The Boy Who Walks Beyond The End

The moonlight spilled through the window of the Lunar Dormitory, painting soft silver streaks across the floor. The academy grounds outside were silent, save for the occasional flutter of leaves in the wind. Zen lay back on his bed, arms crossed behind his head, staring at the ceiling.

That's when he reappeared—hovering above Zen's chest like a smug cat that had just stolen a fish.

SYSTEM ]: "Alright, midnight check-in! How are we feeling, oh mighty demon prince in training? Muscles sore? Heart confused? Hair still impossibly perfect?"

Zen let out a soft sigh. "Why do you talk like this is a dating sim?"

SYSTEM ]: "Because it might as well be. You've got a loyal healer, a frosty sword girl, a princess, That's peak romance fantasy right there."

"...It's a training academy," Zen muttered, turning to his side. "And I'm trying to sleep."

SYSTEM ]: "Sleep is for the weak. You just beat a dungeon boss. You know what that means?"

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Zen raised an eyebrow. "...That I need rest?"

SYSTEM ]: "No! That you check your stats, obviously."

Zen groaned, but then smirked a little. "Fine. Show me my status window."

---

\ [STATUS – ZEN]

Name: Zen

Race: Human

Level: 9

Class: Swordsman / Mage

HP: 210

MP: ∞

Strength: 20

Agility: 32

Endurance: 28

Magic Power: 31

Intelligence: 22

Perception: 19

Willpower: 31

Passive: Flame Eater Blade

Skills: Sword Slash, Ice Bloom, Sword Art – Silent End, Skystep Cleave

SYSTEM ]: "Oh yeah, look at that stat glow-up. You're becoming the kind of protagonist that makes NPCs faint in awe."

Zen gave a small smile, resting his hand on his head. "...Can you show Lyra's status too?"

SYSTEM ]: "Oho~ You are curious. Permission granted. Behold! Your princess's power profile~"

---

\ [STATUS – LYRIAELLE CAELIVARA]

Race: Human

Class: Healer / Light Caster

Level: 8

HP: 180

MP: 240

Magic power: 39

Skills: Light Mend, Purifying Touch, Revitalize, Frigid Chains, Aether Barrier, Radiant Pulse, Healing Light

Traits: Exceptional Memory, Emotional Insight

Notable Perks: Fast Mana Regeneration, Charm Resistance

Blessing: ???

SYSTEM ]: "She's got charm resistance. Sorry, lover boy."

Zen flushed slightly. "I wasn't... I mean it's just—shut up."

SYSTEM ]: "Too late. I'm printing T-shirts."

---

A soft knock came at the dorm window. Zen turned and blinked.

Lyra was sitting on the edge of the windowsill, her legs dangling over the side, her blue hair glowing gently under the moonlight.

"You gonna let me in or just keep blushing in the dark?" she asked with a smirk.

Zen sighed, stood up, and opened the window. "You're not supposed to sneak into the boys' dorm."

Lyra slid in with all the grace of a cat. "Relax. I knocked first. That makes it legal."

She flopped onto the bed opposite his and stretched out like she owned the room.

"You okay?" she asked, her voice a bit softer now.

Zen nodded, sitting across from her. "Just... thinking. About the exam. The fight. Everything."

Lyra tilted her head. "You always carry everything like the world's weight is yours alone."

Zen looked away. "Because maybe it is."

There was a pause—then she reached forward and flicked his forehead. "Dummy. That's what you have teammates for. And annoying friends. And me."

Zen rubbed his forehead, giving her a slightly flustered look. "That hurt."

"Good. Means you're still human," she teased, then smiled more gently. "I'm proud of you, you know? You don't say much, but you... you lead when it counts."

Zen's gaze lingered on her a moment too long. "...Thanks, Lyra."

Silence stretched—just long enough for it to feel like something unspoken hung in the air between them.

Then—

SYSTEM ]: "KISS HER. I DARE YOU."

Zen jerked upright. "I—I'm going to bed!"

Lyra blinked. "Uh...?"

Zen turned around fast, his ears burning.

SYSTEM ]: "Coward."

Lyra: "Zen, I have to go. See you tomorrow—and good night."

Zen: "See you. Good night."

He watched her turn away, a quiet warmth settling in his chest. Why do I wish she'd stayed just a little longer?

System (Nex):

"Oho~ Someone's catching feelings. Should I prepare a romantic side quest, or do you still want to play the 'cold and composed' act, Your Highness?"

Half an hour later...

The wind shifted.

A sudden gust blew through the academy, cold and sharp like steel.

Then, across the sky—no, through it—an ancient sound echoed like a bell made from bones.

All students awoke to a strange shimmer rippling through their dorm walls.

And then...

A mysterious announcement resonated across the entire academy, voiced not by any human.

> "To the ones who walk the edge of fate... you have been chosen. In three days... the Trial Beyond Light begins."

> "Survive, or be forgotten."

---

To be continued...