Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Duke Grayne worked hard to master his awakened abilities.

He worked hard just to become the best!

He went through hell and back just so no one could ever look down on him.

He built walls for his castle, his kingdom where no one could touch him. He was absolute and everyone admired him.

Then, all of that came crashing down when he met the unaffiliated Seo Jiwoo who had only been discovered for a few months and still managed to defeat Duke who was the best in the WAA even if the other top 10 denies it.

At first, he hated the Korean girl who had everything he could ever want.

Power.

Talent.

Freedom.

Innocence.

Connections.

And responsible parents.

Her mom loved her dearly and she had 2 father figures, Kayden and Kartein who are willing to destroy the world if something happens to Jiwoo.

Duke Grayne loathed Seo Jiwoo.

Which is why he doesn’t know when or how did he end up having romantic feelings for her. All he knows is that he will never accept anyone having Jiwoo other than himself.

Chapter Text

During the frame attack, before the world ranker touch the weakened Jiwoo, she suddenly disappeared.

All eyes were then on Duke who was cradling Jiwoo’s body in his arms. This time, it was his turn to run because Jiwoo had just made herself a target which means he can’t hide among the other students because the frame member will not hesitate to attack.

Since the other Korean students were injured, Arthur and Gahin stepped in to help in distracting the enemy from getting anywhere near Duke and Jiwoo. The guy snapped and was about to release a powerful attack… until a booming thunder came crashing down on him and there he was Kayden Break.

“Jiwoo!” Subin shouted as she, Jisuk, and Wooin ran to Duke and Jiwoo. “Are you okay?!!” and they started inspecting her.

Duke made a step backward, away from the four Koreans, Jiwoo was already leaning on Jisuk so Duke wasn’t needed there anymore.

Looking at the wind user and the innocent Jiwoo made the young Graye grit his teeth.

The whole battle between Andre and Kayden had been jaw-dropping and eye-opening. Once again, Duke realizes how gifted and blessed Jiwoo is and he couldn’t even be mad about it.

Chapter Text

While taking a stroll with his friend, Gahin, the little unaffiliated Korean came running to their direction calling for Duke.

For some reason, Gahin gave him an encouraging pat on the shoulder. “You go talk to her, I’ll see you later.”Duke only gave him a nod.

Gahin and Jiwoo gave each other a respectful nod to acknowledge each other’s presence before the Loutraine young master walked away, leaving the two alone.

Jiwoo bashfully played with her fingers while not making eye contact, looking at anywhere besides Duke while thanking him for saving her. One of her father figures, Kartein said that she would’ve been seriously injured if Duke hadn’t stepped in to save her.

Duke stared at her with an unreadable look on his face and Jiwoo was starting to feel awkward at the lack of response.

“... Next time, don’t just engage in battles where you know you’ll lose more than just blood.” He said out of nowhere, catching Jiwoo off guard.

“That guy was a world awakener, what you’ve done by distracting him was already enough. But sacrificing all the energy and power in your body without even thinking of a way to escape once your attack didn’t work and then putting your own life on the line… You don’t even know the names of the students you saved nor have they even said a single word of greeting to you, much less say anything good about you as they mock you and your friends openly during your whole stay in the academy.” At his words, Jiwoo started to look down, flinching here and there when a particular word was emphasized to him.

It is very displeasing to Duke, both her determined look back then and the look she has right now. “I would’ve understood even just a little bit if you have done it to protect your friends since you have mentioned how important they are to you. But not only did you bleed for the sake of people you don’t know, your friends even decided to join in on your suicidal plan” He reprimanded harshly, his voice getting lower in anger.

“I know it is not my place to scold you, after all, who am I to you?” He should stop now before he says anything else.

But Jiwoo was startled at his words and looked up, only to see a complicated look on Duke’s face. A look Jisuk had when Jiwoo didn’t tell him about being investigated by Shinwa’s people. A look Wooin had when he saw how injured Jiwoo was after fighting Jisuk. A look Subhin had as she scold Jiwoo for using her force control when she had just healed her core. A look Kartein had when she does something reckless that cause her to get badly injured in the end. A look Kayden had when she held on to the secret of his force control over her own life.

It was a look of worry and frustration over her selfless actions.

Somehow, it made her heart skip a beat.

“Forget it-” Duke was about to turn away when they heard a loud shout from afar. He recognized it as Gahin’s voice and he immediately ran to where it came from even using his speed in the process.

There, he saw Jessica, one of the Academy’s high-ranking students, piercing through Gahin’s chest with her hand. Duke saw red and was about to attack her when the traitor of a professor, Andrea, attacked him.

“You traitor!” Duke prepared an onslaught of attack, all directed at Professor Andrea that played with all of them.

In the academy, the students looked up to their educators, the top 10 are no different. So when the professors want them to do something, the students will not think twice and do it for them. Duke had done the same for every professor that valued him. This professor had been one of those but seeing how she easily abandoned and betrayed him and the academy, even hurting his friend.

Duke will never forgive her.

Jiwoo appeared out of nowhere once again and took Gahin away from Jessica and the both of them engaged in battle. Duke notices how Jessica is using a different technique than when she went against Lee Subin but before he could even identify what it was, Andrea had attacked him back.

Duke gritted his teeth and started attacking her back. The traitor had been weak after Kayden’s continuous attack back at the arena, so Duke is confident he could at least prevent her from running away until the professors arrive, the problem is that Gahin might not survive that long.

Just then a hand appeared, grabbing Andrea’s sleeve with two fingers as if disgusted to touch her clothes. It was Kartein.

He had disposed of the traitor and then scolded Jiwoo for engaging in battle when she just got healed. It irked Duke to hear that but her calmed himself down. He helped Gahin up with one of his arms over his shoulder.

“Thanks,” Gahin said while breathing heavily but it seems he can still make it to the infirmary if Duke moves fast. But before that, he looked at Jiwoo and said, “You have my gratitude for saving Gahin” He gave her a slight bow of the head before using his speed to get to the infirmary.

~~

“You should’ve waited for her response,” Gahin said while laying on the bed, the healer had just finished healing him. Although he was not fully healed, it was already enough so that the wound won’t be life-threatening.

Duke ignored his amused chuckle and said. “ I’ll request for some of the healers in Grayne to the Loutraine hospital so you should rest now.” Duke stood up and exited the room.

The next day, Duke had been preparing to go back home as he walk down the corridors of the academy when suddenly he hear someone call him.

It was Seo Jiwoo, looking as cheerful and naive as ever. “Are you going to visit Gahin?” she asked with a wide smile on her face.

“...his family’s men arrived today to escort him home, I’m just finishing up anything I have to do at the academy before I go back.” He was looking at her in the eyes but as always, she diverts her amber irises away and look anywhere beside him.

It is displeasing to Duke.

“I-I see! So you’re going back today!” she fidgeted with her hands on the back. She’s hiding something but Duke does not have the energy to feel any more irritated than he already is with her antics.

“If that is all then I’ll be goin-” “N-No wait!” he felt a tug on the sleeve of his academy uniform. Wide-eyed, he turned back to Jiwoo who was bashfully looking at him before presenting a small pad and pen. “C-Can I please have your number!?” He was startled at her loud voice as if she gathered all her courage just to say those words to him.

Not only that, but her face was red, so adorably red.

“...” Duke silently took the pad and pen, staring at it for a while before a helpless smile appeared on his face. If he heard someone’s breath hitch, he doesn’t say anything nor does he look at that ‘someone’ in front of him.

He just started jotting down his phone number on the paper. He ignored Arthur's, Glant's, and Lia’s number above. He would rather be in a good mood than make his day more sour than it already is, no thanks to Jiwoo.

When he finished, he handed it back to her who beamed at it.

Before turning away to leave, his hand reached out to pat her head. He felt her freeze underneath his palm but he choose to ignore that as well and walked away.

He was in a good mood when he arrived home.

Chapter Text

Now he just wants to punch someone, preferably Arthur’s or Gahin’s face, because the two had been making jokes about him and his so-called ‘Crush’.

But that’s not the reason why he is pissed. It has been months. MONTHS! Yet there wasn’t a single text from the Korean sunshine.

For what reason did she ask for his phone number if she’s not gonna use it?!

He clicked his tongue as he exited the Grayne residence with his luggage. Outside waiting for him was a limousine prepared by Arthur and inside along with him were Gahin and Lia.

“Lia! How are Jiwoo and the others?” Arthur inquired after finding out that Yoo Jisuk and Lia had been in contact since the World Awakened Academy’s temporary shutdown.

“I recently got Lee Subin’s number and she said an emergency happened for a while, fortunately, it was solved thanks to Kartein-nim and Wooin’s professor,” Lia said with perfect mannerisms as always.

“oh! What happened?”

Lia shook her head with a hand raised. “It is information that I have no right to tell others, you can ask them if you want.”

Arthur huffed, “I would’ve! But I don’t have their numbers! Seo Jiwoo asked for mine but she hasn’t messaged ANY of us” He side-eyed Duke who ignored him.

Lia responded to this and said. “Apparently, she went to visit her mother at her workplace and left her phone in the house. Although, Subin reassured me that our numbers had been saved in her phone. She sent me a screenshot and told me to show you.”

The council president showed the picture on her phone. Arthur’s name was accompanied by a purple circle. Lia’s name had a bubble and Glant’s name had a muscled arm.

But Duke’s attention was on his name which had a red heart at the end of it.

Even though Arthur and Gahin teased him about it, Duke couldn’t find it in himself to punch them.

To be continued

Chapter Text

During the fight between the WAA students and the Frame Rookies, Duke’s hands balled themselves into fists. It was so tight that his two hands turned pale and veins were popping out as he helplessly watched the traitor, Jessica, cut Arthur’s arm.

He wanted to go there and stop her, he really did but he couldn’t afford to cause trouble for the academy if he did something that could irk the top 10 World awakener, Andrei.

He can only grit his teeth and wait for the stretcher that was carrying Arthur to arrive

at their location. The healers didn’t stop for them to talk but a short eye contact was enough for Duke.

Arthur’s eyes that were full of pain and tears that turned into blood. There was anger, desperation, and a loud plea.

A plea for Duke to avenge him.

“Duke” the principal called for him and the albino weakly approached him, he was shaking and the principal didn’t know if it was from fear or anger. Still, he had no choice, he had to fight.

He gave the boy a pat on the shoulder and told him with a weak voice. “As long as you come back alive and uninjured is enough.”

