They stepped out of the Rift and were immediately hit with a blinding wall of light and noise.
Flash
Flash
FLASH
Cameras.
Reporters.
Drones whirring overhead.
"Kain!"
"Who are the girls with him?!"
"Did he really solo the Rift Boss?!"
"Are those S-Rank artifacts he's wearing?!"
Kain calmly adjusted his cloak, a lazy smirk curling his lips as he tapped his gauntlets.
With a subtle pulse of mana, both his gear and the girls' weapons shimmered, vanishing into their storage rooms.
"Don't feed the wolves," he muttered.
Ruby giggled.
"They were practically drooling over your armor"
Darcy stepped close beside him, her eyes scanning the crowd.
"I thought the Rift would be bad. This… might be worse"
Then, like parting tides, the crowd shifted, clearing for a lone figure walking toward them.
Iris Von Dawnridge.
Looking at Kain like he was a steak dinner and she'd been fasting for a week.
Her lips curled into a pleased smirk.
"You kept your promise, Mr. Crowhurst"
Kain offered her a one-shoulder shrug.
"I usually do"
She walked a little closer, heels clicking sharply, before whispering low enough that only he could hear.
"The Academy will want to debrief you… privately"
Before Kain could respond, another voice cut through the crowd.
"Darcy! Ruby!"
Kain blinked as Finn came sprinting toward them, hair messy, eyes red from worry.
Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around both girls in a tight hug.
"Thank the gods," he whispered.
"I was so scared. You were in there for hours. What if something went wrong?"
Darcy stiffened.
Ruby looked like someone just told her her favorite band broke up.
Kain raised an eyebrow, folding his arms.
"You alright, bro?"
Finn looked up, completely sincere.
"Yeah. Thank you, Kain. Really. You protected them. I owe you, man"
Kain smiled.
A slow, dangerous smile.
"Anytime," he said, voice smooth as poison dipped in silk.
"After all… what are friends for?"
Darcy's smile was so tight it could've snapped.
Ruby was blinking fast, clearly trying not to burst out laughing.
And Iris?
Iris was watching the whole thing with one arched brow and an amused gleam in her eye.
"Zenith's about to get interesting," she murmured.
Kain's smirk deepened.
Oh, it already was.
Kain's Room
He stepped out of the shower, steam trailing behind him like mist clinging to a shadow.
His hair clung slightly to his face, eyes half-lidded in a lazy, satisfied expression.
The S-Rank Rift had been a joke.
At least for him.
The real effort had been keeping Ruby and Darcy from distracting him too much during the crawl.
He grabbed a towel, patting down his chest and abs, when a notification blinked on his system window.
Ruby:
You better not be in that shower alone, you cheat
Darcy:
We're mad. You owe us
Attached, of course, was a picture of them side by side under hot water, pouting.
Kain smirked, shaking his head.
"Trouble," he muttered fondly.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
He barely had time to toss on his black briefs and throw the towel over his shoulder before opening it.
Finn stood awkwardly outside, rubbing the back of his neck, eyes darting away the moment he noticed Kain's barely-dressed state.
"Uh, hey… sorry to bother you. Can we talk?"
Kain leaned on the doorframe, amused.
"Sure. If you don't mind the dress code"
Finn stepped inside, glancing once at the room.
"It's about Ruby and Darcy," he said.
"I just… I was worried. When the news broke about the Rift being S-Rank, I panicked. I know I'm not strong like you, but they're still important to me"
Kain didn't reply immediately, grabbing a bottle of water from the side table, sipping it with deliberate calm.
Finn continued, "I want to get them something. Something special, to show I'm glad they made it back safe"
"Maybe flowers, or… I don't know. You've always been good at this kind of thing"
There it was, the irony.
Kain exhaled lightly.
"You're doing your best," he said evenly.
"But gifts only go so far. It's not about what you give, Finn. It's about what they feel"
Finn looked confused.
"Huh?"
Kain turned, stepping deeper into the room.
