Starting With SSS-rank: I Get A New Skill Every Livestream

Chapter 278: Turn of events

Kyle had been told to wear something casual since today would be his orientation.

That was why, early in the morning, he stood before the mirror dressed in a plain white shirt and brown trousers.

He bought it not so long ago with another occassion in mind. But well. Since they especially mentioned to keep it simple, he would rather not test too much.

Fresh out of the shower, a few strands of damp hair fell over his forehead. They have grown a little.

He patiently combed his unruly hair, taking his time until he was finally satisfied with his appearance.

"Haah... let’s see." He stepped back and looked at his bags.

He had been instructed to bring his luggage outside, where a car would be waiting for him.

As strange as it sounded, someone was actually coming to pick him up.

"Ready to leave?"

Amanda’s voice drifted in from the doorway as she leaned against the frame, watching him with a faint smile.

"Yeah, more or less," Kyle replied, walking over to her.

Amanda gave him a once-over and nodded approvingly.

"Looking sharp."

She reached up to straighten his slightly crooked collar before adding, "Don’t attract too much attention while you’re there. I’ll call you every night, and I expect a full report of everything that happened."

A faint smile tugged at Kyle’s lips.

Sliding an arm around her waist, he gently pulled her closer.

"You know," he said, looking into her eyes, "when you say things like that while wearing an apron, it really feels like my wife is scolding me."

"Well, would that really be any different? It would just be a ring and a ceremony before we’re officially married," Amanda said casually, as though she had already accepted the role of his wife.

Kyle let out a thoughtful hum.

"So the ceremony doesn’t mean much to you?"

Amanda’s eyes widened, and she hurriedly shook her head.

"I-I didn’t mean that. I just meant... things won’t feel all that different after we get married."

Kyle nodded with a small smile.

"I could tell."

Leaning in, he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead before whispering, "Thanks for staying over."

Amanda giggled.

"That was always the plan. I couldn’t let you go through this morning all by yourself."

She knew Kyle was still a little uneasy about this sudden turn his life had taken. Until recently, enrolling in the academy had never even been a possibility.

Today, he would be stepping onto an entirely different battlefield, and this time, he would be facing it alone.

It was only natural for him to feel unsettled.

Years of isolation had left him with a touch of social anxiety. On top of that, he would be carrying the name of his family, a prestigious clan ranked among the Ten Petals.

Naturally, butterflies were fluttering in his stomach.

Gently taking his hand, Amanda whispered, "The best way to avoid trouble and stay in your comfort zone is to act the way you always do."

Kyle raised an eyebrow.

"And how do I usually behave?"

"Hmm..." She pretended to think for a moment. "Unapproachable and aloof. You already have enough stories surrounding you that people will naturally be wary of you. Use that to your advantage."

Kyle let out a chuckle.

"You didn’t even try to sugarcoat it."

"Was I wrong?"

"...No."

He gave her hand a light squeeze.

"Let’s have breakfast. I have about half an hour before I need to leave."

Amanda nodded, and the two headed toward the dining table.

She had prepared a light breakfast, unsure of what Kyle would be expected to do once he arrived at the academy.

As she served the food, Kyle’s phone buzzed.

A message from Blake.

[Downstairs.]

Kyle blinked in surprise.

Opening the security camera feed, he saw Blake standing outside the building exactly as the message had said.

He unlocked the entrance remotely before turning to Amanda.

"Do we have any extra cakes?"

Amanda hummed before nodding.

"Yes. Should I pack you a lunch box?"

Kyle gave her an amused smile.

"Babe... I’m not going to elementary school or anything. Blake’s just stopping by."

Amanda let out a soft laugh.

"Fine. Then yes, there’s more than enough for the two of you."

Kyle nodded and made his way to the entrance.

The moment he opened the door, he found Blake standing outside, as impeccably dressed as ever in a wine-red suit.

"Ready to leave?" Blake asked.

"Yeah, but don’t bother dropping me off. Someone from the academy is coming to pick me up."

Blake paused, then cast a glance toward the other side.

"Who said I came here to pick you up?" Clearly embarrassed.

Kyle snickered and stepped aside, inviting him in.

As they walked toward the dining area, Blake remarked, "It’s a little strange. They don’t usually give students this kind of special treatment."

Kyle simply shrugged.

"I’m a special case, so it makes sense."

He wasn’t just a late awakener. He was also joining halfway through the semester... or whatever the academy called it.

At this point, he was closer to a transfer student than anything else.

"Hmm. Well, I think they’ll give you an orientation today and start your classes tomorrow," Blake said. "You’ll most likely have classes over the weekend too, so don’t make any plans around that time."

It was already Wednesday, and if everything went as expected, his classes would begin the very next day.

Naturally, the first week was bound to be hectic.

Kyle nodded.

"Yeah, I know. I’ve already prepared myself for not being able to come back for at least ten days."

Amanda’s expression dimmed ever so slightly at those words, but she understood. There was no point complaining when this was something he had to do.

A few moments later, she returned with breakfast.

Freshly made oat pancakes, prepared with flour and eggs, were placed on the table alongside steaming cups of coffee.

As the three quietly ate, Kyle’s phone vibrated.

A message from Veronica.

{Best of luck. Sorry I can’t be there, but you have my best wishes.}

Kyle’s lips curled into a faint smile as he read the message.

Knowing that the handful of people closest to him were worrying over something others would dismiss as insignificant filled him with quiet encouragement.

Haah... hopefully nothing anomalous happens this time...

....

"Mmfh!"

Kyle jerked his head violently as the cloth covering his face was yanked away.

One moment, he had been on his way to the academy.

The next, he found himself bound to a chair inside a dimly lit room, a lone overhead light casting just enough illumination to make out his surroundings while leaving everything else swallowed by darkness.

His wrists strained against the restraints as he growled, "Who are you?"

The figure sitting across from him slowly leaned forward.

Kyle’s eyes widened, and his body stiffened.

Those fiery crimson locks.

That dangerous gleam dancing in her eyes.

That unmistakable predatory grin.

"...Ava?"

The woman’s smile deepened as she gave him a playful wink.

"Missed me?"

°°°°°°°

A/N:- She is back.

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