“...” Duke didn’t respond and just started walking up the platform.

Even though he is injured, Gahin still goes to see his match along with the other 3 who weren’t as badly injured as Laura, Arthur, Lia, and Glant.

It is strange to feel like this. He knows it’s not fear because he is all too familiar with that feeling. It is kind of similar to when he was fighting Lee Subin and Seo Jiwoo.

The feeling of irritation and anger because his pride had been attacked.

That is what’s making it strange though, he was not the one injured nor the one who lost. Yet there is an itch inside him that’s been whispering darkly in his ear after witnessing his fellow top 10 lose.

‘Kill them’

‘Make them pay’

‘This is unacceptable’

‘dispose of them’ ‘They hurt Gahin’

‘Laura is dying because of them’

‘Lia is crying’

‘They took Arthur’s arm’

‘They hurt his friends’

‘Torture them’

‘Avenge Gahin and Arthur’

‘MAKE THEM PAY A THOUSANDFOLD FOR THIS EMBARRASSMENT!!’

He knew this was inevitable, someday, stronger students will defeat the other top 10 and take their spot, some will die and some will betray them. Duke knew there was nothing new to that. He lived his life taking and taking for himself, he doesn’t give nor does he care.

So, it is very puzzling for him, why is he so adamant about taking revenge on the Frame on behalf of the WAA students.

The answer was simple really.

The World Awakened Academy is his kingdom, his pride.

And these insects dared to destroy his pride.

He couldn’t answer the principal a while ago because the voices were urging him to fight and to destroy.

And so he did.

Once the match started, Duke didn’t let his opponent react nor think for a second before a barrage of attacks came to his way. He used the very same spear he used on Subin but this time there were 4 of them and they were significantly bigger than before.

When the frame rookie was already unconscious, Duke wasn’t satisfied still and approached the unmoving figure. His awakened power formed and gathered around his hand and he used that same power to cut through the Frame rookie’s leg.

The sound of bone-crushing and the pained shouts of the now-conscious rookie echoed through the whole arena.

Still, Duke wasn’t satisfied so he went for his arm, the same side where Arthur lost his.

He made sure that when the frame rookie woke up, he wouldn’t have anywhere to go because the frame would inevitably abandon him for not having a leg or an arm.

He is making a declaration right now as his eyes find Jessica’s, his hand holding up the arm he had cut and threw it to where the leg was. He didn’t take his eyes off of her as if telling her that she would also lose her arm, as well as her leg, as payment for what she did to Arthur.

It seems like that message was delivered successfully when the bitch scowled at him but he didn’t pay her any more attention as he turned to the World Awakened students with his bloody fist in the air. The students rejoiced with him, there were shouts and there were cries.

They must’ve felt relief that the top 10 they looked up to is not going down so easily.

Jean was already crying when she met him down the arena, behind her were the other students. Gahin and the other 3 were sitting far away because they couldn’t risk their injuries anymore.

“It’s fine now.” He said and many of the students burst out into tears.

He felt another emotion he thought he would never feel any more in his heart. After he had decided to follow the rules of the awakened world where he couldn’t let his own emotions dictate his actions.

Pain

He felt pain in his heart

This is Seo Jiwoo’s fault, he just knows it.

*

“Stop being a mom and sit your ass down you fucker.” Arthur groaned at Duke who had been monitoring him and Gahin for the past few days. He would glare at the doctors examining them(especially the ones from the Bryan family), glare at the servants who came to clean the room or bring food, and then glare at them if they do something that might cause them pain or make their injuries worse than they already are.

He doesn’t talk much but damn his stare is suffocating.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” The Grayne denied it as he placed a rather big bowl on the table that contained pieces of fruits that were cut into different shapes.

They are at the Loutraine Family’s residence. After Arthur was shamed by his own family, he didn’t hesitate to pack his bags and go to the Loutraine’s residence. He would’ve gone to Lia’s but her family is too traditional, they wouldn’t be happy to have Arthur around.

Although, she did help him get here.

Gahin had not been fully healed but he was better off than Arthur who is now without an arm.

“Wooin’s professor is coming here,” Gahin said out of nowhere, catching the two off guard.

“What? Why?” Arthur asked while munching on the fruits.

“Wooin had asked his professor to treat some of our severe injuries. Lia said that Dr. Delein is a splendid healer so we don’t have to worry.” He looked at Arthur and then added. “But Lia said that Jiwoo pleaded for Kartein-nim to restore your arm.” Both Duke and Arthur looked at him in disbelief.

"Is that even possible?" The latter looked at his missing arm.

“I heard he was able to heal a broken core so I think so?” Gahin said while shrugging his shoulder before he and Arthur made eye contact and a certain glint could be seen in their eyes. Arthur smirked and then turned to the silent albino beside his bed. “Oh? Now that I think about it, if Kartein-nim is coming then does that mean Kayden-nim is coming as well?” He said out loud, noticing how Duke became really silent and unmoving.

“If Kayden-nim is coming then of course he wouldn’t leave without his disciple, right?” Gahin joined in teasing his friend who clicked his tongue as the two of them.

“By the way, didn’t Jiwoo call you?” When Duke flinched, Gahin couldn’t help but snicker.

“Yup, she was really worried y’know~!” Arthur acted like he was touched by the Korean’s actions, which he truly was but now is a good time to exaggerate that. “She sounded like she was about to cry~!” He wiped an invisible tear.

Suddenly, food was shoved into his mouth by a darkly smiling Duke. “Shut up and eat your fruit, you incapacitated bastard.” He said darkly, Arthur made an offended noise before eating his food again.

Duke turned to Gahin who smiled innocently at him. “And you be quiet before I ask Seo Jiwoo for Joo Iseul’s number” Now that wiped the smile off of Gahin’s face. But it did, however, piqued the interest of one Arthur Bryan.

“Oh?~ Isn’t Joo Iseul the one from Mir who communicates with animals? The one Gahin unfortunately picked a fight with back at the Korean Awakened Academy.” He looked at Duke for confirmation and the albino smirked while nodding.

“Mhm, Lia once approached Gahin with her phone on speaker, saying that someone wanted to say something to him.” He reached out for an apple slide and Arthur made a protesting sound in the background. “It was Joo Iseul. Although she may look quiet and aloof, she went batshit crazy and started cursing at Gahin the moment she heard his voice.”

“Pfft!” And so Arthur burst out into a laughing fit.

It was now Gahin’s turn to glare at them.

The teasing was interrupted when someone knocked on the door, “Come in” Duke said, his expression going back to cold in split seconds as the door opened. It was one of the members of Grayne that Duke brought along at the insistence of his aunt.

“Young master, Principal Garrith has requested your presence.”

The three exchanged glances, confused as to why the principal called for Duke alone. Nonetheless, Duke stood up and exited the room without saying goodbye to its other 2 occupants. He distantly heard Arthur say, “Jeez, what a cold exit, the rude bastard didn’t even say goodbye” It was playful and it made Duke smile.

to be continued

Chapter Text

Now, Duke expected many things while walking to the principal’s office, one of those was to praise him for winning against the frame rookie and thus, protecting the name of the academy or he would ask him to do something.

Those were the two likely things to happen and Duke doesn’t mind those, but what he didn’t expect was Garrith’s first words once he entered the room.

“You have received an invite from Frame.” He said with his usual strict tone, but it was accompanied by a tinge of worry as he looked at Duke.

“You can refuse if you want and I hope that you decline their invitation but the decision is still yours to make.” He gave Duke a pat on the shoulder. “You have 1 week to decide.”

“... Did the other students get an invitation as well?” Duke asked and the principal reluctantly answered.

“They only extended an invite to you, although, I believe they’ll send invitations to the Korean students after the performance they’ve shown against a world awakener.” He said before turning around.

“You can come ask me if you have further questions.”

“...” Duke

Garrith had his back turned to the young awakened when Duke let go of words that made him freeze from where he stood.

“... If I kill someone at frame… Will I still be accepted in the academy?”

“Duke- Wha-” Garrith didn’t know what to say and when he saw the silent rage in the young Grayne’s red eyes, he was left completely speechless as he remembered the match between Duke and the frame rookie.

Duke had a much darker expression that time, much more desperate as if he was about to explode but couldn’t because he had an image to uphold for the other students and he couldn’t afford to incur the wrath of one of the top 10 world rankers that time.

But Duke right now is calm, despite the brewing storm in his blood-red orbs. His gaze tells him that he knows what to do this time. He now knows what he had to do to satiate his hunger for blood and destruction.

The only thing that’s keeping him from doing so is Garrith himself. “…However if you tell me not to, then I will not do so,” Duke said while looking at the principal’s eyes.

The boy had been good at following orders, good at following the rules. He had been living like that since the day his aunt introduced him to Garrith.

It is not something he was taught to do, but something he learned by observing the laws of the awakened world where the strong prey on the weak.

Garrith could only sigh as he finally sat down on his office chair. “Remember what you have done up until now for the World Awakened Academy.” He was referring to the job of the high-ranking students, the job of challenging other awakened academies and testing their rookies to make sure that they won’t be able to even think of surpassing the world awakened academy.

It was a green light.

‘Don’t kill anyone but make sure that they won’t be a threat to the academy. Do whatever is necessary for the glory of the World Awakened Academy.'

Duke had a small smile on his face before bowing his head and seeing himself out of the Principal’s office.

~~

“WHAT?! Is the principal crazy?!” Arthur pointed at Duke with a nasty, judgemental expression on his face. “Are YOU crazy?!”

“Don’t point your finger at others, it’s rude,” Gahin said but then also turned to Duke. “But I agree, Duke what in the world were you even thinking?!”

The albino looked at them and said. “I got an invitation so who am I to decline?” He said as if it was not a big deal.

“Duke!” Arthur shouted at him in frustration. “This is different from before! You’re not just going into an unknown school to destroy their curriculum and their rookies at the orders of the academy! This is the Frame we are talking about! Not just some puny awakened academy that’s merely attempting to be independent from us!” He shouted, if he wasn’t sitting on the bed with a missing arm, he would’ve been shaking Duke to wake him up from the dumbest decision he could’ve possibly made in his life.

But don’t worry, Gahin is there to do it for him.

“Frame is an independent ‘Criminal’ Organization, Duke. Everything that’s illegal is happening there! How can you just sit there comfortably as if Frame won’t ambush you the moment you arrive there!? Not to mention, 3 of the top 10 world rankers are there! The Grayne Family’s influence won’t help you that much once you enter Frame!” Gahin tried to reason with his friend.