"Never mind. Just don't give them anything cheap"
Finn nodded, still looking a little lost.
"Right. Thanks, man. I'll figure something out"
Kain watched him leave, closing the door slowly behind him.
The moment it clicked shut, he let the grin fall.
He smirked to himself, heading to grab a shirt, but not before glancing at the still-open image from earlier.
"Maybe I should've showered after the talk," he mused, chuckling to himself.
The Next Morning
Kain stood in front of the mirror, buttoning up his uniform shirt with practiced ease.
The soft morning light filtered through his dorm window, casting silver across his chest.
His system pinged softly in the background.
[Mood – Ruby: Playful, slightly clingy]
[Mood – Darcy: Affectionate, possessive]
[Mood – Finn: Anxious. Conflicted. Hopeful]
Kain raised an eyebrow, drying his hair with a towel slung over his shoulders.
"Still trying to play hero, huh?"
He grabbed his blazer, slinging it lazily over one shoulder as he stepped out into the academy hallway.
Just down the corridor, Finn was pacing near the staircase, holding two bouquets, wildflowers for Ruby and roses for Darcy.
Kain didn't have the heart to laugh... out loud.
"Morning, Finn," Kain greeted, his voice smooth as ever.
Finn turned quickly, a bit startled.
"Oh! Hey, Kain. Uh—does this look okay?"
He held up the flowers like a hopeful puppy.
Kain tilted his head, considering.
"Well… Ruby's allergic to wildflowers, and Darcy prefers blades over roses, but sure, ten out of ten"
Finn paled.
"Wait—what?! Seriously?!"
Kain gave a low chuckle.
"Relax. I'm messing with you"
He leaned closer.
"But between us? Might want to try something personal. Something that shows you know them"
Finn blinked.
"Like… poetry?"
Kain stared at him, deadpan, remembering the horrible memories of the first time he tried poetry.
"...Sure. If you want to make them cry for the wrong reason"
Finn rubbed his chin.
"Hmm…"
He clapped a hand on his shoulder.
"You'll figure it out eventually. Probably. Maybe"
As Finn shuffled off toward class, mumbling to himself about the academy gift shop, Kain stood there for a beat longer.
"Time to make the day interesting," he muttered, heading toward the main courtyard where Ruby and Darcy were waiting, both looking way too smug for 8 A.M.
Academy / Central Courtyard
The morning buzz of students filled the air, gossip flaring louder than ever.
"Kain cleared an S-rank Rift…"
"I heard he didn't even sweat during the boss fight!"
Kain strolled through the courtyard with his usual stride, hands in his pockets, and a slight grin tugging at his lips.
Ruby was at his right, casually tossing a pencil into the air and catching it with grace.
Darcy was at his left, still wearing that dreamy smirk from the night before.
Up ahead, Lyla and Beatrix were already waiting near the fountain.
Lyla gave a playful wave, her eyes lighting up as Kain approached.
"You're late," she teased.
"I've been waiting to hear about how our 'leader' soloed a Rift boss again"
Beatrix smirked.
"Word is you even made the reporters shut up"
Kain gave them a wink.
"I didn't even have to try, all I had to do was hide the goods"
That earned a giggle from Ruby and a snort from Darcy.
But before the group could settle in, a familiar click of high heels echoed across the courtyard.
A hush fell over the surrounding students.
Iris descended the marble steps of the main building, and her eyes locked right onto Kain with an intensity that silenced everything.
She spoke clearly, voice smooth like silk dipped in command.
"Kain Rei Crowhurst. Ruby Elana. Darcy Leto"
"You three are now the first students in Zenith Academy history to complete an S-Rank Rift"
Gasps echoed around the crowd.
Kain tilted his head slightly, already reading the hidden meaning.
"I expect a full report… in my office," Iris said, her lips curling into a not-so-innocent smile.
"Immediately"
Kain gave a soft chuckle, nudging his girls gently forward.
