Three days had passed since the Battle Royale. The academy was quiet as Mark Velocida walked through the halls, his eyes scanning the familiar corridors. Then, near the entrance, he saw her—Ariel. She wore a stunning red dress, the kind that made even the ordinary world seem brighter. She was leaving for a date… with Brandon Silver.

Mark’s voice was calm but firm. “Don’t go. It’s a trap.”

Ariel paused, turning to him with a questioning look. “Are you sure?”

“Yes,” Mark said simply. “I am.”

Ariel’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Why should I trust the person who killed my father… and not give him a chance?”

“If anything happens,” Mark said softly, “call me. I’ll be there.”

For a moment, Ariel’s gaze drifted to the memories they shared—the battles, the betrayals, the moments of trust, and the moments of doubt. She walked closer to him, resting her head against his chest.

“I feel confused,” she admitted quietly. “I don’t know what to think… if I should hate you or trust you.”

Mark placed a hand gently on her back. “Go. If it goes sideways, I’ll save you. That’s a promise.”

Ariel pulled back, finally nodding. “I should go.”

The evening began innocuously. Ariel enjoyed the dinner, laughing with Brandon, savoring the polite conversation. Afterwards, they went to Brandon’s dorm for tea. But the moment she stepped inside, it became clear—this was no ordinary date.

Brandon’s smile turned sinister. Ariel reacted immediately, moving to strike him. But Brandon’s body transformed into metal, absorbing her punch. Pain shot through her hand—it was broken. She dropped to her knees, tears streaming down her face.

“It’s over for you,” Brandon said coldly, stepping closer.

A male voice cut through the room, calm and menacing. “You sure about that?”

Mark stepped into the room, his eyes shifting from their familiar blue to green. A sinister smile curled his lips as purple lightning surged around him. Spike had emerged.

Without hesitation, Spike attacked. Lightning and raw power collided with Brandon’s metal body. The fight was swift and brutal. Spike moved with precision and unstoppable force, breaking through every defense Brandon had.

Finally, Spike forced Brandon to meet his gaze. Inside Brandon’s mind, Spike unleashed his full power. Consciousness shattered. Brandon went completely unconscious, never to regain awareness.

Mark’s eyes returned to blue. The storm faded. He knelt beside Ariel, lifting her gently into his arms. “I’m sorry I came late,” he said, his voice soft as he glanced at her broken hand.

Ariel looked up at him, her expression filled with emotion. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “For not believing you… for everything. I know it wasn’t you who killed my father. It was Spike. I forgive you.”

Mark held her gaze, his heart pounding. Slowly, he leaned forward and kissed her. Ariel hesitated for only a heartbeat before returning the kiss, the warmth between them bridging the pain and mistrust of the past.

For a brief moment, the chaos of their world faded, leaving only the two of them—together, and finally, trusting each other again.