Cherreads

Chapter 17 - The Divine Prodigy

Muhan leaned back in his dorm chair, still catching his breath after the day's battle. His muscles ached with a pleasant soreness, proof that he was still alive—still standing after a fight that had shattered universes and rewritten the very laws of power.

His system flickered to life, displaying a call request.

[Incoming Transmission: Chae-min & Han Lockhart]

He accepted.

A glowing blue hologram unfolded before him, forming the familiar and warm faces of his parents. Despite their actual ages—36 and 37—Chae-min and Han looked no older than twenty. Their immortal-level glow radiated elegance and strength. They had both surpassed Level 200 years ago, earning a body that would remain in its prime for eternity.

Chae-min sat regally on a velvet-cloaked chair shaped like a crescent moon, her long blonde hair cascading like a waterfall over one shoulder. Her eyes sparkled with both motherly pride and curiosity. "Muhan, sweetheart!" she chimed. "How's Wysteria Academy treating you? Is the food good? Are the students kind? Are you making history yet?"

Han leaned back in his own throne-like chair carved from obsidian Aetherite, his expression calm but mischievous. "More importantly," he said, crossing his arms, "have you found someone special? A girlfriend, perhaps?"

Muhan scratched his head, a sheepish grin tugging at his lips. "Campus life's wild, Mom. Tournament battles that tear holes through reality, power surges, awakened bloodlines... It's more than I imagined. And... yeah," he added, voice softening, "I've met someone."

Chae-min gasped theatrically. "You have?! Oh, darling, you must tell us everything! Who is she? What's her family? What class is she in? Does she like sweets?"

"She's amazing," Muhan said, his expression softening. "Her name's Mi-cha. Strong, brave, and always standing beside me even when the world was ending."

Han raised an eyebrow. "Mi-cha... Mi-cha Lawson?"

Chae-min's playful smile faded into a look of intrigue as she turned to her husband. "That's her," she confirmed, voice thoughtful. "Born with awakened Divine Energy... even as an infant. The Lawson bloodline—rival to the Lockhart's own Aether. Some say their Divine Energy comes from the ancient celestial lineage, powerful enough to warp miracles."

Han leaned forward slightly, resting his chin on a knuckle. "Which means... she may one day be your equal. Or your rival."

Chae-min smiled. "Or both. How romantic."

Muhan laughed awkwardly but nodded. "I'll bring her home once I graduate. I promise."

Both parents beamed.

"We're looking forward to it," Chae-min said, her voice laced with warmth.

"We're proud of you, Muhan," Han added, his tone solemn. "The future of our clan rests on your shoulders, but we know you'll carry it with pride—and love."

"Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad. I love you both." The call ended, the blue light of the projection dissolving into sparks.

---

Meanwhile, in the girls' dormitory, Mi-cha lay on her bed, the soft glow of her system screen illuminating her face. Her hair, damp from a warm shower, clung gently to her shoulders. She opened her system panel, eager to check how far she'd come after surviving one of the most cataclysmic battles in academy history.

---

[System Status — Mi-cha Lawson]

Level: 150

Class: Unknown

Experience: 120/1000

Strength: 145

Agility: 130

Intelligence: 60

Vitality: 200

Special Abilities: Extreme Kick, Rage State

---

Her lips curved into a grin. Still climbing. Her fingers danced across the interface as she opened the chat window.

Mi-cha:

Hey there~

A reply popped up almost instantly.

Muhan:

Hey, Mi-cha.

Mi-cha:

What'cha doing?

Muhan:

Just talked to my parents. Now I'm bored out of my mind.

She smiled to herself. Just picturing him casually lounging after a universe-breaking brawl made her heart flutter.

Mi-cha:

Wanna chat till we both fall asleep?

A pause.

Muhan:

Yeah. I'd like that.

And just like that, the night softened. As the world outside remained scarred and silent from the chaos of battle, two young hearts stayed connected by a glowing thread of shared words.

They talked about everything—from Mi-cha's childhood in the divine-rich Lawson estate, to Muhan's mischievous adventures as a young Lockhart heir. They laughed about how flustered Ji-hoon looked when Soo-ah hugged him, and Muhan teased Mi-cha for how fierce she looked during her final Rage State. She blushed even though no one could see it.

The hour grew late, and their responses slower.

Mi-cha:

...Still awake?

Muhan:

Barely. You're keeping me alive right now.

Mi-cha:

Hehe... good. I'll always be here to do that.

Muhan:

I know. Goodnight, Mi-cha.

Mi-cha:

Goodnight, hero...

Her screen dimmed. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she curled under the covers, her heart warm with quiet joy. Even in a world where gods clashed and dimensions fell, there was peace to be found in a single, simple connection.

More Chapters