CHAPTER 120: CHAPTER 120 - THE PINK HAIRED STALKER

[Lilliane’s POV]

Today was that annoying day.

Club selection.

Tch. I hated this kind of thing more than anything else—being forced to mingle, talk, smile, and interact with people other than Aiden. Why did the academy even make this mandatory? If it weren’t, I’d have skipped without a second thought. But at least... At least I could just join whatever club Aiden chose. That way, I wouldn’t have to deal with strangers. As long as they were people Aiden knew—or at the very least, someone I’d known for a while—I was somewhat comfortable and am able to converse somewhat thanks to Luca.

As long as I was with Aiden... it would be fine.

I stuck close to him, walking just a step behind. He didn’t say much, just kept walking with that casual confidence of his. He had something in mind—he always did. We passed booths filled with chanting mages, boisterous swordsmen, elemental puppetry displays, even a booth where someone was juggling lightning orbs.

Then, he stopped.

I blinked, lifting my eyes to the tall banner ahead of us.

Swordsmanship Club.

Of course. Aiden and his sword. Why was I even surprised?

I glanced around. The place buzzed with adrenaline and tension. Training dummies, weapon racks, and students sparring under the sharp gaze of older seniors filled the space. It smelled of sweat, steel, and determination.

I fiddled with my bracelet, lips pressed thin.

...I was a mage. I didn’t know the first thing about wielding a sword. But whatever. I wasn’t here to learn anything. I was only joining because of Aiden. That’s what I told myself.

Then he appeared.

A tall, silver-haired senior stepped forward, effortlessly elegant, his sword resting lightly on his shoulder. His piercing gaze swept over us.

Vincent Valentine.

I’d seen him before—from afar. Luca’s older brother. His presence was... sharp. Cold. The kind of person who could freeze you in place just by looking your way.

He raised an eyebrow. "If you want to join the club," he said coolly, "draw a sword. Fight me for one minute. Survive—and you’re in."

My stomach twisted.

Aiden stepped forward, calm and composed. The way he drew the practice blade was so natural, so smooth, like he was simply breathing. He clashed with Senior Vincent and actually held his own. Even managed to surprise him with a feint.

A brief smirk played at Vincent’s lips. "Impressive," he muttered.

I knew it. Aiden was always amazing.

But then... he turned to me.

I froze.

Vincent’s eyes narrowed. "Your turn."

I stared at the practice sword being offered to me like it was a dead rat. Slowly, stiffly, I reached out and took it with both hands—awkwardly. My grip was wrong. My stance? I didn’t even know what a stance was. I tried mimicking what I saw Aiden do, but my body felt like it was made of stone.

Vincent didn’t even draw his sword properly. He just tapped his blade to mine and said,

"Begin."

A blur.

Pain radiated from my wrist before I even realized what had happened. My sword was on the ground, and I was on my knees, breath caught in my throat.

He hadn’t even tried. Just one clean move—and it was over.

"You are not qualified."

His voice was colder than the tip of the blade.

Something cracked inside me.

I stood there... stunned, silent, shaking. The world seemed to slow down. People moved past me. Chatted. Laughed. I couldn’t hear a word of it. I didn’t think this would happen. I didn’t plan for this. I thought I would just follow Aiden, stay beside him like always.

But now...

Now I was just the girl who failed. Who got rejected.

I backed away from the center of the club space, heart pounding in my ears. I stood in a corner, clutching my wrist, eyes burning.

What do I do now?

Where do I go?

Do I just... leave?

I hated this. I hated everyone staring. I hated Vincent. I hated this club. I hated—

And then, from the edge of my blurred vision,

I saw him.

It was Luca. M-my friend. And... that weird friend of his with the lopsided grin and that ridiculous walk. Were they also headed toward the Swordsmanship Club? That would make sense. Luca’s elder brother is the Vice-President after all... so maybe—just maybe—he wants to follow in his footsteps?

I stood behind the corner of a pillar, just far enough that they wouldn’t notice me but close enough that I could spy—observe. Yes, observe. For science. For strategy.

They spoke to someone near the entrance. I couldn’t hear what was being said, but... huh? They turned away?

Luca walked off with that same bored look in his eyes. Huh. So... he’s not joining? Then maybe—

I started trailing them without even realizing it, my footsteps light, my heartbeat heavy.

They went from club to club like it was some sort of adventure. First, it was the Hunting Club, where that red haired bold senior was, I was sure Luca would join this club. He declined.

Then the Painting Club. Luca stared at a half-finished portrait for three whole minutes before sighing and leaving. Did he not like the colors?

Next was the Choir Club. A high-pitched soprano almost shattered the windows—and my will to live. Luca clapped once, expressionless, then walked away again.

After that... the Beast Taming Guild, the Dueling Society, even the Underwater Weaving Society. Yes, that exists.

I was panting. Literally exhausted just from keeping up. I clutched my knees, doubled over behind a column while they just kept moving like it was nothing.

They walked again. Toward a humble-looking shack that had a board labeled "The Gourmet Gastronomy Association"

My stomach growled. Food...?

Were they really considering joining that?

I leaned forward slightly. Should I—

But then I froze. There. At the entrance. Selena.

"NO!" I blurted out, louder than I meant to. Thank goddess I was far from them, but..

A few students looked at me. I smiled awkwardly and started walking like I had somewhere to be.

No way. I refuse to join the same club as her.

She’s... she’s my rival. Elegant, cold, beautiful—and far too close to Aiden.

But if he joins that club...

I shook my head violently.

He walked out again. "Yes! Yes! YES!" I pumped my fist softly.

People stared again. I quickly pretended I was swatting a fly. They walked again.

"Seriously, does he not want to join any club?" I muttered under my breath, exhausted.

And then, as if to answer me, his weird friend finally slumped to the ground like a dying jellyfish. Ah. A fellow human. Luca sat beside him.

Huh, why did that weird guy suddenly gain energy, are they moving again?

They wandered some more before settling under the shade of two trees at the edge of the club grounds. It was a secluded space, hidden from the rest of the hustle.

My curiosity piqued.

I tiptoed closer, ducking behind a thick trunk. There was a small wooden sign half-covered in ivy:

"Hero Research Society."

Wait. What?

What kind of name is that?

From my spot, I could barely hear their voices, but I caught some words floating in the breeze.

"...heroes... seven thousand years ago..."

"...devil cult... resurgence..."

"...legacy... hidden truths..."

My breath hitched.

And then I heard Luca say it, voice firm and decisive:

"I’ll join this club."

My eyes widened.

He’s... joining? This?

I looked up at the sun—almost time to return to the main hall. I’d visited every other club already. But... this one felt different. Strange. Dangerous, maybe. But Luca was here.

Without thinking, without even letting myself process it—

I stepped forward, clutching the hem of my skirt tightly, and walked into the clearing.

My legs were stiff, my voice caught in my throat, but I managed to bow slightly and blurt out:

"C-Can I join this club too?"

****

The vice president of the club, John, laughed out loud "Hahahahha, who would have thought we would get three amazing juniors, now I can tell the club president proudly , I have done such a good job."

Luca looked at Lilliane in surprise , What is she doing here?

As John continued "Remember , The Club meeting is on every Monday. I will handle your registrations, see you next monday."