"Well… when the Headmistress calls…"
Ruby rolled her eyes.
"She's totally calling for you, Kain"
Darcy smirked.
"Hope she has a good chair. You're gonna break her back"
Lyla elbowed Beatrix.
"Ten gold says he doesn't make it out without lipstick somewhere"
"I bet 40 he'll have it on his chest"
Kain waved casually over his shoulder as he strolled toward the building, hands still in his pockets, voice low and amused.
"Don't wait up, ladies"
2 Minutes Later
Finn approached with two carefully wrapped gift bags in hand, his expression sincere and hopeful.
"I… I know you two went through a lot in that Rift," he said, offering the bags to Ruby and Darcy.
"So, I got you something. I thought you could use a little comfort"
Ruby gently took the bag and smiled, her voice soft.
"Thank you, Finn. That's really sweet of you"
Darcy looked inside hers, pulling out a small plush rabbit and a calming lavender candle.
Her lips curled into a warm smile.
"It's thoughtful. You didn't have to, but I appreciate it"
Finn's shoulders relaxed slightly.
"I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I was really worried"
Beatrix and Lyla stood nearby, quiet but smiling, keeping with the peaceful tone.
Ruby glanced at them, then back at Finn.
"We're doing great, honestly," she said.
"Kain protected us the whole time. Not a single scratch"
Darcy nodded in agreement.
"He handled everything. We didn't even have to lift a finger during the boss fight"
Finn smiled brightly.
"That sounds like him… always strong"
He looked around the courtyard.
"Is he nearby?"
Lyla responded gently, "He's with Headmistress Iris. She asked for a report about the Rift"
Finn tilted his head, curious.
"Just Kain?"
Darcy smiled politely.
"She called for all three of us, but he told us to relax for now. He wanted to handle the meeting himself"
Ruby added, "You know Kain. He doesn't like putting pressure on others"
Finn nodded slowly.
"That's true… he's always been like that"
There was a brief silence, peaceful and easy.
Then Finn looked down.
"I hope… I can become strong like him someday. For everyone's sake"
Beatrix stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder with a supportive tone.
"Just keep walking your path, Finn. Strength comes in different forms"
He smiled at her, then at the rest of the girls.
"Thanks. Really"
Ruby and Darcy shared a glance, kind, not smug, before Ruby said softly, "You're a good person, Finn"
Finn turned to Ruby, his expression earnest.
"Thanks, Ruby… that really meant a lot"
Ruby gave a gentle nod, her smile never fading.
"Anytime, Finn"
But as Finn turned to walk away, a shared silence passed between the girls.
Darcy thought to herself, 'He really has no clue… what a bloody fool'
Ruby's inner voice echoed, 'Still thanking me like we're on the same page… poor guy'
Beatrix glanced at Lyla, both thinking the same unspoken thing.
'He's too sweet for this world. And way too blind'
Headmistress Iris's Office
The grand double doors creaked open, and Kain stepped inside, hands still in his pockets, his casual swagger untouched by the murmurs or reverence that followed him all morning.
Iris stood behind her desk, sunlight spilling in through the tall windows and highlighting her body.
Her hair cascaded down her back like firelight, her piercing eyes already locked onto him.
She smiled, equal parts horny and impressed.
"You actually did it," she said, voice low and velvety.
"You cleared the S-Rank Rift"
Kain gave a small shrug, eyes half-lidded with calm confidence.
"Told you I would"
She walked around the desk, heels clicking softly against the marble floor, each step measured.
"I was skeptical," she admitted, stopping just a foot in front of him.
"But now? I'm curious, Mr. Crowhurst"
He arched his brow.
"Curious enough to give me a medal or something?"
Iris leaned in slightly, her voice a sultry whisper now.
"Oh, I plan to give you something far more... personal than that"
Kain gave the faintest grin.
"Guess I should've dressed for the occasion"
Iris's eyes scanned him, rumpled uniform, relaxed posture, not a trace of tension.
