Falling Away

As usual, Eryon steered his luxury Mercedes into the school's spacious parking lot, the soft hum of the engine fading as he turned it off.

The cold leather seats contrasted sharply with the warmth of the morning sun as he stepped out of the car.

His strides were swift and purposeful as he walked toward the towering school building, the crisp morning air filling his lungs.

But then, his steps halted when a familiar silhouette caught his eye from a distance.

Even from afar, he recognized her. Candice.

The morning light reflected off her hair, creating a golden halo around her. Their eyes met—hers locking onto Eryon's amidst the bustling students.

But there was no longer any trace of affection in Eryon's gaze—only indifference. He resumed walking, shifting his focus to the path ahead.

Yet, just as he forced himself to dismiss the unwanted distraction, his eyes were drawn back to Candice.

A young man, around his age, approached her. His confident stride suggested he was someone intimately familiar with Candice.

The young man wrapped an arm around Candice's shoulders, pulling her close. Their laughter echoed across the school courtyard as they walked together, fingers intertwined.

A chill swept through Eryon's body.

Seeing them together felt like a gut punch.

The fact that they attended the same school… that was something he hadn't anticipated. The dull ache in his chest flared up, but he swallowed it whole.

"Bro… isn't that Candice?"

William's voice carried disbelief as he walked beside Eryon, his eyes widening at the sight of Candice in another man's arms. "But she's your girlfriend… What the hell happened?"

Eryon remained silent, his gaze locked forward, his pace unwavering.

William cleared his throat, trying to ease the tension. "You know, I always had my doubts about Candice. She's got that innocent face, but now she's showing her true colors. Believe me, it's better that you found out now rather than later. Maybe this is God's way of preparing you for something better."

Then, with a more cheerful tone, he added, "Besides, you're an incredible guy. Athletic, rich, and good-looking—I guarantee plenty of girls would kill for a chance to be with you."

Still, Eryon gave no response.

William exhaled, running a hand through his hair before catching up with Eryon again. "Come on, Eryon. This isn't like you. Where's the Eryon Ashbourn I know?" His voice carried a hint of frustration.

At last, Eryon stopped. His breathing was steady now. He turned to William and offered a small, appreciative smile before patting his shoulder.

"Thanks, William."

Without warning, he pulled his friend into a brief hug.

Before William could even react, Eryon released him and continued walking toward the classroom.

Not wanting to be left behind, William hurried after him. "Wait." He took a deep breath. "I think I recognize the guy with Candice earlier."

That made Eryon pause. He turned to William, a silent question in his gaze.

"Who is he?"

William's expression turned serious. "I'm sure he's Julian Steiner. The son of Baron Steiner. Rumor has it he's exceptionally talented, and many people bet that he'll awaken a special-class ability—just like his older brother, Julius Steiner, who possesses the class of lightning mage."

Eryon remained silent.

So that's the reason. That explains why Candice chose Julian over him. A strong family background, extraordinary talent—that man had a promising future ahead of him.

The realization filled Eryon with disgust.

If Candice knew the truth about him… if she had any idea about his ability—his system that could steal the powers of others—he was certain she would crawl back to him.

That is… if she had even the slightest sense of reasoning.

But he wouldn't make it that easy for her.

She had already revealed her true nature, and that was enough.

Candice was nothing more than a memory—a piece of his past that would never be repeated.

"Eryon, I know this is hard for you," William's voice pulled him back to reality. "But stay away from Julian. If you ever cross paths with him, don't start trouble. Seriously, I heard that guy is involved with some kind of gang."

Eryon gave a faint smile. "I understand, William. Don't worry."

William sighed in relief. "Good."

As they stepped into the bustling classroom, Eryon unexpectedly crossed paths with Candice.

"Eryon, I… I know I made a mistake, I just—"

"I know," Eryon interrupted calmly. "Julian is better than me."

Without waiting for a response, he walked past her.

Candice could only stare at his back, the hope of talking to him slowly fading.

Even though his voice had been calm, the disappointment in his eyes was too painful for her to ignore.

-----

The school bell rang, marking the end of the day.

As students flooded out of the building, some chattered excitedly while others rushed toward their vehicles.

Among them, Eryon walked leisurely through the parking lot. But suddenly—his instincts screamed at him.

Someone was watching him.

He turned around.

Five people stood there, their formation deliberate—like predators circling their prey.

At the front, a tall young man with silver hair exuded arrogance. His smirk wasn't friendly—it was the kind that came from someone who enjoyed asserting dominance.

Eryon remained unfazed, "What do you want?" he asked flatly.

The silver-haired young man grinned. "I just wanted to say hi. Don't tell me you don't know who I am?"

Eryon stared at him blankly. "Should I care?"

The young man's smile faded slightly, his jaw tightening.

Then—without warning—he threw a punch at Eryon's face, fast enough to blur the air.

Fwoosh!

Eryon flinched—just slightly.

The punch stopped an inch from his face, the force creating a sharp gust of wind that ruffled his hair.

Eryon didn't move. He didn't even blink. His gaze remained locked onto the young man before him—steady, unshaken.

The silver-haired young man chuckled, a low, mocking sound, before clapping Eryon roughly on the shoulder. "Hahaha, relax. I was just joking. Don't take it so seriously."

Behind him, his four friends burst into laughter, the sound grating, empty, like a pack of hyenas howling in unison.

Eryon said nothing.

His silence didn't go unnoticed. The young man tilted his head slightly, amusement flickering in his eyes. "You're a quiet one, huh?" He smirked. "But we'll definitely meet again. I heard from Candice that you have some interesting talent. So… I'm looking forward to it, Eryon Ashbourn."

With that, he turned to leave, his group following without question.

But just as they were about to disappear into the crowd, the young man suddenly paused.

Glancing over his shoulder, his smirk widened, this time laced with arrogance.

"Oh, by the way…" His voice was smooth, calculated. "Candice… She's quite beautiful, isn't she?"

The way he said it—so casual, yet dripping with mockery.

Eryon didn't respond. He just watched as they walked away, their figures merging into the sea of students.

Then, as soon as they were gone—A holographic screen flickered into existence before his eyes.

[Name: Julian Steiner]

[Age: 18]

[Race: Human]

[Class: -]

[Cultivation Level: Spirit Realm, level 2]

Eryon's fingers curled into fists so tightly that his nails dug into his palms.

A slow, searing heat spread through his chest, burning hotter with every second. His veins pulsed, his blood boiling with unrelenting fury.

The whites of his eyes were stained red of his veins, his vision darkening with rage.

"I will kill him!"

It wasn't just a thought.

It was a vow.

----

As soon as Eryon arrived home, he headed straight to the shower, letting the warm water wash away the tension of the day.

After changing into casual clothes, he got into his car and sped off.

His destination? Aden Forest.

A place infamous for its monster infestations.

A place where an S-Class Awakener had died three years ago.

A place where strength was the only law.

In a world where power dictated everything, adaptation wasn't a choice. It was a necessity.

And with someone like Julian in his path, he needed to be ready.

Because their confrontation was inevitable.

And the only thing that mattered now…

Was strength.