But Duke didn’t budge, he had to pry Gahin’s hands off him with his expression unchanging and his body was finally back to its relaxed state just a moment ago.

“They wouldn’t dare to touch me in Frame though,” Duke said, heaving a sigh, knowing the two wouldn’t stop until he explained his side.

“And how can you be so sure?!” Arthur is really tempted to pull his hair out in frustration because of this rude bastard.

“Although, as you said, my family’s influence won’t be able to do much once I enter Frame, however, there is no saying that my aunt’s influence won’t make them think twice about touching me”

‘Ah,’ the two finally understood why Duke was so relaxed.

Duke’s aunt, Elizabeth Grayne, is the current head of the Grayne Family. She had adopted Duke as her nephew when he showed talent as an awakened one who surpassed the bastards of her ex-husband.

She is one of the reasons why the Grayne Family had so much power and influence because she is just like Garrith, not in the top 10 but strong enough that even the top 10 will not dare cross her.

Her ex-husband had so many mistresses and so many bastards because she couldn’t produce an heir. So to prevent the illegitimate children from taking over the family, she took in Duke who was from a branch family but surpassed even those from the main family in Grayne when it comes to talent.

That tells how important Duke is to the whole Grayne Family. So if he is going to Frame, Elizabeth Grayne will make sure that he’ll come out of there in one piece and stronger than ever.

The two were still skeptical about this decision of his.

“Have you told Jiwoo about this?” Gahin asked, earning their attention. “You know she’ll be worried sick if she finds out right?”

Duke sat there in silence for a while, a complicated expression on his face as if deciding on what appropriate response should he give.

“And don’t even think about saying that this doesn’t concern her,” Arthur said as if knowing what was going on through Duke’s mind. “News spreads fast and it will inevitably reach her in no time, you should tell her before that happens.” He encouraged Duke.

For all the teasings Arthur and Gahin did, Duke had never once refuted their claims about him having a romantic fondness for the little sunshine. And normally, when Jiwoo is on the topic, the two will tease him non-stop, but they are serious this time so Duke has no choice but to take his words seriously.

“... I’ll talk to her later once I get home,” Duke said, and the two can finally breathe a little.

However, Arthur noticed that Duke was staring at him. Even after 1 minute passed, he was still looking at him as if waiting for something.

“I’m not a mind reader Duke, spill it out!” Arthur said, annoyed, and in response, Duke also looked at him in annoyance.

“I know you’re not but you shouldn’t be that dumb to not notice that I don’t have her number, right?” then he gave him his most irritating smile that Arthur hates with a passion.

But a thought made Arthur smile cheekily at Duke as well and Duke’s smile became strained at the sight of it.

“Oh I don’t know, I might give you her number but oh my! Where are your manners, Duke?!” Arthur acts in exaggeration and Duke is still smiling at him.

‘Whatever in the world are you talking about, Arthur?”

“Tsk tsk tsk, that’s not how you ask someone for something Duke. I’m so disappointed in you” Arthur shook his head while also having a victorious smile on his face as he saw the way Duke’s face turned stone cold once again.

“I see,” Duke said. “Then I guess I’ll just have to call Lia then.” That wiped the smirk off of Arthur’s face.

The two had a stare-down before the Bryan young master finally relented and shoved his phone to Duke while grumbling on his breath. “Guess he doesn’t know how to say please.”

Duke ignored him as he set Jiwoo’s contact number on his phone and her name was accompanied by a cat face and a cat paw.

Duke also ignores the fact that out of all of the contacts in his phone, only Jiwoo’s name had an icon on it.

~~

"...What did you just say?"

If Duke didn't know how to control his strength, he would've broken his phone a long time ago.

He can literally see Jiwoo fidgeting as she stutters her way into explaining why she fucking accepted the invitation from Frame.

Safe to say, now he knows what Arthur and Gahin felt.

To be cotinued.....

Chapter Text

When Jiwoo heard the news about the defeat of the top 10 against the frame rookies, she couldn’t help but feel worried. Her anxiety was further justified when they were told that Arthur lost an arm and Laura Jensen had almost died.

However, what concerned her even more was when word got out about how Duke also took the arm of 1 frame rookie and brought him near death’s door just like what they did to Arthur and Laura.

She wanted to talk to Duke but she needed to talk to Arthur first and make sure that he was at least fine mentally and emotionally despite the loss of one of his limbs and after his family had almost disowned him for his defeat.

There were mixed feelings during their whole conversation. He relayed his sadness to what he had lost but he only felt disappointment and anger towards his family. He felt immense animosity towards Jessica, and then gratitude to Duke who avenged him.

Jiwoo felt relieved to know that Arthur had people to rely on at a time like this. Even though she failed to contact him like she promised when he was sad about his family’s distrust, he still had people to talk to.

They talked about what’s currently happening among the students and the other top 10 who are still recovering excluding Duke who somehow, somewhere, somewhat, somewhen became a ‘mother hen’, Arthur’s words, not hers.

The topic changed to how he and Duke teased Gahin about Iseul’s grudge against him. Jiwoo can still remember that one time the aloof girl barraged her and her friends with multiple colorful languages after finding out that Subin had pranked her. (Jiwoo doesn’t know the details but it had something to do with her friends using her phone as they pleased. However, she didn’t have the heart to ban them from using it. She can just hope that they won’t contact Duke using her phone because she wouldn’t know what to do.)

Jiwoo found the courage to ask Arthur about Duke and the chaos lover instantly started teasing her which made her blush bright red.

(Kayden asked if she had a fever but she said that it was just hot outside. She completely forgot the fact that she was inside and it was night time so even if the temperature was hot, it was not hot enough to render Jiwoo a blushing mess. The cat frowned as he looked at his disciple.)

[“Just between you and me, though.”] Arthur finally said in a serious tone. [“Well, you, me and Gahin…or maybe Lia and Jean… as well as the others…”] He said, as if not knowing how to phrase it.

[“I was not present during Duke’s match, so was Lia but Jean, Gahin and the others were. And they told me that the Duke that time… looked like he was about to… break.”]

Jiwoo could feel her heart drop at those words.

[“They said he looked possessed, almost feral, and about to explode.”] He said slowly. [“I didn’t believe it at first, even the ones present at that time couldn’t believe what they’d witnessed. I mean… Duke and I had never been close before, you can even say that I hated his guts with a passion. The same goes for the others except Gahin and Lia. Gahin is his only acquaintance and Lia had kept close contact with all of us because it was her job. Like I told you before, we all had a complicated structure. Whatever conflict we had, we resolved them through our subordinates and so we barely had any contact with each other.”] He heaved a frustrated sigh. [“So basically, we were like strangers, rivals, and enemies combined.”]

A hum left Jiwoo’s lips as a sign that she was still listening.

[“Which is why it felt so hard to believe, that Duke went out of control just because he saw me in a stretcher and looking at him as if begging him to avenge me. That he bloodied his hands for Laura and protected the reputation of the academy.”]

[“I didn’t believe it until I witnessed it myself the day I found myself in the Loutraine Residence. It took 5 skilled servants along with Gahin to stop Duke from marching on a rampage to the Bryan residence. He looked just about ready to kill someone for my sake and I…”] Arthur hesitated, [“…I was worried” ]

Jiwoo sat there in silence as she listened to what Arthur was saying.

[“If he’s already about to break at just hearing the news of me getting shamed, I don’t know what he’ll do if something even worse happens. Gahin also felt the same. The others also felt Duke’s sudden protectiveness. It was new to all of us and we don’t know how to navigate around it, I think even Duke is unaware of how he should address it.”] He sounded really troubled and irritated by it.

[“We just decided to ignore it as much as possible but Duke is really getting on my case lately.”] He said in exasperation.[“He is even hovering over Gahin a lot as if someone might attack him at any given chance or something.”]

Jiwoo could see where his worries were coming from, although Arthur was having a hard time trying to explain himself.

After what happened, Duke seemed to have become paranoid and constantly looked after the other top 10 like a mother hen(again, Arthur’s words). And Arthur along with the others thinks this might not be good for Duke’s mental state. They wanted to address it but didn’t know how to because this was new to them.

“Is… Is there something I can do?” She hesitantly asked and Arthur was silent for a minute before speaking.

[“Just keep yourself safe and away from trouble, Jiwoo, you should talk to him y’know. The fucker would be very relieved to know you’re safe.”]

It was sweet of Arthur to worry about Duke, although he did remind her repeatedly to not tell Duke before their call ended.

Now, Jiwoo felt motivated and determined to help them out!

~~

[“...What did you just say?”]

‘I’m sorry, Arthur’ Jiwoo lamented in her mind as she tried to explain her reason for accepting the Frame invitation. ‘I failed to keep myself from worrying Duke’

The boy on the other side of the phone sounded so done, so stressed as he heaved a sigh. Jiwoo could see how Duke was pinching the bridge of his nose at this very moment.

Their conversation had been going well up until this point. Jiwoo could even say that she felt like floating on cloud nine during their call despite the bits of anxiety she felt after speaking to Arthur.

He had called her on his own accord, and to say that Jiwoo was shocked was an understatement, nonetheless, she was happy.

It was an awkward conversation at first, it got dark when Jiwoo asked if he was alright. Duke got really silent for a moment there.

[“... I’m fine”] He simply said and Jiwoo didn’t know if she should believe him or not.

“I uhm… I talked to Arthur-” [“I know”] There was an awkward atmosphere after Duke’s immediate reply.

[“He wouldn’t stop raving about it”] She could literally feel the annoyance in his voice.

“I see”

[“...I heard you visited your mother.”] He suddenly changed the topic before another moment of awkwardness appeared.

“Oh! Yeah, I got worried when she wasn’t contacting me so I went to her workplace but everything’s good now!” She exclaimed but then she came to a realization. “But… how did you know?”

[“... Lia and Subin had been in contact. Arthur was complaining because you haven’t called since the last time you saw each other.”] He said.

“Ah, I apologized to Arthur about it, and uhm… I’m sorry for not contacting you sooner as well.” She shyly said and Duke was silent once again.

[“It’s not really my place to be mad about it.”] His words made her feel a pang in her heart which made her speak louder than she intended to. “Don’t say that! If you have something to say to me, just tell me! I-I want to know your thoughts and your feelings as well! Uhm- Subin, Jisuk, and Wooin have no problem telling me if they’re not feeling well or if they're not happy with my choice of action and… such…” and now she made it awkward again.