Perfect.
Dangerous.
"Sit," she said, motioning to the leather seat behind him.
"We have a lot to discuss"
The soft tick of the clock on the wall was the only sound for a moment, save for the creak of leather as Kain leaned back into the plush chair.
Iris sat across from him, legs crossed, her silk gloves resting on the polished surface of her desk.
Her gaze never left his face.
"So," she began, voice even but sharp as a dagger in velvet.
"Tell me what happened in the Rift. I want your version"
Kain's lips twitched.
"My version, huh?"
"That's right." Iris folded her hands, the corner of her mouth lifting ever so slightly.
"I already have the field logs. I want to hear what the infamous Crowhurst has to say"
He exhaled lightly, closing his eyes as if trying to recall a memory, one he was about to fabricate completely.
"Well," he began, drawing the word out, "we walked in, took a look around. Some monsters screamed. A few tried to kill us. I asked them not to"
"They didn't listen"
He gave her a lazy shrug.
"So I had to encourage them to stop breathing"
Iris blinked slowly.
"And the boss? The reports say it was a self-aware fallen angel. A named entity"
'How the fuck do they know that?'
Kain nodded, lips twitching again.
"Yeah. Big wings. Pretty sword. Said some creepy stuff about fate. I didn't really listen"
"You defeated an S-rank entity, and you didn't listen?"
"I was more focused on keeping the girls alive," he said, stretching his arms above his head with a tired sigh.
"That thing had an attitude"
Iris was silent for a beat.
Then, softly, "You know you could've died in there"
Kain met her eyes, calm and still.
"Sure. But I didn't"
Iris rose slowly from her seat and stepped around the desk, her heels making no sound on the velvet carpet.
She came to stand before him, arms loosely crossed.
"And what if another Rift like that appears?" she asked.
"One that's worse? Do I have to send a whole squad?"
Kain's voice dropped an octave.
"No"
He stood, now only inches from her.
"If that ever happens again, you call me"
His tone was firm, not as a student to his superior, but as someone offering protection no one else could provide.
Iris studied him for a long moment.
"And why you?"
"Because I'm the only one who can walk into hell," Kain said, eyes locked with hers, "and walk out bored"
'A bit embarrassing to say, but she digs it'
The silence between them tightened, heavy with tension.
Her breath slowed.
His smirk returned.
He took a step closer, just barely brushing past her.
"You look like someone who doesn't like feeling powerless," he murmured near her ear.
"And I look like someone who keeps her promises," Iris said, her voice lower now.
"Good," he replied.
"So do I"
Iris didn't step back.
Neither did Kain.
The space between them shrank until only breath separated their lips.
Her eyes flicked down, just once, before meeting his again.
"Do you ever take anything seriously?"
She asked, her voice husky now, the last of her composure fraying at the edges.
Kain leaned in, his voice a low murmur.
"Only when it matters"
Iris opened her mouth to say something else, but the moment was stolen from her.
His lips brushed hers, light at first, like a dare.
Then again, firmer.
Her breath caught as her body responded instinctively, one hand reaching up to his chest, not to push, but to feel the heartbeat beneath.
He didn't rush.
One hand slid to her lower back, the other gently finding her hip, guiding her backward until the edge of the desk met the backs of her thighs.
She gasped softly as she felt the smooth wood press against her, his body now flush against hers.
"You're dangerous," Iris whispered.
Kain smirked, lips grazing her ear.
"So are you"
Kain's words sent a shiver down her spine, her nipples straining against the fabric of her tight blouse.
She could feel the heat of his body, smell the faint scent of sweat mingling with his unique essence.
It was intoxicating.
His hand slid from her hip to cup her jaw, tilting her head as his lips found hers again in a deep, searing kiss.
She moaned into his mouth, her tongue dancing with his in a sensual battle for dominance.
The hand on her lower back pressed her flush against the desk, the wood cool against her skin as her legs bumped the edge.
