[Alden's POV]

Selene Astraea.

In the game's lore, she was a natural awakened, meaning she didn't need a ritual or external aid to form her first contract.

Most spirit sorcerers had to undergo rigorous training, searching for years just to form a connection with a minor spirit. But Selene? She was born different.

At the age of ten, she had already formed a contract with Luna, a spirit of light.

By the time she was fourteen, she had bonded with two more spirits, a feat even high-ranking sorcerers struggled to achieve.

She was a genius in the purest sense.

Yet…

Her personality was different from what most people expected.

---

In public, Selene acted bold—confident, playful, and sometimes even a little arrogant.

She spoke without hesitation. She acted like nothing could shake her.

But in the game, when players saw her real self, it was different.

She was kind.

Too kind.

She wanted to help people, protect those weaker than her, and prevent unnecessary suffering.

She hid her compassion behind a mask of confidence because she didn't want people to take advantage of her.

And most importantly…

If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

She hated being powerless.

Even in the game, Selene's story was tied to her struggle.

Her greatest fear wasn't losing a fight. It was failing to save someone when she had the power to do so.

And now, she was standing in front of me, pretending like she wasn't someone who would throw herself into danger for the sake of others.

A walking contradiction.

I sighed. "Alright. Ask your questions."

---

Selene's eyes sparkled with interest.

"Really? Just like that?"

"You wouldn't stop until I said yes, would you?"

She grinned. "Smart man. Okay, first question…"

She pointed at me.

"Why does your mana feel different?"

I expected that.

"Because I have a unique ability," I replied vaguely. "It changes how my mana flows."

Selene narrowed her eyes. "That's the most suspicious non-answer I've ever heard."

I shrugged. "Your turn to answer a question."

She sighed. "Fine, fine. Go ahead."

I thought for a moment. "Why are you really here?"

Selene paused, then smiled.

"I could say it's because I sensed something interesting, but… the truth?" She looked up at the sky.

"I come here to clear my mind. When my thoughts get too loud, meditation helps."

I watched her for a moment.

That… wasn't a lie.

It fit with what I knew about her. Selene wasn't someone who liked staying in one place too long. She needed movement, action—something to focus on.

And now that I thought about it…

She was alone.

---

An Isolated Genius

Most geniuses in the academy were surrounded by followers. Connections, allies, people who wanted to use them or befriend them.

But Selene?

Except few friends, She had no one.

She was strong, respected, but not close to anyone.

In the game, players could change that.

She was one of the few characters who, despite her talent, never had a strong faction backing her.

I frowned slightly.

"Second question," Selene said, snapping me out of my thoughts.

She stepped closer, studying my face.

"Why don't you seem surprised to meet a second-year in the forest?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Should I be?"

She smirked. "Most first-years would freak out. Either because they'd be scared of me, or because they'd try to impress me."

I chuckled. "I guess I'm not most first-years."

Selene's smirk widened. "You really aren't."

For a moment, she just watched me.

Then, she sighed. "Alright, your turn."

I hesitated before asking, "Why do you act so confident all the time?"

Selene blinked.

She stared at me for a long second.

Then, she laughed.

It wasn't fake or forced—it was genuine amusement.

"Wow," she said, shaking her head. "You don't hold back, do you?"

I didn't answer.

Selene's expression softened slightly.

"Confidence is easier than doubt," she finally said.

That was all she gave me.

But that single sentence told me a lot.

She wasn't fearless.

She wasn't as untouchable as she pretended to be.

She just refused to show it.

---

For a while, we sat in silence.

Selene hummed a small tune, playing with the floating wisp near her shoulder.

I leaned back against a tree, closing my eyes.

It was… peaceful.

Then, she suddenly stood up. "Well, I should go before people start wondering where I am."

I nodded. "See you around, then."

Selene grinned. "Oh, you'll definitely see me again."

Her red eyes glowed slightly.

"You're interesting, Alden Blackwood."

And with that, she turned and walked away, vanishing into the trees.

I exhaled, rubbing my temples.

Great.

Now I had a spirit sorcerer interested in me.

And somehow, I had a feeling this wasn't going to be the last time we met.

To Be Continued…