Lumi Everheart

As the daughter of the guildmaster of the largest Stargate Raiding guild, my life is anything but ordinary.

From a young age, danger and high expectations define my existence. Naivety is a luxury I cannot afford, especially after my first kidnapping. These incidents, driven by my family's prominence, shatter any sense of normalcy and trust I might foster toward others.

Friends are a foreign concept to me; instead, I learned to see everyone as a potential threat. Despite the turmoil, my father remains my rock, always rescuing me and bringing light into the darkest moments.

His smiles are my sanctuary.

But everything changed three years ago when he became trapped in a Stargate. Help arrives, but the Stargate closes before they can reach him. This event turns my world into endless shades of gray. Driven by a fierce resolve to rescue him, I dedicate myself to becoming stronger.

My days are consumed by rigorous training, pushing me beyond my limits.

During a routine middle school introduction, I hear something that catches me off guard—a Manaless boy, Dominic, aspires to become a Stargate Raider.

The idea seems ludicrous. How can someone without mana hope to survive the dangerous realms of Stargates?

I confront him, hoping to make him reconsider what I view as a reckless dream.

As time passes, I achieve a breakthrough to [D+] rank, a milestone that fills me with joy.

However, my focus shifts when I hear astounding news: Dominic has raided a [E] ranked Stargate.

Rumors suggest he is significantly aided by André Eñeforte, a [SS]- ranked Magician who also happens to be his father.

It seems plausible that André has done most of the work, given Dominic's Manaless condition.

Fueled by skepticism and a need to validate my suspicions, I challenged him to a duel.

The first time I try to approach him, he vanishes from the classroom, adding to my confusion.

Is he avoiding me?

Later that day, I waited outside the classroom to confront him, only to see him speaking with Professor Maurice about "training."

Is Professor Maurice personally training him? But what does he see in him, a Manaless boy?

After Professor Maurice leaves, I finally challenge him directly.

The day of the duel arrives, and I am fully prepared and focused.

To my surprise, Dominic arrives dressed in a suit early in the morning, apparently unaware of the actual time of our duel.

I have neglected to communicate that detail.

After school, as we face each other in the duel, the outcome shocks me—I lose swiftly. The fight doesn't even last five minutes.

Somehow, Dominic pinpoints and exploits my weakness in close combat. How does he know? Is he some combat prodigy?

The loss leaves me reeling. If I can't defeat a Manaless opponent like Dominic, how can I hope to rescue my father?

The question haunts me, challenging my resolve and forcing me to reconsider everything I think I know about strength, skill, and the path to saving the one I love most.

"Mademoiselle Lumi, are you okay?"

A male voice jolts me back to the present. I turn around and see Gertrude, who stands beside me, donned in a black suit that contrasts with his short, fluffy white hair and blue eyes.

Gertrude is always there for me after my father becomes trapped in a Stargate. Despite being my age, Gertrude maintains a respectful demeanor, embodying the role of the loyal butler perfectly.

"I'm doing fine, Gertrude."

"I'm glad to hear that."

Slowly, I ease myself off the bed in the nurse's office.

After the duel, I have been rushed here, where nurses swiftly administer healing potions and extract the bullet from my thigh. Thankfully, the potion also remedies the bruising on my face from Dominic's kick.

"Let's go home, Gertrude."

"Yes, Mademoiselle."

We exit the clinic, and as we walk through the hallways, I feel my schoolmates' eyes on me. Their murmurs and whispers fill the air.

"You did your best, Lumi!"

"He's right, you did your best!"

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

The words are meant as encouragement, but they sting. I keep my head high, focusing on the path ahead rather than the pity behind their praises.

Stepping outside, the crisp air feels refreshing, but the sight of Dominic laughing and talking with Arthur Lyon reignites a flicker of annoyance within me.

Arthur, being the son of the guild master of our rival guild, means our interactions are often strained. Yet here he is, seemingly at ease and friendly with Dominic.

Could they be… dating?

The thought momentarily crosses my mind, bizarre as it seems. Shaking my head, I dismiss it just as quickly. Neither Arthur nor Dominic strikes me as likely to be involved in that way, at least not with each other.

Yet, watching them laugh together stirs something within me—a competitive spark reignited by my defeat. I resolve then, more firmly than ever, to rechallenge Dominic and win.

Compelled by this new resolve, I find myself walking toward them.

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Dominic Eñeforte

With the duel now over, I walk through the bustling hallways of the middle school, echoes of the recent event lingering in the air.

As I pass, snippets of whispered conversations reach my ears.

"He won? How?"

"A Manaless beating a Magician, that's unheard of."

I can't help but let out a quiet snicker, amused by their astonished murmurs.

"Haa!" I stretch my arms up high, releasing the tension from the duel.

"Dominic."

I hear Maurice's voice and turn around to see him approaching me.

"Yes, Professor?"

"Congratulations on winning the duel. You did great, but you could do better."

I chuckle. But if he hadn't trained me, I would have had a harder time in the duel. Even though I know Lumi's weakness from reading the web novel, his training makes me feel that the duel is easier than it should be.

"I should also be thanking you, Professor, for the training you provided me."

