Absolute Cheater

Asher now stood in front of the gates of the Academy, alongside the other students. They were all preparing to leave, taking one last look at the World Academy that had been their home for so many years.

The commoners and students from smaller families moved through the communal portals, which led to various cities and regions. Meanwhile, the students from Supreme families headed toward their own exclusive portals, which led to hidden sanctuaries known only to their kin.

Asher glanced at Freya as she approached the portal designated for her family. She turned to him, her usual confidence replaced by a trace of vulnerability. "I guess this is goodbye—for now," she said softly.

Asher nodded, his expression calm but his mind racing. "Will you miss me?" she asked, her voice teasing but her eyes betraying a hint of genuine curiosity.

Asher hesitated for a moment, caught in an internal struggle. Finally, he sighed and stepped closer. Without a word, he placed his hands on her waist in a swift, confident motion and leaned in, pressing his lips to hers.

Freya's eyes widened in surprise before she melted into the kiss, her usual sharp demeanor softening. Around them, some of the other students gasped or looked away awkwardly, while a few began cheering. In the commotion, it seemed that others were also sharing similar moments, while some lone students rolled their eyes or muttered to themselves.

After a few moments, Asher broke the kiss, his forehead resting lightly against hers as he whispered into her ear, "You're mine."

Freya blinked, her cheeks flushed, before a smirk curved her lips. "You'd better mean that," she replied, her voice low and full of emotion.

Asher stepped back, a faint smile on his face as he turned toward the Magnus family portal. Without another word, he began to walk away, leaving Freya standing at her portal, watching him with a mix of surprise, amusement, and longing.

As he disappeared into the crowd, Freya touched her lips, a small, genuine smile spreading across her face. "Guess I'll have to make sure he keeps that promise," she murmured, stepping into her family's portal and vanishing into the light.

As Asher approached the portal, the guards stationed there straightened at the sight of him. They exchanged quick glances before one of them respectfully stepped aside, allowing him access. Without a word, Asher stepped through the shimmering light of the Magnus family portal, instantly transported to the floating city of Theris.

The air was crisp and cool, carrying a faint energy hum unique to the city that hovered above the clouds. Asher took a deep breath, the sensation both comforting and invigorating. It felt like home.

"Welcome back, Young Master," a familiar voice greeted him. Emily, his family's trusted steward, stood waiting for him at the portal's exit. She offered a polite bow, her sharp eyes briefly scanning him for any signs of exhaustion or injury.

"You've outdone yourself again," she said, a hint of pride in her tone. "Twelve years at the top rank—an achievement even among the Magnus family. It's a rare feat."

Asher gave her a small nod of acknowledgment, his usual reserved demeanor in place. "It's good to be back," he replied, his gaze shifting to the magnificent skyline of Theris. The city shimmered in the distance, its towering structures almost blending into the sky. The very air seemed alive, practically liquefied with concentrated mana. Asher couldn't help but close his eyes briefly, letting the energy seep into him.

Emily stepped forward, her composed expression softening just slightly. "I've prepared a feast to celebrate your return," she informed him. "The entire household has been looking forward to your arrival."

"Thank you," Asher said, his voice steady but warm. He appreciated her efforts, even if he rarely voiced it aloud. As he followed her toward the grand Magnus estate, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of relief and anticipation.

Asher walked with Emily toward his quarters, his footsteps steady and composed. However, his pace slowed as his sharp eyes caught sight of a woman standing in front of his gates. She had long, silver hair cascading like silk, and piercing crimson eyes that seemed to hold no emotion—her face an unreadable mask, almost mechanical in its lack of expression.

Asher's gaze softened, and he inclined his head slightly in respect. "Mother," he greeted, his tone formal but restrained.

It had been twelve years since he'd last seen her in person. In that time, their interactions had been limited to brief messages, always centered around resources, achievements, or inquiries about his progress. She would check in, coldly efficient, ensuring he was meeting the family's expectations and leaving no room for sentimentality.

His mother said nothing at first, stepping forward in complete silence. She placed a hand on his shoulder, her touch light yet assessing. Asher felt the faint pulse of her mana scanning his body, checking for any signs of weakness or injury.

"Good," she finally said, her voice as emotionless as her expression. Without another word, she turned on her heel, beginning to walk away. Over her shoulder, she added in the same flat tone, "Continue working hard."

Asher stood still, watching her retreating figure until it vanished from view. He let out a faint sigh, his expression remaining calm, though a flicker of something unspoken passed through his eyes.

For years, he had sought her acknowledgment, working tirelessly to prove himself. But now, after everything he had experienced at the Academy, after finding people like Freya who saw and supported him as more than just the heir to the Magnus name, he realized something had shifted within him.

Her approval no longer felt like the cornerstone of his purpose.

Turning back to Emily, he gave a small nod. "Let's continue," he said quietly, resuming his steps toward his quarters.

As he entered his room, the familiar yet distant scent of home surrounded him. He settled into the space, his thoughts momentarily drifting to the people who had shaped his path at the Academy. Freya's warm smiles, her unwavering support—even her teasing words—lingered in his mind far more than his mother's cold indifference.

Perhaps, in the grand scheme of things, the approval he had once craved was no longer essential.