Breaking the kiss, Iris gasped for air, her eyes dark with desire as she gazed up at Kain.
"How are you so good at kissing?"
She panted, her voice barely audible over the pounding of her heart.
A wicked grin spread across Kain's face, his eyes gleaming with mischief.
"I've just learned what gets you going," he replied with a smirk.
His fingers deftly unbuttoned her blouse to reveal the lacy bra beneath.
The air seemed to thicken as Kain's fingers brushed against the delicate fabric, teasing the swell of Iris's breasts.
A breathy sigh escaped her parted lips as he peeled back the cups, exposing her hardened nipples.
"Fuck, you're perfect," Kain groaned.
He sank to his knees before her, his hands spanning her narrow waist as he drew her closer.
Iris's breath hitched as his hot breath ghosted over her bare chest.
The rough texture of his uniform rubbed against her sophisticated attire.
With a deliberate slowness, Kain guided one pert nipple into his mouth, swirling his tongue around the sensitive bud.
Iris's head fell back, a throaty moan spilling from her lips as her body responded instinctively to his touch.
His free hand gripped her pant-clad hips.
Fingers digging in as he drank in her essence, his arousal straining against the confines of his academy uniform.
"Kain," Iris whimpered, her fingers twisting in his hair as she lost herself in the sensations he was evoking.
"Please…"
Without breaking the seal of his lips around her nipple, Kain reached for the small zipper of Iris's tight skirt.
His fingers flew over the delicate teeth until the garment fell open, pooling at her ankles.
Iris's heart raced as she felt the cool air of the office caress her newly exposed thighs.
Her damp heat was evident through the sheer fabric of her panties.
Kain's free hand delved into the crevice between Iris's legs, his rough, calloused palm meeting the supple expanse of her ass as he pushed her hips forward.
"So wet already," he chuckled against her breast, his words vibrating through her very being.
"Guess I know what's waiting for me"
With a flick, he tore away her panties, leaving her bare and vulnerable before him.
Iris's legs instinctively widened in welcome, her scent thickening the air as her dripping arousal coated Kain's fingers.
He stood, his cock pulsing with need as he swiftly shed his academy jacket and trousers.
Freeing his throbbing length.
Iris's eyes widened at the sight of it, her mind reeling with the desire to take him into her mouth, to feel him stretching her, claiming her...
"You're ravishing"
He reached out, his fingers grazing her cheek before tangling in her hair.
Stepping closer, he allowed her to see every twitch of his muscles, the hard swell of his cock as he positioned himself just inches from her pussy.
Iris inhaled sharply, her heartbeat echoing in her ears as anticipation coursed through her veins.
With a smooth, powerful thrust, Kain buried himself to the hilt inside her, a guttural groan rumbling from his chest as he felt her welcoming heat envelop him.
'HOLY FUCK SHE'S TIGHT!'
Iris's eyes widened, her back arching as she grasped his shoulders, her nails digging into the fabric of his shirt.
"That's it," Kain breathed, his hips flexing as he began to move, each thrust carefully aimed to hit that sweet spot deep within her core.
"Take all of me, Iris"
Iris moaned, her head falling back as she surrendered to the pleasure, her inner walls squeezing him snugly with every powerful stroke.
The desk creaked beneath them.
Kain grinned as Iris's plea echoed in the air.
Her body quivering with every deliciously rough thrust.
Gripping her hips, he pulled back almost fully before slamming back in, his heavy balls slapping against her ass.
Iris's cry of pleasure mingled with his rhythmic grunts.
"Can't get enough of these perfect tits," Kain growled, his thumbs finding her nipples, pinching and rolling them between his fingers.
Iris's back arched, her head thrashing side to side as jolts of electricity shot straight to her core.
Bending low, Kain took one hardened peak into his mouth, swirling his tongue around the sensitive bud before moving to the other.
Iris's fingers twisted in his hair, her hips jerking erratically as her orgasm built, the pressure coiling tighter and tighter within her.
