One Month Later…

Lullingstone Castle in Kent, England

Vermillion Guild Entrance Ceremony—10:00 AM

The hall gleams in opulent gold and silver, the Vermillion Guild’s emblem—a golden sword and shield—shifting on a crimson banner. We march forward, precise and disciplined, saluting before the heads of the organisation.

The weight of the ceremony presses against my shoulders, yet my thoughts stray. My silver hair, bound into twin buns, catches the slanted beams of light spilling through the windows. The crisp air lifts my bangs, making them dance, and my golden-framed glasses glint against the gold-trimmed pillars. A floral scent lingers—elegant, unassuming, and fleeting.

“Welcome to the Vermillion Guild, candidates,” Mr. Taylor announces, his voice unwavering. “From this day forward, you will train, struggle, and persevere to earn the title of certified hunters—recognised across the Three Realms.”

The hall hums—not with applause, but with murmurs. Pens scrape against parchment, cameras flash. Whispers coil around the edges of the room.

And then—his name.

Sinjin Vince.

Excitement sparks through the crowd, feeding into hushed conversations.

“Look at him—he’s so handsome…” Someone exhales. “A man that attractive was meant to be a hunter.”

Another voice cuts through—sharp, firm.

“Quiet. That man isn’t just beautiful—he’s a prodigy.”

I shift slightly.

“He’s the strongest hunter, the richest among them, but more than that—he has mastered four forms of mana.” Their voice lowers, reverent. “Cosmic Energy, Chi/Qi, Mental Energy—he doesn’t just wield them, he commands them.”

I glance toward the speaker. Brown curls frame her composed expression, her warm brown eyes sharp, unwavering. A single earring glints in the streaks of light.

“Who is she?”

“Mr. Thomas Green’s daughter, the lead researcher of the Magic Association’s Interdimensional Labs. The sole survivor of the Beachside Invasion… rumoured to be tied to the monsters beyond the Kintsugi Crest.”

A shift in tone. A quiet unease.

“You mean the Tenkaibane (天下いばね)?”

A pause.

“That’s only what the Nether Realm calls it. That invasion sparked the Nymeria Massacre nine years ago. They say the Duke and Duchess’ daughter vanished… along with the key.”

My breath stills.

Sweat beads against my back. My fingers twitch. The murmurs coil tighter—too close, too loud.

Then—tap, tap.

A familiar voice slices through.

Sinjin Vince steps forward.

He moves with measured confidence—his presence bends the space around him.

“Hello.” His tone is steady, commanding. “I am Sinjin Vince—First-Class Senior Head Detective and hunter. I trust your welcome has been warm.”

He surveys the room.

“Over the next two years, I expect you to work hard, challenge yourselves, and prove your worth.”

The air tightens.

“Magicians, witches, mages, wizards, warlocks, healers, priests, saintesses—you shape your path. It doesn’t matter where you come from. What matters is how far you’re willing to go.”

Then—a flicker of amusement.

His smirk curves slightly, controlled, effortless.

“And if life doesn’t give you enough lemons—make orange juice.”

A brief silence.

My eye twitches.

Then—his gaze locks onto mine.

Sharp. Direct. Familiar.

My breath catches.

Biscuit cheeks don’t go overboard.

Heat surges to my face. I look away.

His chuckle is silent, felt more than heard, before he’s drawn into conversation.

Later, Beneath the Sakura Blossoms…

The scent is softer here. Fleeting.

Petals swirl, catching golden light. The fairies whisper between branches, their laughter blending into the rustling wind.

"I listen, and for a fleeting moment, I remember—the soft blush of Sakura petals once dusted the earth at Lullingstone Castle in Kent. But now, they are gone. Erased. Forgotten."

"This school ensures magic remains unseen, rewriting history, silencing truths. Those born without power will never know what was once undeniable."

"The Sakura trees were here. Once. I know they were. And yet… I cannot recall the moment they disappeared."

Then—warmth.

A coat settles over my shoulders.

The scent—cedar and musk.

Firm hands linger briefly against my arms.

A lazy, husky voice drifts near my ear.

“Little biscuit cheeks, do you miss me?”

I stiffen.

Pull away. My glare is sharp.

"Who are you?" The words slip out cool, detached.

A dramatic gasp follows.

Sinjin presses a hand against his chest, eyes gleaming with mock offence.

“You—you don’t recognise the great, the spectacular Sinjin Vince? The legendary immortal hunter? The most eligible bachelor, seven years in a row?”

I scoff.

"I don’t know an old man like you."

A beat.

I tilt my head.

"I’m young, pure, innocent. Don’t tell me you’re one of those street perverts targeting talented girls like me? I know I’m amazing—but please, restrain yourself.”

Sinjin’s eye twitches.

A brief glare.

Then, his smile returns, slow, knowing.

“You could just say you missed me.”

Before I can respond—giggling.

A group of girls rush toward us, calling his name.

Sinjin sighs, lifting me effortlessly. Cosmic energy crackles between his fingers.

"Wouldn't want misunderstandings…..."

Then—whoosh.

I land in my dormitory.

A photograph flutters into my lap.

My breath stills.

Sinjin, in his uniform.

A kiss—just now.

My fingers tremble slightly.

The back of the photo reads:

"My dear biscuit cheeks just can’t say ‘I miss you.’"

Heat rushes to my ears.

I shove the photo into my drawer.

Far away, beneath the blossoms, Sinjin Vince stands alone.

His smile lingers.

A black hair ribbon rests against his palm.

MEANWHILE, IN THE GROVE OF SAKURA BLOSSOMS…

Sinjin watches her leave.

The warmth still lingers against his lips.

Then—"Vince! Vince!"

Jason rushes toward him, breathless.

Sinjin narrows his eyes. "WHAT,"

Jason smirks. "Boss, don’t tell me you were with your sister-in-law?"

Sinjin exhales sharply. "Just brief me on the mission, Jason."

Jason holds up a clipboard. "We’re infiltrating the Beijing Trading Hall. Word is illegal magical beast trafficking and secret experiments on witches and fairies."

BiBi storms up, eyes blazing.

"Stop filling Jin’s head with nonsense!"

Jason rolls his eyes, muttering. "Innocent? That man is not innocent. You should see the way he looks at his little wife…"

Sinjin shoots him a warning glare.

Jason swallows hard. "Nothing! Nothing at all!"

Soon, they board the truck.

And as the engine roars to life, Sinjin glances down at the black hair ribbon in his palm, smiling softly.