It’s true though, she admits that she does have reckless tendencies that worry her friends and her guardians most of the time. She can take a scolding and will try to not cause trouble as much as she can if she makes her loved ones worry that much. And she wants Duke to be comfortable in telling her that as well.

“Duke…” She hesitantly called and the boy hummed to make it known that he was still listening. “I know I already asked you this but… are you really alright?”

Silence enveloped the atmosphere and Jiwoo finally realized what she might have said was completely out of bounds so she tried to correct her mistake.

“I-I know it’s not my place t-” [“Didn’t you just get mad at me earlier for saying something similar to that?”] but Jiwoo couldn’t finish what she was saying when Duke intervened.

She heard him sigh on the other side of the call. [“If you want to know my thoughts then I want to know yours as well. So don’t be afraid to speak up, Jiwoo.” ]

The loud beating of her heart drowned any kind of sound around her. She can feel her face heating up. Duke had said her name. Not in a cold, emotionless way nor did he sound distressed or annoyed while saying it.

Instead, his voice sounded so soft, so tender.

Jiwoo pulled one of the cats to her chest and buried her face in their soft fur in an attempt to hide her blushing face. She weakly nodded her head when Kayden asked if she was okay and didn’t say anything further.

She might’ve been silent for too long because Duke called out to her from the phone. [“…Jiwoo?”] And once again, using her name, this time with a worried voice.

“You said my name” Jiwoo weakly said.

[“... Does it make you uncomfortable?”] Duke asked stiffly.

Jiwoo shook her head as if Duke was there to see it. “No, I’m just really happy to hear it”

[“You’re happy from just hearing me say your name?”] His tone was laced with amusement.

Jiwoo shifted from her position on the couch and curled herself in a ball with the cat in her arms. “Well, here in Korea, calling someone using their full name is a formal way of addressing them, not to mention, you only said my name twice or thrice if I remember correctly and you used my full name those times.”

[“So you’re saying I should just call you Jiwoo from now on because it makes you happy?”] He unexpectedly teased her about it and Jiwoo giggled joyfully.

“yeah, I’d be really happy if you called me that.”

[“...Then I’ll call that from now on,”] Duke said softly and Jiwoo could feel herself melting on the inside. [“Oh and Jiwoo?”]

“Yeah?”

[“To answer your question earlier, I think I feel better now.”] Unlike how he sounded at the beginning of their call, Duke sounded relaxed right now and it made Jiwoo smile even more.

“I see, then I’m glad you’re fine, Duke,” She said happily. There was a comforting silence this time. Until a question popped into her head.

“By the way, is there a reason why you called me?” She asked while sitting up and letting go of the cat that was squirming in her arms.

[“Ah…”] Duke sounded hesitant. [“Arthur told me to contact you before you hear the news.”] He said.

“News? What news?”

[“The news of me accepting an invitation from Frame”]

Almost immediately, dread-filled Jiwoo’s gut. “W-What? Why did you accept?” She asked stiffly.

[“... I just plan on resolving the little bit of bad blood I had with their rookies,”] He said in a forced cheerful tone.

Jiwoo’s mind is a mess, she doesn’t know if Duke is pertaining to the rookies or Jessica specifically based on what he said.

[“Don’t worry too much, my aunt, the head of the Grayne family might come along. No one would dare touch me while she is around.”] He explained, knowing what Jiwoo might be feeling.

[“The Headmaster told me that you and your friends might receive an invitation as well but I believe it’s wise if none of you accept, especially you. Your mentor had incurred the wrath of one of the top 10 world rankers, he might vent his anger on you if you come to frame.”]

Jiwoo suddenly straightened up from where she was sitting and started sweating profusely. Her was mind going through many thoughts at the moment as she also remembered a certain conversation she had with her Jiyoung-Unnie about a certain invitation from the same organization where Duke was also going.

“A-Ah well, you s-see…” she started to talk sheepishly.

[“Hmm?” ]

“U-Uhm I may or may not have…” she hesitated, “…accepted?”

S

I

L

E

N

C

E

[“... What did you just say?”]

~~

Duke had been hesitant to call Jiwoo. He didn’t know how to start, what to say, or what to feel with whatever she will say. He just knows it will be unpleasant and he was not wrong. The start of their call was nothing but unpleasant and awkward, he felt even more annoyed when she brought up Arthur and said things that made it even more awkward.

There was a time in his life when he didn’t give a damn about what others would feel during their conversation as long as he enjoys himself in their misery. Actually, if this was any other person, Duke would’ve done the same as he always did.

But this is Jiwoo, the bane of his existence. The one that kept annoying him like no other even when she hadn’t done or said anything. The very first person to defeat him in a match despite being the same age as him. The talented little sunshine who somehow swept him off his feet with her sheer power and strength. The same Jiwoo whom he wants to lock away from the world to keep her from getting into trouble. The same Jiwoo who causes him headaches and sleepless nights because he doesn’t know what kind of suicidal act she is getting herself into while he is far away from her.

The same shy little Jiwoo who would smile at him but never meet his gaze. As well as the stubborn Jiwoo who would not back down on a fight especially when a life is on the line.

“Didn’t you just get mad at me earlier for saying something similar to that?”

This is unavoidable. Even he can’t stop this nor does he want to. He won’t fool himself into thinking that this was just competitive rivalry. That this is just simply a means of catching Jiwoo off-guard so he can exact his revenge on her.

“If you want to know my thoughts then I want to know yours as well. So don’t be afraid to speak up, Jiwoo.”

He had no say in this from the start.

“You’re happy from just hearing me say your name?”

It was inevitable.

“So you’re saying I should just call you Jiwoo from now on because it makes you happy?”

If she wants his heart then he has no choice but to give it to her.

“yeah, I’d be really happy if you called me that.”

And yet she hasn’t realized it at all.

Chapter Text

A month had passed, and Kartein along with the master-disciple duo, came to the Loutraine residence to heal Arthur’s arm.

“what? You were the guy who got their core destroyed and healed by Kartein-nim?” Arthur looked at her with wide eyes as she sheepishly scratched her head.

“Y-Yeah, it was me, Professor Delein healed my arms though and Kartein-nim did the rest.” She said, mentioning Wooin’s professor in hopes that Arthur and Gahin could share this information with the other top 10 to ease their worries.

Kartein had told her that those students and their respective families might not be comfortable with an ex-criminal healing their star rookies. So, she can only do this to help ease those worries.

The two awakened rookies looked at each other, their eyes conflicted. Arthur was the one who broke the sudden silence in the air and said with a sigh, “Well, at least you're fine now, just don’t tell Duke about that though.”

Jiwoo nodded, knowing where this was coming from.

“You’ll be coming to Frame in about a week right?” Gahin asked and the Korean nodded. “Kayden had been training me for the last month to make sure I’m prepared when I enter Frame.”She said.

“Speaking of training, I heard that Elizabeth Grayne placed Duke under hellish training since last month!” Arthur said while giggling darkly as if knowing that the Grayne Head was putting Duke through hell right now.

They had similar guardians after all, as powerful figures in the awakened world, they cared about nothing except for power. As heads they feel as if they are being insulted on behalf of their families, members are not excluded. If the members bring shame to their families, then they consider those members as insults to their bloodline. Defeat is not an excuse, unfairness is not an excuse.

So, to make sure that Duke won’t bring shame to the Grayne household, Elizabeth Grayne should be making him go through hell and back in their training. Serve that cocky bastard right!

Both Gahin and Jiwoo looked at his smug expression weirdly.

Gahin coughed awkwardly before turning to Jiwoo, “Are you both going to arrive there together?” He asked.

Jiwoo shook her head, “No, I might arrive a day earlier than Duke. He told me that he and his aunt had things to prepare first.” She said and suddenly the two boys became interested.

“Oh?” Arthur raised a brow teasingly. “Duke told you huh?”

“What?”

“Yeah, Duke with a heart in her contacts,” Gahin said and Jiwoo sputtered in disbelief and embarrassment.

“H-How did you know that?!” She shouted while blushing red which made the boys want to tease her even more.

“Subin Lee told Lia to show us a screenshot of your contacts,” Gahin said.

“D-Does Duke know?” Jiwoo nervously asked.

Gahin and Arthur looked at each other with smirks on their faces before looking at Jiwoo, “Yep.” Arthur said, making a popping sound at the end of his reply.

At the sight of the little Korean sunshine turning bright red from her face to her hands, the two couldn’t help but continue teasing her. “And to think you and Duke had been in contact when it’s been a month since he last messaged us!” Arthur exclaimed acting hurt.

“His last text wasn’t even heartwarming at all, what did he say again?” Gahin smirked and looked at Arthur whose smirk widened. “He said and I quote, ‘I’ll be busy training with my aunt, don’t even think of bothering me’. So cold right?” he laughed.

Gahin nodded, “Uhuh, he had the gall to tell us not to bother him while he is being all lovey-dovey with Seo Jiwoo here.”

So now Jiwoo is ready to combust.

“...Did the three of you forget I’m still here?”

S

I

L

E

N

C

E

Kartein raised a brow at them when the room got silent, although what the boys were doing was quite amusing, he couldn’t afford to let Jiwoo die from overheating with how red she looked at the moment.

“...Since you seem to be in high spirits then there is no need for me to be here much longer.” Kartein stood up from where he was sitting, looking at the now nervous teens. “Just do as I have told you, don’t use your awakened abilities on your healed arm. For the first week don’t move your arm and by the second week you are free to move your fingers and then your whole hand by the 3rd week. I still advise you to take it easy and don’t rush.” He patted Jiwoo’s shoulder and the girl stood up to follow him out of the door.

“If something happens or if you have any further questions just call Jiwoo,” Kartein said without turning.

Jiwoo, still blushing, waved goodbye to the two boys and wished Arthur a speedy recovery.

~

The day before Jiwoo departed to Frame with Kayden and Kartein in their cat form, Duke called and made it very clear that she should be careful while she was inside the criminal organization. He warned her not to trust anyone so easily and to always check the surroundings for cameras or potential areas where she might get attacked.

She doesn’t have to worry about that though because she already had Kayden looking after her, although Duke doesn’t know that, so she assured him as many times as possible that she would be careful.

