—Leon. The usual composed expression was there, but now tinted with curiosity. Was she trying to be friendly? Or maybe she just didn't want to walk alone?

Either way, it felt like a small victory.

In the original novel, Ryen—my predecessor—never got this moment. He ruined his first impression with a poorly timed bathing joke, and Leona kept her distance for days.

But now? Here she was. Talking to me.

I'll take that as a win.

"I'm assigned to Sacred Flame, Class 1-A," I replied.

Leona blinked. "Oh? Then we're not in the same class. I'm in Sacred Blade."

"Hm," I nodded. "Guess we won't see each other much during class, then."

"Probably not. Still…" she trailed off for a second, then slung her bag over her shoulder, "Want to walk down together?"

I blinked, genuinely surprised for a second.

Then I smiled slightly.

"Sure. Let's go."

Maybe today wouldn't be so bad after all.

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Author Note

Thanks for the reading the novel.

Please continue to read more on in the future.

Bye bye