"Confess your love to her?"
Lucas froze.
Wait a second... was this body's former self a total simp?
He sifted through the memories still echoing in his mind. Sure enough, during all three years of high school, this version of him had been head-over-heels for Alexis Lane, the pride of Ling Academy—the one now basking in the spotlight of her own S-Level hidden profession.
And not just quietly admiring her—oh no.
He had been the definition of a public admirer, constantly sending her snacks, holding umbrellas for her in the rain, running errands, and complimenting her like she was royalty. Everyone knew. So did she.
But she never once responded. Not even a thank you.
Lucas, the real Lucas, groaned inwardly. System, you really dumped me into a tragic clown's legacy, huh? He wasn't some hormone-fueled teen anymore. He was a full-grown adult who had already lived through college, internships, and soul-crushing office jobs.
High school crushes and unrequited love? That was ancient history.
As he stood reflecting, Alexis glanced down from the altar. For the briefest moment, their eyes met. Her gaze was cold, aloof, like a swan observing a duck in the pond. And then—she looked away, raising her head proudly to receive the applause and admiration pouring from the crowd.
"Tch. Still as arrogant as ever," Lucas muttered.
He'd seen girls like her in every workplace—elegant, intelligent, and used to being chased. But she carried herself like a queen offering charity, not connection. And that made all the difference.
"What'd you say?" Mason leaned in, not catching his mumbling.
"Nothing important," Lucas replied, shaking his head with a dry smile.
The memories may belong to this body, but the feelings sure didn't.
"…Look, look! She's coming this way!" Mason whispered excitedly, elbowing him. "Old Lucas, this is your big moment. Are you really gonna let it pass?"
Lucas glanced up. Alexis Lane had just stepped off the altar and was walking toward their class group.
He was unmoved. "No thanks."
Mason looked at him like he'd just declared war on chocolate. "What?! Are you serious?"
Lucas smirked faintly. "Women only slow down my draw speed."
"…Dude. You're an assassin. You don't even use a sword. You use a dagger."
Lucas gave him a sarcastic look and clapped his shoulder, making Mason wince. "You're the only person I know who'd correct the weapon in a philosophical metaphor."
Before Mason could fire back, Alexis stopped in front of Lucas. The crowd around them fell silent. Eyes widened. Whispers erupted like a slow-boiling kettle.
"Lucas."
She said his name with the poise of royalty. Her voice was cool and refined. "You and I both awakened S-Level hidden combat professions. I suggest we form a team."
The words weren't a question. They were a statement. A royal decree, almost.
"If we level together, our progress will be fast. We could even get into Kyoto University's elite class," she added, her tone still flat. "It makes sense."
In her mind, this was her giving him a chance. She had seen his feelings before. She had ignored them. But now that he was strong—worthy—she was considering letting him chase her properly.
To her, teaming up with her was a reward.
Lucas blinked, holding back a laugh.
He understood her completely now. She wasn't being cruel—just completely self-centered.
"Old Lucas!" Mason hissed in panic. "Say yes already! What are you waiting for?!"
Every boy nearby looked like they wanted to throw a punch at him just for being in that position. Some even looked desperate enough to volunteer themselves as replacements.
Two S-Level hidden classes—one frost mage, one shadow assassin? The perfect power combo.
But Lucas...
smiled.
"Your proposal's smart," he said, then added, "But I'm gonna have to say no."
The square fell into stunned silence.
Mason's jaw dropped. "W-what?"
Alexis froze mid-blink. "You're... rejecting me?"
Lucas gave her a casual shrug. "I've already got plans."
The temperature seemed to drop ten degrees. Alexis stared at him for a long second, lips slightly parted. Then, her pride returned like a mask snapping back in place. She turned without a word and walked away, face blank but ears tinged red.
Mason stared in horror. "You've had a crush on her for three years. THREE YEARS. And when she finally talks to you… you reject her?!"
Lucas leaned close and whispered, "Because I promised you, my good son, that I'd carry you to the top."
"…What the hell, Dad." Mason rolled his eyes but couldn't help smiling. "I actually got goosebumps."
All around them, the reactions were wild.
Some classmates stared at Lucas like he was a legendary beast who just rejected Aphrodite.
Others murmured that he was arrogant, cocky, letting power go to his head. Some whispered that he thought he was too good for her now.
But Lucas didn't care.
He had no interest in entertaining a one-sided crush built on a past he didn't own. He had a system, a future, and a best friend with hammer-based humor.
Let the world talk.
---
Elsewhere, one particular student clenched his fists.
Leon Graves, class monitor, had been nursing a crush on Alexis for two years, and had constantly tried to impress her—with no results.
Now he watched the boy she had just approached reject her casually, and his jealousy boiled over.
Just wait, he thought bitterly. Once it's my turn at the altar, I'll awaken a class ten times better than yours. Then we'll see who everyone's looking at.
He turned toward the altar with fiery resolve.
---
Back in the crowd, Mason still wasn't over it.
"Okay, okay—but seriously, man. What was that? Are you… actually over her?"
Lucas smirked. "I am now. That version of me doesn't exist anymore."
Mason squinted suspiciously. "You sure? Because I swear, if I catch you writing poetry again…"
Lucas laughed. "Relax. I'm cured."
He glanced toward Alexis's back as she rejoined her classmates.
Then added, "Besides… she's Egg Roll Pork Shreds now."
"…Excuse me?" Mason blinked.
Lucas nodded solemnly. "You never heard of MJ's legendary track? 'Egg Roll Pork Shreds'? She took your money and wasted your time…"
Mason stared at him like he had gone insane. "You're quoting Michael Jackson wrong on purpose now."
Lucas grinned.
"Maybe. Or maybe I just invented the next global hit."
---
And just like that, the legendary confession that never happened became the confession that got flipped.
Lucas had gone from a boy everyone thought would kneel for a glance from the goddess…
…to the guy who casually turned her down in front of the entire school.
One thing was certain:
The legend of Lucas Kane had just begun.
---