But like true Kayden fashion, Jiwoo didn’t waste a single moment and immediately requested a fight on the second day of her arrival at Frame. It was not a problem to Kartein at first since Jiwoo would only be fighting a high-ranking rookie and not those strongest ones who went against the Top 10. It should be a piece of cake for their Jiwoo.

True enough, the match ended with a single punch, it didn’t even take a minute. The human-turned-cat couldn’t help but snicker at the surprise on everyone’s faces because who wouldn’t anyway?

They all had information about Jiwoo’s fighting style, how she utilized her speed, and always used a strong attack at the end of the fight. That strong attack mainly consisted of a straight punch filled to the brim with Jiwoo’s raw power. If they’re cocky enough, they’d think the match would be over once they block the little one’s punch, that is, if they managed to block it.

After all, it’s a punch that was effective on a world ranker when Jiwoo was but a rookie who just got discovered for a little over a year.

But they didn’t have to know that though.

They won’t be getting any more information because that’s all the information they will be able to get. Jiwoo’s fighting style is very straightforward, there is nothing more to it because she is still new to the awakened world, which means that no matter how many rookies watch this match, no one will be able to find any weakness against Jiwoo.

Kartein was satisfied with that and was about to walk away when-

“Next”

Kartein’s jaw drops at that one word from Jiwoo while the members of Frame are left in disbelief. ‘Did she just ask for another match when she just finished one a few seconds ago?’

One rookie called ‘45’ accepted Jiwoo’s challenge but got defeated even after the countermeasure he created against the Korean.

And yet again Jiwoo said, “Next one please.”

Another strong rookie called ‘13’ came in and attacked Jiwoo before Muse could even signal the start of the match but even he was defeated in mere seconds.

Kayden had arrived at the scene while Kartein still had his jaw on the floor in shock and disbelief, he wanted to make fun of him but he didn’t know what was happening.

All he knows is that there are 3 frame rookies on the floor, clearly defeated by his little disciple. Oh, shoot. Jiwoo fought 3 rookies already?!

He couldn’t register Roist's words as he scooted a bit farther from the white cat beside him but what his little disciple said next made him whip his head so fast he thought his cat neck was gonna break.

“Jessica, you’re next,” Jiwoo said while glaring at the pissed-off bitch.

Kayden gave Kartein a glance and the white cat had his claws on a metal bar. Somehow, he can read what’s on his mind. ‘she already fought 3 people now she wants to fight Schneider’s disciple??!!’

Alas, because they couldn’t afford to be heard, the white cat could only grit his teeth and whisper angrily, “Gosh… why does she act just like you!”

Good thing Roist and Muse immediately put a stop to Jiwoo’s madness because, from the look in Jessica’s eyes, Kayden can already tell she’s planning on taking advantage of Jiwoo’s weakened state.

Jiwoo was about to protest when a familiar voice spoke, “Wow, isn’t this a spectacle?”

She should’ve been happy to hear the owner of that voice but instead, she flinched, the toughness she showed was gone and was replaced by stiffness.

Amber eyes turned to a smiling Young Grayne with his arms crossed. The look in Duke’s eyes was clearly questioning her. ‘What in the world are you doing?’

Alas, Jiwoo can only look down with a nervous look on her face.

“Ah, it seems that Lady Elizabeth has arrived, we apologize if you had to see such a sorry state of our rookies.” Roist smiled, playful but also distant, respectful but only to the bare minimum.

Duke smiled at him back, “It’s nothing to worry about. We were already welcomed by Sir Earthquake along with Lady Supri. Although, I have to admit this is a sight to behold.” then he turned to the 3 rookies and then at Jessica.

“And to think someone like Jessica would stoop so low as to challenge an already weakened awakener.” He mocked her.

The message was clear, she dared to confidently accept a match against Jiwoo who was already tired, even if she won, people would only think it was possible because the opponent was already tired. And if she loses, she’ll be a laughing stock.

Jessica can only grit her teeth and clench her fists, she can’t do anything anymore because of the glare Roist is sending her way.

“Their match will happen once Seo Jiwoo recovers.” Jiwoo flinched when Duke used her full name. “Until then, I hope you people will act properly and not cause trouble.” then he turned to Jiwoo, “Let’s go, Jiwoo.”

And Jiwoo had no choice but to follow especially when the smile on Duke’s face became darker and his eyes were telling her that that was the end of the discussion, even if she wanted to fight Jessica so badly.

~

Muse came to visit Jiwoo and the sight that welcomed him was quite… weird?

Duke was sitting comfortably on the couch of Jiwoo’s room, drinking tea while the owner of the room was kneeling on a corner facing the wall, beside her was the awakened chubby cat. A sign was hanging on her back that said, ‘I acted recklessly in an unsafe environment.’

‘Is this what they call… time-outs? But isn’t that for misbehaving kids?’

Muse was confused.

Chapter Text

“May I ask what is your business here?” Duke smiled at the older man who straightened up from his confused state.

“oh, lady Supri would like to know when would Seo Jiwoo like to schedule her fight with Jessica,” Muse said, waiting for a response.

Jiwoo perked up at the mention of the fight with Schneider’s disciple but was shut down by a look from Duke. “Face the wall, Jiwoo.” and so she did, dejectedly.

Muse watched in utter confusion but couldn’t say anything about the weird dynamic between the two teens. He waited for Duke to give the response since it was evident he wouldn’t be getting it from Jiwoo who was now sulking.

As Duke placed his teacup on the table, he spoke. “Jiwoo will not be going against Jessica.” Hearing this Jiwoo stood in protest but was silenced by Duke’s next words. ‘I’d like to duel Jessica tomorrow.” He gave Muse a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

He stood up, “I already got permission from Aunt and she will be watching the match” and he went up to Muse and looked at him in the eye. “It is also her orders that the duel will not be announced to the opposing party.”

The two had a staring competition before Muse backed up with a sigh, “Very well, I will only inform Lady Supri about the changes.” He gave a small bow before excusing himself out.

Duke huffed before making his way back to his seat only to come face to face with Jiwoo who was taking up his space. “What?” he sighed, even with the Korean being too close, he didn’t dare move away at all.

“Why did you request a match with Jessica?” Jiwoo asked worriedly, a hand reached for Duke’s arm and the boy just let her. “Unlike me, Jessica knows too much about you and the other top 10, and this time she’ll be using her master’s force control so you won’t know anything about her at all.”

The hand that was holding his arm was slightly trembling and Duke had no choice but to place his hand on top of it to soothe the worried little sunshine. “Let me make this clear for you, Jiwoo, you might know of this since the start but I don’t think you fully understand it even while it’s glaringly obvious.” he gave her hand a squeeze.

“You came into a criminal organization alone, without any type of protection or precaution. An organization where they wouldn’t hesitate to kill you at any given chance they have. Lady Supri and her disciple might have been civil with you but the other top 10 and rookies are not.” This made Jiwoo look down.

“Two top 10 world rankers have their eyes on you, Andrei who has bad blood with your master, and Schneider, Jessica’s master. I’m sure your master has already told you this but the Top 10 world awakeners have more pride than any living person out there, if someone questions their authority, they don’t even need to lift a finger to eliminate that person. And those rookies out there will do anything to gain the favor of those people.” Duke explained and Jiwoo remembered how Earthquake came to her room wanting to challenge her if it weren’t for Muse interfering, she wondered if it was the same as what Duke was saying. That maybe, Earthquake’s actions were related to Andrei and not just something done out of anger towards Kayden, or her in that matter.

“This is the reason why it should be me who should go up against Jessica.” Duke frowned as he said the bitch’s name, he hates that he even have to say it. “Because I, at the very least, have my Aunt to keep them in check. Even those world rankers under the top 10 would not dare to do anything under her watch.”

“Still…” Jiwoo’s voice weakened and Duke was quick to reassure her. “I’ll be fine, you’re not the only one who trained before coming here after all.” he gave a pat on her head and he could feel her relax a bit, making him smile.

“...By the way, I didn’t say you can leave your corner right?”

“ ! Duke!”

The albino’s chuckle filled the room.

~

Duke left when his aunt called for him.

There is actually one more reason why he had to challenge that bitch. It’s not just because he wanted to avenge Arthur or to prove something to the rookies here.

He needed to show his aunt that he’d still be fine if he continued going to the academy.

‘I see no point in you attending that place.’ Elizabeth said before they started training. ‘Since you are going to succeed me, there is no need for you to mingle among those other children.’

And it won’t be long before she notices the kind of relationship he has with Jiwoo, Kayden’s disciple. If she deems it as a distraction then she will not hesitate to pull Duke out of the academy, she might even threaten Jiwoo and Duke can’t have that happening.

Elizabeth Grayne had long been against attending the World Awakened Academy, and Duke also didn’t want to but Garrith Loutraine had convinced them that it would be good for Duke to know whom he’ll go up against in the future.

Duke liked the freedom he had at the academy unlike when Elizabeth Grayne is keeping close watch over him and the spoiled brats of her ex-husband kept trying to challenge him in duels. He can at least breathe when he is far away from the Grayne Residence, no matter how much he looks up to Elizabeth Grayne, he still feels suffocated because of the amount of pressure she puts on him.

If he manages to win flawlessly in that match then he’ll get to keep whatever is left of his freedom.

So Jessica better watch out because she’s not the only one desperate here, she’s not the only one with so much to lose.

He arrived at the room where Elizabeth Grayne is currently staying at. As expected, the older Grayne was waiting for his arrival.

to be continued...

Chapter Text

Seeing the ugly look on Jessica’s face brought satisfaction to Duke, she must’ve been preparing for the match against Jiwoo but got him as an unexpected opponent. This also means that she was not prepared enough to go against him.

This is one of the reasons why his aunt wanted to keep this match a secret, Jessica might pull something cheap if he ever lets his guard down just like what she did to the other top 10 students. that’s also one of the reasons why Duke did not what Jiwoo to fight her. According to what he gathered, Earthquake hates Jiwoo just as much as he hates her master and there is a high chance he might do something behind the scenes just to satisfy his bullshit.

Whether his aunt noticed or not, is something he does not want to address at the moment.

What’s more important is that he had proven his abilities to her so there is no need for her to pull him out of the academy or try to do something to a certain Korean awakener.

However, what happened next was something he did not expect.

“...what?” his jaw clenched in both fear and suppressed anger after his aunt just declared she wanted to have a quick spar with the one and only Seo Jiwoo.

