Darkness.

Then, pain.

Ryo's consciousness flickered as he felt his existence being pulled back, the familiar sensation of regression washing over him like an unrelenting tide. He no longer panicked when this happened—death and rebirth had become an unfortunate routine. The only question was—how far back did he go this time?

The moment he opened his eyes, he found himself sitting at a table. The scent of freshly prepared food filled the air. Across from him, a silver-haired girl with crimson eyes sipped her tea gracefully, her gaze fixed on him with mild amusement.

"Good morning," Selena said, placing her cup down. "You woke up later than usual."

Ryo blinked. Again? I'm back here?

He quickly looked around. The setting was the same as before—the academy cafeteria, breakfast served before him, and Selena, the Vampire Princess, sitting in front of him. This was the same moment when she had declared him her fiancé the last time.

'At least it's not too far back,' Ryo thought. He had regressed, but not to the beginning. That was a small relief.

Selena tilted her head slightly. "You seem distracted. Did something happen?"

Ryo exhaled, trying to keep his expression neutral. "Just tired."

She smiled knowingly. "It seems you had a rough night. But don't worry, you'll get used to it."

Ryo resisted the urge to ask what she meant. Instead, he focused on his meal. He was beginning to understand that Selena knew more than she let on. He had to be careful around her.

As they ate in silence, Ryo recalled everything from his last regression. The strange presence in the history lecture, the violet eyes watching him, and the ominous feeling that followed. Would it happen again? Or had his regression changed the course of events?

Selena suddenly spoke, pulling him out of his thoughts. "You haven't forgotten, have you? You'll be meeting my father soon."

Ryo tensed slightly but masked it well. Here it was—the same conversation playing out once more.

"Right. Your father," he said casually, though internally, he was already formulating a plan.

She studied him for a moment before smirking. "You look as if you're trying to find a way out. Don't bother. Once my father sets his eyes on you, there's no escaping."

Ryo sighed inwardly. If he was truly stuck with this, he at least needed to gather more information before the meeting. Who exactly was her father? What role did she play in this academy? And why was she so insistent on making him her fiancé?

For now, he had to play along.

"Fine. I'll meet him," Ryo said, finishing the last of his food. "But on my terms."

Selena raised an eyebrow, amused. "We'll see about that."

As breakfast ended, Ryo braced himself for another day at the academy. But this time, with the knowledge of his previous regression, he would be more prepared.

Or so he hoped.