"There's no need, Dominic, It’s just my job as a professor." Maurice replies with a warm smile as he ruffles my hair.

I'm taken aback by his gesture. Maurice and I aren't that close, yet this simple act feels surprisingly comforting.

"Uhm, Professor?"

"Whoops! Sorry about that, hahaha!" Maurice pulls his hand away from my head. "Now I see why at the sudden…" Maurice stroke his chin.

I raise one of my brows. "Sudden what, Professor?"

"It's nothing. It's better if you don't know." Maurice chuckles and waves his hand. "Anyways, you should go home and rest. I expect better performance when I train you again."

I shiver. Every time Maurice trains me, I always end up unconscious and injured.

"Okay, Professor."

Maurice nods and walks away. As he kept walking, students surrounding me started whispering among themselves.

"No way, Professor Maurice is training him?"

"I know, right? I can't believe Professor would train him, a Manaless."

"I can't believe Professor would waste their time training a Manaless. He should be training Magicians instead."

I sigh. These people will not like me, no matter what I do. But I don't care; I can't please everyone.

"That was a solid win, Doms!" Suddenly, I hear Arthur exclaim as he slings his arm around my shoulder. "That was one of the quickest duels I've ever seen!"

"Was it really that quick?"

"Yeah! Lumi must be reeling from how easily you beat her. A Magician outdone by a Manaless—that's something!"

"Uhh…yeah."

I don't know what to make of his enthusiasm. It feels odd to take pride in someone else's dismay.

"Dominic." Turning around, I see Celine approaching with a warm smile. "I'm proud of you. Your father would be, too."

Her words bring a genuine smile to my face. "Thanks, Mum."

We walk out of the building together, heading toward the school gates.

Leaning close, Arthur whispers, "How about we celebrate, Doms? Let's go to 'La Table Royale.' My treat!"

La Table Royale? That sounds incredibly fancy. Is it a restaurant? The prospect excites me.

"Sure."

"You boys have fun. I'll head home first. Dominic, make sure you're not home late, not after 8," Celine says as she departs.

I nod. "Sure, Mum."

"See you later, Auntie!" Arthur calls out after her, his arm still resting around my shoulders. "Doms, you're going to love 'La Table Royale'! They serve amazing food!"

It's a restaurant then. I start imagining all the exquisite dishes I've never had the chance to try in my previous life. The thought alone makes me drool.

-Growl!

Right on cue, my stomach voices its approval, growling loudly.

"HAHAHA!" Arthur bursts out laughing.

I feel my cheeks flare up as I scratch my head in embarrassment.

"Dominic."

Just then, I hear a familiar cold voice.

Turning around, I see Lumi standing there with a stern-faced butler who is quite handsome.

"What do you want, Everheart?"

Arthur's tone is sharp, his protective instincts kicking in.

Lumi glances at Arthur briefly before fixing her gaze on me, her expression as impassive as ever.

"I'll become stronger, so next time, I will challenge you and be the victor."

That's typical Lumi—ever driven to improve. It reminds me of how she reacts after losing to Célestin in the web novel, using it as fuel to push herself harder.

Ignoring her isn't an option anymore. With Lumi determined to rechallenge me, I can only imagine the troubles I might involve myself in that might arise.

"I'll look forward to it, Lumi."

She nods sharply once and walks past us with her butler to a waiting limo, which quickly whisks them away.

"Let's go, Doms," Arthur says, his voice softer now that Lumi has departed.

"Uhh, sure."

I agree; I am ready to leave the drama behind and enjoy a well-deserved celebration at La Table Royale.

════ ⋆★⋆ ════

I exit Arthur's limo and catch my first glimpse of La Table Royale.

"Woah."

The building before me is a masterpiece of architecture, blending classic elegance with modern design. It features intricate stone carvings that frame large, gleaming windows, and soft, ambient lighting that spills out onto the cobblestone street, inviting passersby to enter.

"Let's go, Doms. I made a reservation for this place."

"Reservation?"

"Yeah, we will always eat here whether you win or lose the duel."

I can't help but smile back, feeling deeply thankful for having a friend like Arthur in this new life. His unwavering support makes the challenges of adjusting seem less daunting.

"Thanks, Arthur."

"Don't mention it. Come on, let's head in," he urges, leading the way.

As we approached the entrance, I noticed a young boy, no older than five, with short brown hair and ragged clothing. He peers longingly through the restaurant's large window.

Something about him feels…familiar.

The boy's eyes are fixed on the display of food inside, his expression a mix of longing and resignation. It's a look I know all too well, and it tugs at my heartstrings, reminding me of the tough times I've faced before.

"Hey, Doms, I'll check in at the counter. You can wait here while I sort out our reservation," Arthur says, snapping me back to the moment.

"Uhh, sure."

After Arthur heads inside, my gaze drifts back to the boy still standing outside.

Thinking of the boy's longing look, I remember my past life—when I was just as down on my luck, struggling to make ends meet.

Empathy wells up inside me, and I decided to approach him without a second thought.

"Hey, kid," I call out gently.

Startled, the boy turns to face me. As our eyes meet, I freeze.

The face looking back at me is hauntingly familiar. It's like looking through a window to the past. The boy in front of me is the spitting image of myself as a child from my previous life.