Now ‘that’ was something no one truly expected, because why in the world would someone from the top 50 world ranking want to go against an unaffiliated rookie with nothing but her unaffiliated master’s name and reputation to back her up?

Well, she only had one reason to do that anyway.

“I heard you have a peculiar relationship with Duke.” Must you really call it ‘peculiar’ aunt?

“ ?! I u-uhm w-well I d-don’t know what you m-mean.” You suck at lying Jiwoo, and is this really the time to be flustered about that?!

Elizabeth Grayne then coldly looked at her before a scowl formed on her beautiful, elegant face. “Do you really think that an unaffiliated no name like you deserves to stand with someone like the successor of Grayne?” her jaw clenched, eerily similar to the one Duke had now.

With a move of her finger, her awakened power attacked the distracted Korean and successfully injured her arm. Duke’s throat suddenly went dry at the sight of blood dripping from Jiwoo’s wounded arm and the pained expression on her face.

He wanted to stop his aunt but years of experience and trauma were shouting at him to not retaliate.

The same person he admired since he was young threw insult after insult at the innocent girl who became his world in such a short amount of time.

But what’s more frightening is that once Jiwoo started charging up her electricity for a powerful attack and yet what followed was an explosion of blood…

Before Duke could even process what happened, Seo Jiwoo was already on the floor, bloodied beyond belief.

And without him realizing it, his feet began running towards her.

“Jiwoo!” he knelt down beside her and looked at her injuries.

There was too much blood through her arms, her torso, her abdomen and her legs, thankfully Elizabeth hadn’t attack after that-

Duke froze and then slowly turned to his aunt who seemed to be confused about this whole ordeal, and that’s when he turned to examine Jiwoo’s injuries more closely only to realize that… it wasn’t Elizabeth who caused these injuries. Elizabeth takes pleasure in seeing her opponents despair slowly before giving the killing blow, she likes playing with their emotions, making them think they actually stand a chance before stomping on her opponent’s last bit of belief in themselves. Something Duke got after being trained by that same sadistic person since he was a child except he shows a facade of kindness, waiting for them to put their guard down before striking.

So if Elizabeth didn’t cause these injuries, then someone outside the match did. Jiwoo came with Muse but Duke doubts the man would have any reason to attack Jiwoo when he already knew she wouldn’t be participating today, then the two must’ve encountered someone on their way to the training grounds. He turned to Muse who was currently glaring at Earthquake who had a triumphant smile on his face and the feeling of hot boiling rage rose from the depths of his stomach.

“it seems that this conversation is now over.” Elizabeth must’ve also connected the dots herself as she gestured for her servants to give back her coat but before she could reach out for the material, she froze.

“Jiwoo wha-!” the little Korean had a hand towards the Grayne's head, fingertips barely brushing with the elder woman’s stomach before serving a fast and powerful one-inch punch.

Everyone’s jaw dropped, however, as expected, it didn’t even put a scratch on the elder woman but the display of power left the rookies looking at Jiwoo in awe.

‘She didn’t give up until the end.’

“Oh my” An intrigued look was present on Elizabeth’s face as she observed the spot Jiwoo had hit her. She was about to reach for the girl but a hand stopped her. “Aunt…that’s enough…please.”

She stared at the pleading and trembling gaze of her adopted nephew. Not once did she think the kid was capable of speaking up his mind in front of her. That was something she trained him not to do since he was a child but considering what happened and the current situation they are in, she suppose he can get away with it this time.

Standing up straight, Elizabeth dusted her clothes before turning her back on Duke, “Bring that girl to the healer and we’ll talk later.” her servants draped the coat on her shoulder and they exited the grounds.

Duke bit his lips before taking Jiwoo in his arms and carried her to the infirmary with the help of Muse’s guide.

to be continued...

Chapter Text

Jiwoo is now facing a predicament, she just woke up and the first thing that greeted her was the inquisitive eyes of the one and only Elizabeth Grayne then came the top 10 world ranker, Schneider, who was looking for her master. At first, the two were judging her abilities which made the two cats beside her hiss at them. Then the two started having a passive-aggressive conversation with each other.

While the two powerful awakeners are conversing, Jiwoo couldn’t help but ponder Elizabeth’s words.

“I have to admit you do have talent but that does not mean you are worthy to stand beside Duke and I refuse to let someone like you, who has no background, become close to him. Having you around would only bring unwanted attention.” She said coldly before standing up. “Whatever relationship the two of you have, I’m putting a stop to it now.”

Her hands clenched at her blanket.

Just in time, Supri came and the conversation became more heated.

“Your little nephew had been training under you since he was a kid, I have only been training Jessica for 5 years,” Schneider said haughtily.

“that doesn’t change the fact that your disciple lost to Duke.” Elizabeth gritted her teeth while glaring at the man.

Schneider smirked and it ticked off Elizabeth, “I heard he lost to Kayden’s disciple though?” With that, the white-haired woman growled at him.

“That one doesn’t count, despite being raised and trained by Kayden for a long time, she’s still lacking compared to her peers.”

What the elder woman said caught Seo Jiwoo’s attention and she couldn’t help but speak up to clear the misunderstanding, “Uhm, actually…” she hesitated.

“I’ve been Kayden’s disciple for only a year.”

All of the top rankers in the room along with their respective disciples froze in shock at her words. Once the shock subsided, came disbelief and accusatory looks.

“What kind of absurdity are you spouting?” Elizabeth glared at her.

“A year?” Supri asked to herself, unable to comprehend what she had just heard.

“Kid…” Schneider’s eyes darkened while looking at the injured girl. “Don’t speak nonsense, do you really think it makes sense for you to be Kayden’s disciple for only a year?”

And yet Jiwoo’s innocent eyes showed no signs of deceit, only confusion from their reaction to her previous statement. “ but it’s true” she said.

The people in the room other than Jiwoo and her cats started to analyze the situation and found the possibility of Seo Jiwoo truly being Kayden’s disciple for only a year, possible based on the timeline of events. His sudden disappearance and the sudden existence of the little Korean out of nowhere.

Elizabeth remembered the information she learned about Jiwoo from her secretary. ‘Seo Jiwoo had been discovered by Shinwa for about a year. Other than the incident regarding Dr. Delein, the girl had no other appearances in the past nor any involvement with anyone in the awakened world. Which means…’ she made eye contact with Supri.

‘...what she’s saying is true.’ the two concluded.

While they were deep in thought, Schneider broke the silence by releasing a small huff of laughter, catching the attention of the two women. “What an absurd kid.” After letting go of those words, he left the room with Roist in tow.

Supri went up to Jiwoo’s bed with an unreadable expression. “Child…I have misunderstood you.” She didn’t say anything else after that and left with Muse.

Jiwoo, then, turned her attention to Elizabeth who now seemed to be in deep thought. “…uhm”

The elder woman looked at her before leaving without saying another word.

after she was left alone, Jiwoo turned to Kayden and Kartein with a really confused expression.

“What was that about?”

Kartein let out an exhausted sigh the similar stupid expression the master and disciple had at that moment.

to be continued...

Chapter Text

Duke was on his way to Jiwoo’s room to talk about whatever happened to his aunt. When he arrived in front of her door, he didn’t knock and just entered the room only to stop in his tracks when he noticed the other person in the room besides Jiwoo.

His eyes turned cold at the Frame rookie standing in front of Jiwoo and his body tensed to prepare if ever the guy tried to attack.

“What is your business here?” Duke asked, slowly approaching to put himself between Jiwoo and the frame rookie.

“D-Duke.” Jiwoo placed a hand on his shoulder, catching his attention. “He’s not here to hurt me, we were just talking about some things,” she reassured but even then Duke was still on guard.

“I see,” he said before turning to the rookie. “Then, if there is nothing else for the two of you to talk about, you can leave now.”

Jiwoo gasped and lightly slapped his arm. “Duke! Don’t be rude!” but the boy’s eyes didn’t leave the other.

Whether they were just talking or not, Duke does not like it. Especially when they are alone. In Jiwoo’s room. While it was night.

The rookie seems to be able to read the room and bid his goodbye as he exits the room.

“Was that really necessary Duke?” Jiwoo sounds a little exasperated.

Duke merely huffed a breath before sitting on the couch like he owned the place. “You keep forgetting this isn’t a safe place so I’m taking it upon myself to keep you out of trouble.” He patted the space beside him and Jiwoo dutily sat down.

“Now what were you two talking about?” Duke slightly bent his head closely to the little Korean girl who blushed at the close proximity. “N-Nothing much… No. 6 just asked if I’m fine now.” she can only look away, missing the way Duke’s eyebrow twitched in irritation.

“No. 6 huh? And he even went out of his way to ask if you’re fine. It seems like you two had quite the conversation.” Duke moved his head closer which forced Jiwoo to move her head away from embarrassment. ‘Is this an interrogation!?’ Jiwoo thought.

“We weren’t talking about anything else!” the little sunshine had no choice but to push the boy away because she was already too red for her own good.

The albino’s eyes narrowed at her aversion to the topic but decided to stop it for now because the girl was already heating up. He rested his back on the couch, which meant he was done with ‘interrogating’ her and that gave her space to cool down.

“...by the way…” She slowly turned to Duke who had his arms crossed in a relaxed manner, his eyes never stopped looking at her, it brought a little bit of color back on her face. “… d-does your aunt know you’re here?” she asked nervously.

It took some time for Duke to speak, “She does… she actually told me to spend more time with you.” he said, unsure.

Hearing this, Jiwoo’s eyes widened. “What?… but she said…” awkwardly the little sunshine looked down, “She said she doesn’t want me around you anymore.” her hands clenched on her lap.

It was silent between the two of them before Duke decided to rest his head on Jiwoo’s shoulder making Jiwoo’s heart jump in joy and surprise.

“Before coming to meet you, she also didn’t allow me to come with her.” He said while looking forward. “But then she came back and told me she won’t stop me from meeting you as long as I keep up with my training.”

He remembered the words his aunt told him and he couldn’t help but bite his lip in slight frustration.

“I’ll let you have whatever relationship you have with Seo Jiwoo as long as you keep producing good results with your training and…” She stood up and looked at him directly in the eye. “… make sure she joins our Grayne Family no matter what.”

Jiwoo visibly tensed after hearing Duke relay Elizabeth’s words. “Duke I-” “I know you don’t plan on joining any organization, so I won’t force you to join mine.” Duke had to stop her before she started overthinking about the situation.

