A Grand Landing
Jihu stepped onto the landing dock, his boots pressing into the polished marble of the Imperial Astral Academy's arrival platform. The Academy was massive—an artificial planet carved into a learning institution for the strongest and brightest of the 500 ruling families. Towering crystalline spires stretched into the sky, glowing faintly with ethereal energy. The very air was rich with a refined sense of authority and legacy.
As his Nebula Sovereign settled behind him, its sleek black-gold hull gleaming under the Academy's multiple suns, Jihu adjusted his uniform. He made sure to keep his chin high and his steps steady.
This is it.
He had prepared himself mentally for this moment—walking into a battlefield of nobles, geniuses, and monsters in human skin.
But what he wasn't prepared for…
Was her.
The Woman Who Stood in His Way
A woman stood in his path, her arms crossed, golden eyes locked onto him with an unreadable expression.
She was strikingly beautiful—long, dark violet hair that matched his own, sharp features that exuded both elegance and intimidation, and an aura so suffocating that even the other students whispering nearby took a few steps back.
Jihu frowned. "Move."
She didn't budge.
He narrowed his eyes. "Are you picking a fight?"
The woman raised a delicate brow. "I should be the one asking you that."
Jihu scoffed, crossing his arms. "And you are…?"
She tilted her head slightly, amused. "I am Kang Serin, heir to the Ten Great Families that rule over the 500."
The moment those words left her mouth, Jihu felt his stomach drop.
He blinked. Wait…
He pointed at her dramatically. "So you're a princess?!"
Serin's lips curled into a small smirk. "I suppose you could say that."
Oh, crap. I almost picked a fight with royalty.
Jihu swallowed hard, but on the outside, he kept up his arrogant act. "Tch, whatever." He turned away. "I don't have time for politics—"
"You really don't recognize me?" she interrupted.
Jihu frowned, turning back toward her. "Recognize you? Why would I—"
Then, his head guard, Commander Hwan Taejin, stepped forward, his tone oddly casual for the situation.
"Oh, Lady Serin. You finally decided to meet your brother?"
The Shock That Nearly Killed Him
Silence.
Jihu stared at the man. "…Brother?"
Taejin nodded. "Yes. She's your older sister."
Jihu's brain froze. His entire body locked up.
"…Whose sister?"
Taejin sighed, rubbing his temples. "Yours."
Jihu slowly turned his head toward Serin, who was now smirking like she had been waiting for this exact reaction.
"You've got to be kidding me," he muttered.
Serin tilted her head, her expression almost playful. "Surprised?"
Jihu nearly collapsed on the spot.
Memories started flooding back—his mother's gentle voice telling him about a sister he had long forgotten.
"She's too busy training at the Academy to visit," his mother had once said.
He had been too young to understand back then… and then life had swept him away.
Jihu pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling slowly. "So, let me get this straight. You're my sister?"
Serin nodded.
"The same sister who's an elite here?"
She nodded again.
"The same sister I never met because she was too busy being a genius?"
She smiled. "Correct."
Jihu inhaled sharply. Damn it.
Serin placed a hand on his shoulder, lowering her voice just enough for only him to hear. "Try not to embarrass the family too much, little brother."
Jihu glared. "Try not to give me a heart attack next time."
She merely laughed.
The Sudden Announcement
I HAVE A BIG SISTER?!
Before Jihu could process any of this properly, a loud voice echoed across the Academy's entrance.
[All new students, report to the front plaza immediately for the orientation ceremony.]
Jihu jerked in alarm. "Crap, I'm late!"
His first day at the Academy, and he was already behind schedule.
He had taken the longest route possible to avoid unnecessary fights or potential noble squabbles. His top priority had been survival, not showing off.
Now, he was about to show up late on his first day.
Serin sighed, clearly unimpressed. "Honestly, how are we even related?"
Jihu didn't waste time arguing. He bolted.
His sister's amused voice followed him. "Run faster, little brother~"
Jihu gritted his teeth. Great. I just got here, and I already want to go home.
To Be Continued...