"Not gonna... Last..." she panted, her voice ragged with need.
With a final, guttural groan, Kain pulled out of Iris's well-used body, a string of cum connecting his twitching cock to her dripping pussy.
She gasped for air, her body still trembling with the aftershocks of their intense coupling.
"You aren't going to stop until you've marked every inch of me, are you?"
Iris panted, her voice laced with a mix of awe and exhaustion.
Kain grinned, his eyes gleaming with a mischievous light.
"Can't help myself when it comes to you," he replied with a wink.
"And I'm far from finished"
5 Hours Later
Kain zipped up his pants with an easy motion, the soft click of the zipper breaking the haze of silence that lingered.
He glanced back over his shoulder, smirking at the sight of Iris, still sprawled across her desk, fully covered in his cum.
She didn't move, only gazed up at the ceiling with a dazed, dreamy look, a faint, satisfied smile still curling her lips.
"Guess I'll be seeing you later," Kain said with a low chuckle, rolling his shoulders as he adjusted his collar.
Iris let out a soft hum, too breathless to speak, her hand barely lifting in what could've been a lazy wave or a silent plea to stay longer.
The door clicked shut behind him as Kain stepped out into the quiet corridor.
A familiar [DING] chimed inside his mind.
[Iris Von Dawnridge has joined your harem]
[Affection: MAX]
[Loyalty: MAX]
[Mood: Blissful]
Kain chuckled under his breath, slipping his hands into his pockets as he strolled away, the echo of his boots soft against the marble.
"Not bad for a lunch break"
He passed through a shaft of sunlight filtering through the grand windows, heading toward his room with no particular rush.
The courtyard outside buzzed with student chatter, completely unaware that the Headmistress was currently recovering behind a locked door, and Kain, as always, walked through it all like he owned the place.
Kain's Room
He sat shirtless on the edge of his bed, legs crossed, fingers tapping the air as he allocated stat points with surgical precision.
[Strength: Level 52]
[Stamina: Level 55]
[Charisma: Level 54]
"Slow and steady," Kain muttered to himself, watching the digital numbers rise.
"Can't make it too unfair for the rest of the world…"
A knock interrupted him.
His eyes flicked to the door.
"It's open," he called lazily.
The door creaked open, and in walked Finn, eyes bright, his posture awkward, and hands stuffed nervously into his pockets.
"Hey, uh… Kain," Finn started, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Do you have a minute?"
Kain leaned back on his hands, one brow arched.
"For you? Always. What's up?"
Finn stepped inside, closing the door behind him.
"I wanted to ask… can you help me practice?"
Kain blinked once.
"Practice…?"
"For dating," Finn said seriously, his tone completely earnest.
"I was thinking… I want to take the girls out sometime—a real date. But I suck at that kind of stuff. I figured… Maybe you could show me how it's done?"
Kain paused, letting the silence hang.
Then came the grin.
Sharp.
Amused.
"Oh," he said slowly, "you want to watch me work my magic first, huh?"
Finn nodded.
"Exactly! I thought maybe if I could see how you talk to girls, how you set things up, maybe I could do better too"
Kain stretched with a yawn, chuckling darkly to himself.
"You want me to take your girls on a mock date… so you can take notes?"
"Yeah!" Finn said, completely missing the tone.
"I think it'd really help me out"
Kain looked away to hide the flash of mischief in his eyes.
"Sure, Finn. I'll show you exactly how I… handle things"
"Thanks, man!" Finn grinned, completely oblivious.
"I knew I could count on you"
Kain let out a soft laugh, low and dangerous.
"Oh, I'll make sure it's… unforgettable"
He stood, slipping on a clean shirt and turning toward the window with a wolfish smirk.
"Let's schedule something soon. I'll let you know when I'm free"
Finn gave him a grateful thumbs-up.
"Awesome! I'll go get ready!"
As the door closed behind him, Kain ran a hand through his hair and muttered to himself.
"This is going to be delicious"