“Aunt cannot force you to join no matter how much she wants you in. And she won’t be doing anything that dissatisfies you so there’s nothing to worry about” Duke said, reaching out to one of her hands and giving it a soft squeeze.

“Thank you” Is what she can only say as her lips form a small, happy smile. The boy beside her huffed, amused, she could tell. “That’s something you don’t need to thank me about.”

“That girl had only known about the awakened world for about a year, had only been Kayden’s disciple for merely a year. That’s the kind of talent you’ll never be able to see again in your life, we need her in our family, Duke!” the Albino couldn’t help but remember the crazed look on his aunt’s face. The desire to have Jiwoo is much crazier than when she first met Duke. It makes him want to shudder in fright.

Their intertwined hands had all of his attention, he kept rubbing his thumb over her delicate but strong hands. “Duke?” this behavior seems to have caught the girl’s attention. “Is there something wrong?” she asked worriedly.

Instead of answering her question, he averted the topic. “I heard that you’ve been Kayden’s disciple for only a year, is that true?”

“Oh y-yeah, I’ve learned about the awakened world because of Kayden.”

Duke heaved a helpless sigh. “So if you had trained any longer than that then you could’ve been stronger than anyone in our age group.”

“You think so?” Jiwoo moved her head slightly to look at the serene expression on Duke’s face.

“Mhm but that doesn’t change anything though,” He said and brought her hand up to his lips, his eyes moving to look at Jiwoo’s head on. “I’ll be the one to defeat you, so don’t lose to anyone else.” He said with a smile.

Just like that, Jiwoo turned into a living tomato with how red she was.

Chapter Text

“Please help Jiwoo, Aunt” Duke bowed his head towards his aunt, his hands clenching on his sides as he clenched his jaw from the utter shame he was feeling at the moment.

Even as a kid, he never bowed to Elizabeth. He’ll be giving away the last part of himself that the woman hadn’t broken yet if he does.

But right now, what’s more important than his pride is Jiwoo’s safety.

“Do not joke around, Duke.” Elizabeth glared at the boy. “I know I said she had extraordinary talent but I won’t risk getting on Frame’s bad side just to protect an unaffiliated rookie like her.” She said while sipping tea.

“You should be thankful, Andrei let you off the hook after that stunt you just pulled at him.”She opened her eyes only to glare at the boy once again.

Even so, Duke didn’t stop bowing nor did he move even an inch.

He had woken up early this morning to check on Jiwoo because he somehow had the feeling that something bad was going to happen and the first thing he needed to make sure is that it doesn’t involve Seo Jiwoo.

True to his gut feeling, he witnessed and heard Earthquake accuse Jiwoo of being the reason for a certain rookie’s disappearance, that rookie was none other than no.6 who visited last night. He can understand his suspicions about Jiwoo but that doesn’t mean he didn’t mind the way he is treating Jiwoo as if she was a criminal with only measly information to back up his accusations. And since he knew better as an awakener, he just knew Earthquake might have some kind of involvement regarding the disappearance of that rookie to pin the blame on Jiwoo.

“You’re only accusing Jiwoo because that rookie came to her room last night? What if I tell you I also happened to be here at the time he left the room? Doesn’t that mean I’m also a suspect?” He spoke out as he made his way in between Jiwoo and the 2 older awakeners.

Unlike how Jiwoo seemed to shrink back at their accusation, Duke stood proud and tall against the two frame members. “If you need someone’s testimony about the matter then I can assure you that Seo Jiwoo isn’t involved with the disappearance of your rookie.”

“Even if the young master of Grayne says that he was with Seo Jiwoo last night, doesn’t mean you stayed with her the whole night. Who knows, maybe she did something after you left.”Earthquake reasoned nonchalantly, he wasn’t even trying to make a better excuse.

‘I was right,’ Duke glared at the man. ‘He’s trying to pin the crime on Jiwoo alone.’

“Nevertheless, I am still a suspect so if you plan to hold a trial for Jiwoo, shouldn’t I also be judged?” He knew he was digging his grave by saying this, he knew he could incur Andrei’s wrath because of this, but if they think they can accuse Jiwoo and punish her however they want then they first have to give Duke a reasonable excuse before that happens.

Because he is more than a hundred percent sure that Jiwoo is incapable of hurting anyone outside of matches, let alone killing someone without a reason. So if he could just try to cover for Jiwoo, then they would have no choice but to let this go.

Oh how naive he had become.

In the end, Andrei had threatened Duke that if he interfered any more, then he’d have no choice but to see this as the Grayne family’s own actions against Frame.

So Duke came begging his aunt as a last resort.

But, as expected, Elizabeth didn’t want to start any bad blood between Frame and their family. She couldn’t care less about Andrei but she also can’t afford to have the criminal organization go against the Grayne family at the moment. So between the talent of Seo Jiwoo and the organization that has 3 top 10 world rankers, Elizabeth chose to discard the former. Even if she had talent that was out of this world, in the end, she is still a measly unaffiliated rookie and nothing more.

However, Duke is giving her a good offer in exchange for her standing up on Jiwoo’s behalf.

“Are you certain with that offer of yours Duke?” She asked, placing the teacup on the table.

The boy still didn’t move from his position and continued bowing. “Yes. I am certain.”

When he looked up, all she saw were lifeless red eyes.

.

.

.

.

The second they entered the place where Jiwoo was getting interrogated by Andrei, the first thing they saw was the rookie being tortured helplessly by Andrei.

“Jiwoo!” Duke shouted in worry and fright, he was about to run to her but his aunt placed a heavy hand on his shoulder.

‘What is the meaning of this?” Elizabeth glared at Andrei who looked at her dismissively.

“As you can see, I am punishing the insolent brat who killed one of our rookies,” Andrei said but Supri retorted at his words. “Like I said there wasn’t enough evidence! Now put that child down now!”

“You’ve been blinded by that Kayden, Supri! There is no reason to be afraid of that man because we are Frame! He, himself alone can’t possibly win against the 3 of us! So why do you insist on appeasing him?!”

The two top 10 rankers glared at each other.

“AAGHHH!!” the painful cry of Seo Jiwoo echoed around them.

“I said put her down!” Supri shouted.

“No!” Andrei shouted back.

‘Looks like there is nothing I can do about this’ Elizabeth concluded, it’s obvious Andrei is doing this because of his personal interest and what is she to do about that?

She was about to tell Duke that it was no use until she felt trembling hands holding her arm. Her eyes widened as she looked down and saw the boy she raised, looking at her with pleading eyes.

“Please save her, aunt…” His voice was trembling and in his eyes, along with desperation, was fear.

Elizabeth didn’t know if it was fear of her or the fear of losing Seo Jiwoo.

Nonetheless, this was the first time he ever looked at her like that. Even after years of mental and physical torture, the boy held onto his pride and never cried, never asked for help, never begged for mercy or for her to stop.

It was also the first time she is finally seeing him as a child. The child she took in. The child she raised.

Her awakened power activated in her hands and she aimed it towards Andrei who deflected it with ease despite his surprise.

“Pardon me but that girl is quite important to my nephew here, so if you don’t mind…” Her awakened power surrounded her and Duke and crept towards Andrei and Supri threateningly. “…let her go right this instant.”

Everyone in the room looked at her in surprise, even Duke couldn’t believe that his aunt was stepping in. But what he is the most surprised by is the fact that she addressed him as her nephew.

Even after spending so may years under her strict guidance, not once did she address him as she’s beside that one time when she just adopted him. “I am now your aunt and guardian, and you are now my nephew and disciple.”

That was the last time she referred to him as her nephew.

It might not matter that much from other people’s perspective but to him who admired and looked up to his aunt since he was a child, that was the closest thing to acknowledgment she could possibly give him.

“So you are also just like that Kayden and his disciple huh?” Andrei seethed, “You people should know who you’re up against.” He turned his body towards Elizabeth and Duke.

“Then let me demonstrate it to you, that offending our Frame, needs to be punished appropriately.” He said.

“That punishment…” Everyone stiffened at the surge of electricity trying to force its way into the room.

“...you shall receive it.”

Then came the thunderous electricity of the one and only Kayden Break.

To be continued…

Chapter Text

Duke watched in amazement and disbelief at the show of power and strength between the two powerful awakeners but what left him in utter awe was how Kayden showed everyone what kind of a teacher he was to Seo Jiwoo. A teacher who prioritizes his students’ safety and growth above all else, Kayden Break, the one who was said to love fights more than anything else.

The fight between Kayden and Andrei was put to a halt by Supri and things ended amicably between the 2 top ten world rankers and Kayden.

“How about you, Elizabeth?” Supri turned to ask the head of Grayne if they planned to depart as well.

“There’s no point in staying in here anyway.” Elizabeth crossed her arms.

“Ah, I almost forgot, you have my thanks for trying to stand up for Jiwoo earlier,” Kayden smirked at her and she frowned at him, his hands ruffling his disciple’s hair.

“I didn’t do anything so don’t thank me. I don’t need your flimsy gratitude.” She scoffed and turned her head away and this irked Kayden. “Huh?!”

Everyone besides those two and Duke chuckled at their bickering.

Elizabeth didn’t like how the atmosphere was turning somewhat mushy so she turned to Duke. “Go talk to Seo Jiwoo, I’ll be waiting outside, and… don’t forget our deal,” she said before leaving.

“We’ll leave you to it as well,” Supri said, Muse following dutily behind her to inspect the scene.

“Let’s leave them for a bit.” Kartein pulled Kayden away, knowing what kind of relationship is happening between the two kids.

“Huh? And why that fu-” Kayde was shut off by the glare Kartein sent his way. “Shut up and come with me.”

Kartein might also have a clue about the deal Elizabeth mentioned just now. He could understand what happened between Elizabeth and Duke because truth be told, they didn’t expect the Grayne head to make a move at all, and yet she did.

There is only one possible reason why she agreed that he could think of. Duke must’ve offered her something she really wanted from the start but Duke refused to give and what could the boy have that the head would want so desperately besides total control over his life?

The Grayne family’s tradition is not that known to many but few high-ranking awakeners are more than aware of it. That tradition involves the training of their rookies. The reason only a few members in Grayne are known in public is that the family prefers to stay secluded, to keep the purity of their awakened powers to themselves. One of the reasons why it is so troublesome to go against their awakened ability in battles.

It's because there are only a few things known about them, only a general view but not the most specific description.

