What Secrets Do We Have?

POV: Leith

"Alright, let's continue," I said as I wrote a few more names on the blackboard. The chalk in my hand moved quickly, leaving behind important traces of history that they would remember.

"Omega Knight – Arata Harkon"

"Dark Knight – Erlik Storm"

"Light Knight – Sagitarius Sylas"

"And lastly... Strongest Athena – Orien Akarahsi."

As soon as I wrote the last name, the classroom atmosphere changed. A low murmur began to rise. Some students looked stunned, others confused.

"Is that true? Isn't she an outcast?" whispered one student, loud enough for me to hear.

"Do you know her?" asked another student, chiming in with a curious tone.

To be honest... I was also still surprised by this revelation. I knew Akarahsi. Back then, she was just a healer Syn—not the type to stand out on the battlefield. Even the last time we met, she was mostly quiet in the background, calmly healing wounds. And now... she's become the Strongest Athena?

Destiny is truly full of surprises.

"Didn't Mr. Leith already say that the robe can't tell the difference between right and wrong?" Viola interjected sharply, her tone sounding unconvinced.

"That's a Knight, not an Athena. It's different," another student quickly interjected.

I glanced at Liyn briefly. She sat calmly at her desk, continuing to take notes despite the chaos in the classroom. Her eyes were focused, and her expression serious. That girl... was truly dedicated to her studies.

However, something made me pause.

Wait... the way she writes... there's something odd about it.

I couldn't ignore that strange feeling. But before I could think further, a question from the back row broke my train of thought.

"Sir, who determines the Strongest Athena? Is the selection process just random?"

I took a breath. "Good question. I'll explain."

"Unlike the Knights, who are chosen by the cloak based on strength compatibility, the title of the Strongest Athena is passed down through bloodline. There's still no complete explanation of the mechanism, but it's clear that only those with a certain bloodline can use the Athena cloak."

"In other words," I continued, "anyone born into that lineage… has the right and destiny to become Athena. How they use that power depends on the individual."

I paused for a moment, then added:

"Personally, I believe… the current Strongest Athena has the ability to lead the Knights well."

My final words caused the class to erupt again. I knew not everyone agreed. Some students must have known about my past connection with Akarahsi.

But before the debate grew more heated, the recess bell rang loudly, cutting through the commotion with its distinctive ring. The sound of chairs scraping and light sighs could be heard from various corners of the classroom.

"Alright, we'll continue this discussion after recess," I said briefly, erasing the blackboard with a chalk eraser.

And for a moment, even though the topic had changed, the name Orien Akarahsi still echoed in everyone's minds.

As the classroom grew quiet, leaving only Liyn and a few other girls still chatting, I walked slowly toward her. My steps were light, almost silent, until I finally stood directly behind her.

"Liyn, what are you writing down?" I asked, leaning in slightly.

The manner of a teacher supervising a student—though… well, I am her teacher.

"Oh, Senpai!" Liyn looked startled but quickly smiled. "I'm just writing down everything Senpai explained. Today's lesson… was very interesting."

Her face tried to stay calm, but I knew she was hiding something.

My eyes unintentionally fell on the palm of her hand—more precisely, the edge holding the pen. There were thin scratches there. Some even looked deep and couldn't have happened by accident just once or twice.

Too many to be a coincidence.

As soon as he realized I was watching him, he reflexively pulled his hand away, hiding it behind the long sleeve of his uniform.

"I think… I'll go to the cafeteria first to buy some coffee," he said quickly, trying to sound casual. "Want me to get you something, Senpai? Hehe, I'm starting to feel sleepy."

He avoided my gaze. His face turned away, his smile like a thin mask.

What was he really hiding?

Was it that secret… that made me feel unworthy of knowing?

"Interesting… come on, play along," I thought to myself.

If he wanted to hide something, then I would play by his rules.

For now.

"Sure, just match it with yours, here's the money," I said as I handed him a few bills.

"Keep the change. Oh yeah, can I borrow that book again?"

"Oh, that book? Wait a minute, I'll get it," replied Liyn with a sigh, then began to dare to look at me. It seemed like she was starting to calm down—maybe because I didn't prolong the issue earlier.

"Here, Senpai."

She placed the book on the table, not directly into my hands.

Was she trying to keep her distance that much?

I just nodded, and after a few seconds of staring at each other, Liyn looked down and hurriedly left for the cafeteria.

I picked up the book from the table and began to open the page where I had last read. In silence, my mind slowly sank into the contents of the book.

The curriculum taught by the school about Knights... felt odd. There were too many gaps. Even I wasn't sure if everything we were taught was truly free from manipulation.

"Safina's book... is indeed the key to all the problems."

I thought to myself as I flipped through the pages—until suddenly, my eyes caught a small stain. Dark red. Too thick to be ink, and too faint to be food stains.

Blood.

Small... but enough to snap me out of my wandering thoughts.

"It's impossible... she didn't hurt herself."

But the scratch on her hand earlier... and the way she avoided eye contact...

I tried to push the thought away.

"She has dreams. She has determination. She couldn't possibly not care about herself."

My reverie was interrupted again. The sound of footsteps approaching—a rhythm too familiar.

Liyn.

"Here, Senpai. Your coffee, hehe. Sorry it took so long."

She handed me the coffee with her right hand, her face trying to stay cheerful.

I held back from discussing anything. If she wanted to keep it to herself... then let her open that door herself.

"What time did you go to sleep last night?" I asked lightly, opening the coffee bottle cap.

"Hmmm... I think around two or three," she answered softly, looking down. As usual—when she's afraid, she avoids eye contact.

"So you only slept for two or three hours, huh?" I said, looking straight at her.

"Hehe, yeah... around that," she answered nervously, trying to sit on the bench next to me without looking at me once.

"Just go to sleep. I'll wake you up when the break is over."

Liyn turned her head, looking surprised at my words.

"Alright... thank you, Senpai," she finally said, softly but sincerely.

She opened her school jacket, crossed her arms on the table, then rested her head with her left hand as a pillow. Her face was completely covered, even pulling her jacket up to her back—as if trying to hide more than just sleepiness.

I could only stare at him in silence.

Even behind a simple smile, a person can hold hundreds of voices they've never had the chance to speak.

And when everyone closes their eyes, sometimes... that's precisely when the truth begins to open its own.