Selis is affiliated with the renowned Alucard family—the royal family of the Azur Water Kingdom. His father, Zephiron Alucard (known as Sage Alucard), is the head of the entire kingdom. In this way, Selis has become something of a prince. However, Selis does not appreciate his position because whatever he achieves through his own hard work is seen by others as simply the result of royal resources. His accomplishments are viewed as obvious and unsurprising, and he never receives the recognition he deserves. If his mother were still alive, he might not have felt this way, but she passed away when he was only three or four years old.

Since then, his father—who must oversee the welfare of the entire kingdom—could not always give him the attention he needed. Instead, he was mostly cared for by a nanny. Moreover, his father had multiple wives (three besides his late wife) and seven children—two younger sisters, one younger brother, and three older brothers. Although his father tried to give his family some time, he could not always be there for Selis. This lack of attention is one of the main reasons why Selis requested to be removed from the family name; he wanted to forge his own path, be known for his work, and not just for his family's prestige.

While Selis and his companion Ryze waited in Fisco City for Arya's return, a man sat with his eyes closed in a small, secluded room. The elemental energy around him was continuously being refined and absorbed into his body. After a few minutes in that state, the young cultivator opened his eyes and a smile spread across his face.

"Finally, Level 23 in only half a month," he murmured to himself. "This potion I purchased with task points from the academy is miraculous. If only Arya could join the academy with me…."

At the Water Dragon Academy, one figure had become the subject of sensational discussion among the young cultivators. From the newest students to the veterans, everyone wanted to meet her. Meanwhile, two young men who had accompanied the person in question were sparring.

"Brother Ben, you have improved a lot in just a month—already Level 25! Here I am still at Level 24 and a bit away from 25," one remarked.

"Leo, I think there are more important things for you to worry about than a one-level gap in cultivation," another replied.

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"I know what you're implying," Leo said, "but right now I'm still weak compared to those older students. I couldn't even give them a proper lesson on my first day, especially that Rio guy."

"Don't even mention him," Ben whispered. "He's not only a strong Level 34 cultivator in his fourth year at the academy, but he's also popular with the girls."

They recalled that when they first entered the academy, everyone had heard that Rose would soon become the most popular—despite barely showing her full face.

"Damn, that Rio guy and even Brook—the giant—though I don't like Rio, he is strong, handsome, and qualified. And that heavy barbarian, Cheh…" Leo muttered.

"Good thing my Rose has only me in her heart," Leo continued, "and she directly rejected them in front of everyone. But they won't give up."

"Brother, it might not feel good to say this, but the reason Rose rejected them isn't because of you—it was because she wants to focus on her cultivation," Ben remarked.

"Those are just excuses," Leo replied. "She isn't sure of her feelings for me. But don't worry—I'll make her mine willingly, and no one will come between us, not Rio, not Brook, or anyone else."

While talking, their fists continuously collided, emitting elemental sparks from time to time.

"Brother Leo, I don't know why, but I have this feeling that Rose has interacted too freely with that guy from Fallen Leaves City. What was his name…?"

"Yes, Arya, she hasn't really talked to anyone else or even exchanged more than a few words with others, aside from the teachers."

Leo's mind drifted. "Arya…"

Leo clenched his teeth as memories of interactions between Arya and Rose resurfaced, but eventually, he calmed down.

He was just a passing figure in Rose's life—and even in their lives—but with us coming here, our paths are now diverging. He will remain in that low, barren place with his modest cultivation while we roam the kingdom. When we meet again at next year's four-village competition, I'll ensure I give him a good memory so that any thoughts of Rose will vanish from his mind. And if anyone tries to interfere… well, then…"

"I know that within a year we'll get stronger, but still, you should be careful about Arya's father. Don't think of him as just a normal Level 35 or 36 cultivator," Leo advised.

"My father has said he's ready to face anyone in our city—except Rick, because he's an unusual man with deep, unknown power."

"Whatever his power, at most he'll be a Level 40 cultivator when we return. Nothing too extraordinary," Leo continued.

"My father also mentioned that the Burning Inferno Village isn't originally from Fallen Leaves City—their roots are unknown. He believes that taking action against them would be suicide for anyone in the city."

"So, brother, you should be more careful in the future," Leo cautioned.

"Not from Fallen Leaves City?" Leo mused aloud. "Why don't we find out about their origins with help from the Water Dragon Academy?"

"Yes, it's decided then. I'll set aside some of my earnings to gather information. Let's uncover what their past is," Leo replied.