However, Duke Grayne had entered the World Awakened Academy and this tradition was broken by the head herself who permitted his entrance into the academy, so to possibly restore her honor and to finally continue the halted tradition, she must’ve wanted Duke to quit the academy and focus on his secluded training under her guidance.

If Duke Grayne had agreed to drop out from the academy then it means he is not only giving up his education and connections but also his freedom as an individual. The secluded training of the Grayne family starts at childhood at whatever age the trainer deems the child is capable of training at and stops at adulthood once the trainer deems them adequate to make their debut in the awakened world.

Elizabeth was the best example of this. Unlike the heads of other organizations, she remained unknown until the day she succeeded the seat of the head and took the awakened world by storm.

This also means that this might be the last time Jiwoo will see Duke until the foreseeable future.

Kartein wonders how Jiwoo would react to that information knowing how much the girl is smitten towards the boy.

Meanwhile the two lovebirds.

“ehehe” Jiwoo laughed sheepishly, catching Duke's attention. The boy smiled at the goofy expression on the girl’s face.

“What are you laughing about?” He asked.

“Nothing really, just happy.” She scratched her cheek but winced when her nails grazed her wounds. Duke took notice of this and brought out a handkerchief to cover and clean that area with it. “Be careful.” He chided and Jiwoo only giggled at his words.

“It was you who convinced your aunt to stand on my behalf right?” she smiled at him with closed eyes, the upward of her lips showing how happy she was that she didn’t even notice the way Duke flinched.

“It isn’t much. I couldn’t do anything against Andrei so I asked assistance from her.” He dismissed it as if it was nothing serious. “Anyway, you should be going now. It makes me feel uneasy with how much you get in trouble even without you knowing it.”

Jiwoo giggled sheepishly, knowing where Duke’s concern was coming from. “Okay”

“Get yourself healed once you get home and take a long rest. Seriously, there is only so much your body can handle.” He sighed exasperated and tired. Jiwoo blushed at that but gave him a wide smile.

“Alright!” She said and there was silence between the two of them. Jiwoo started fidgeting once again like she always does when she wants to say something to Duke but is too shy to say it. Duke already knew this trait of hers and waited patiently for her to gather the courage to say whatever she wanted to say to him.

“U-Uhm I-I’ll call you when I get home and update you on my recovery.” She said without looking at Duke who had a solemn look in his eyes that she didn’t see. She played with her hands before finally getting the courage to step forward and hug the boy.

She could feel the boy stiffen a bit before strong arms were wrapped around her protectively. Her heart was bouncing and dancing in joy by the time they pulled away from each other.

Duke bid her goodbye with a small smile on his face that made butterflies flutter in her stomach. She was so busy processing everything that had happened that she didn’t pay attention to how Duke and Kartein met halfway when the boy was on his way out and the man along with Kayden was in a hurry to get back to Jiwoo to leave this place.

The healer noticed how Jiwoo didn’t seem depressed like he thought she would be after conversing with the Grayne young master and it could only mean one thing.

“You didn’t tell her?” Kartein asked. Duke looked at him before shaking his head. “It would only unnecessarily stress her out. She needs to heal her injuries and rest. If I tell her, then she might insist on doing something crazy while she is in no condition to do anything outrageous.” The boy said and Kartein understood.

“She’ll find out eventually though.”

Duke looked at the front with solemn eyes, “It’s better this way.” He said before walking away.

When Kartein turned to the master and disciple duo, he overheard Supri and Muse talking about Earthquake and flinched.

“Let’s leave, now.” He told the two Pikachus, completely forgetting about the conversation he had with Duke.

*

‘Kayden had become stupid after having a disciple, even that Duke kid became naive after spending time with Jiwoo.’ Kartein thought and that’s when he remembered about another problem that’ll probably arise when Jiwoo finds out about what happened to Duke. He wonders if the boy’s friends back at the World Awakened Academy already noticed Duke’s lack of contact with them.

Last night, Jiwoo tried to call the boy but it only went to voice mail. Her messages weren’t also given a response nor seen by the boy. Jiwoo stayed positive, thinking that maybe his aunt was training him again which is not wrong.

“Oh? Jiwoo’s already back?” From outside, Kartein and Jiwoo heard Subin’s voice and immediately, the Little Sunshine brightened at the sight of her friends.

Kartein watched in amusement at the funny dance they were making while talking to each other, they must’ve missed each other very much.

“You came earlier than we thought and what in the world happened to your body?!” Subin asked worriedly.

“Yeah, well, a lot of things happened.” Jiwoo said and that’s when she started telling what happened in Frame in detail, but also conveniently leaving out her ‘private’ interactions with Duke.

“Damn…” the 3 kids looked at her in disbelief by the time she finished and she nodded along, sympathizing with their reaction.

“Kayden-nim is so cool but that Jessica is just as annoying as she was back at the academy!” Subin said with a frown.

“Man, Duke should’ve taught her a lesson and put her in her place,” Jisuk said and the other 2 agreed while Jiwoo was only quiet.

They were interrupted when suddenly, Jiwoo’s phone started ringing. “Who's calling?” Jisuk asked while Jiwoo reached for her phone which was on the table.

“Maybe it's Duke?” Subin smiled teasingly, contrary to her expectations, Jisuk didn’t join her in teasing their little sunshine of a friend, instead, the guy clicked his tongue at the mention of Duke.

“Oh please, what could that fucker want from Jiwoo?” Jisuk said and Subin looked at him as if he just grew 3 heads. “Are you serious right now?” she asked

“I agree with Jisuk’s sentiment” Wooin finally spoke up and Subin turned her attention towards him.

While the ice user is still in shock at what is going on between her two male friends, Jiwoo, deep inside, hoped it was really Duke who was calling but to her disappointment, it was Arthur.

“Hello, Arthur?” she answered.

“Oh hell naw that guy’s even worse!” Jisuk shouted from the back.

[“Was that the fucking wind user?”] the boy on the other side of the phone growled in annoyance. [“ put me on speaker, Seo Jiwoo.”] he didn’t even wait for her reply.

She did as he asked and placed the phone on the sofa. [“Hey you fucking bitch of a wind user, just so you know I was having a good day today until I heard your disgustingly loud voice. You really know how to ruin other people’s moods huh? Is it a talent or something!?”]

“The fuck you say to me, you bastard?!” Wooin and Jiwoo tried to calm down Jisuk who took the phone and screamed at it. Subin was having fun.

[“You’re not the person I wanna talk to and I don’t wanna waste my time on you so stop yelling you loud bitch!”] Arthur screamed back.

“Jeez, what happened to him?” Subin wiped the tears from her eyes after laughing so hard at the two idiots who were still screaming at each other.

Jiwoo shrugged, also taken aback by Arthur’s sudden hot-headedness. She knew there was heat between Arthur and Jisuk after they fought at the academy but she also thought they mellowed down a bit after going to the WAA. Arthur doesn’t seem to mind Jisuk anymore and Jisuk is still irritated by him but he doesn’t mind his presence that much. Just now, Jisuk reacted like he always did when it came to Arthur but it’s Arthur’s reaction that started this argument between the two of them.

[“You know what? Fuck it! Give the phone to Seo Jiwoo I have something important to ask her.”] Arthur sighed, already done with the pointless argument.

“You’re on speaker, dumbass.” Jisuk scoffed, also done with the meaningless shouting.

[“shit, alright.”] Arthur said, sounding so tired already. [“Seo Jiwoo what in the world happened when you guys were at Frame?”] he asked all of a sudden, catching Jiwoo off guard.

“Uhm, why you ask?”

[“…”] There was silence on the other side of the phone.

“Arthur? Is there something wrong?” Jiwoo took the phone from Jisuk who looked a bit disturbed at how Arthur was acting.

[“Lia called me and Gahin separately this morning asking if we could contact Duke.”] at the mention of the boy’s name, Jiwoo flinched.

“Did something happen?” she asked worriedly, her heart beating in anxiety.

[“We don’t know what happened. We tried to call and text him but he won’t answer. Have you at least talked to him? Since you’re with that bitchy airhead then it means you’re already back home from frame. Did you two contact each other yesterday?”] Jisuk wanted to complain when he was called the ‘bitchy airhead’ but refrained himself because Arthur is acting real serious right now.

“N-No, w-we left at the same time, I promised to call when I got home but he didn’t answer when I called yesterday.” She explained. “What happened, Arthur?”

[“I-*sigh* Lia was informed that Duke was pulled out from the Academy.”] Arthur finally revealed and Jiwoo froze at his words.

“What?” Subin let out in disbelief.

[“As the president of the student council, Lia had the responsibility of informing the top 10 regarding any announcement from the academy however when she called the Grayne household, they only said that Duke won’t be attending the Academy from now on.”] Arthur explained.

“W-Why so suddenly?” Jiwoo asked.

[“I don’t know that’s why I’m asking you if there is anything that happened in Frame.”] Arthur sounded just as stressed as Jiwoo was feeling at the moment.

“Back at frame? I don’t-” Jiwoo paused a bit, finally remembering something.

[‘Jiwoo?”]

That was when she finally realized. “Back then, Duke asked his aunt to stand on my behalf against Andrei.” She muttered but it was heard by everyone in the room including Arthur.

[“What does that have to d- oh…”] Arthur paused in realization.

…

In the Loutraine Residence, Arthur was sitting on his bed as usual, phone in hand, and currently on call with Seo Jiwoo as they tried to find out what in the world was happening to Duke. Just as they realized what might be happening, Gahin entered the room, disheveled. “Arthur! Have you found anything?!” He shouted as he made his way to his friend who was frozen.

“Gahin… I don’t know if I remember correctly but, Duke’s family…” Arthur slowly turned to him and Gahin couldn’t help but feel anxious at his behavior. “…I learned before that they have this secret training right?”

At the mention of that secret training, Gahin finally realized what was happening. “Do you mean Duke is going under seclusion?”

[“Seclusion?”] Seo Jiwoo spoke from the phone.

“Yeah, Duke wasn’t supposed to go to the academy because based on the tradition of his family, he needed to be trained away from the public and away from the eyes of the awakened world. Which means, he is not allowed to make contact with anyone aside from a few chosen people by the head.” Gahin explained it is something he learned after being friends with Duke for a long time. “But why only now? It doesn’t make sense.”

[“Duke asked his aunt to stand up for me against Andrei.”] Jiwoo’s voice trembled as if she was about to cry. [“Because of me he-”]

To be continued…