Several months after the chaotic events known as the Third Eruption, Lyon, Mei, Bronya, and Kiana had become students at St. Freya's Academy. Under the guidance of Himeko and with Theresa's enthusiastic efforts to ensure their smooth integration, the group had transitioned well—except for Lyon's unique situation.

Lyon, the sole male student due to a last-minute revelation by Theresa, had anticipated difficulties. However, upon arriving and seeing the grand, cathedral-like academy teeming with female students, his concerns shifted dramatically.

"Look, a handsome guy!"

"Is he the new boy toy for us to play with?"

"Is this God's sign for me to get married!?"

Lyon shivered under their intense, amorous stares, a stark contrast to the disdain he was used to but hardly a preferable alternative. When the comments became too much, Mei nearly erupted in jealousy, prompting Lyon to use his powers to soothe her, drawing her close with an invisible force. The effect was immediate; her cheeks flushed a deep red.

"Lyon, give me a piggyback!"

Trying to lighten the mood, Kiana, ever the instigator of mischief, demanded a piggyback ride. Lyon's refusal only led to her pouting.

"No."

"But you carried Mei! Why not me?"

Amid curious onlookers, Lyon rubbed his temples. "Kiana, let's keep that kind of thing private, okay?"

Bronya, ever analytical, expressed her disappointment with a sigh before chiming in, "The Bronya also requests a ride from Subject Lyon."

Mei's expression then became one of utter despair, though Lyon, blissfully unaware of the implications, cheerfully agreed.

"Alright, Bronya can ride up front, and Kiana can take the back."

The moment the words left his mouth, he realized how they sounded.

"Wait—no, not like that!"

"Dummy Lyon..."

"Ugh, Mei, it's not what you think!"

Thus, they unwittingly earned a notorious reputation as the 'perverted four,' much to their collective embarrassment—except for Kiana, who embraced the infamy with glee.

"That just makes us stand out more! What a smashing first impression, huh?"

Her jubilance was quickly checked by Bronya's Project Bunny, which literally sent her flying, marking an eventful conclusion to their first day at the academy.

---

Weeks had passed since their unusual first day at St. Freya's, and Lyon was grappling with his first major hurdle in the academy: understanding Honkai.

"What even is Honkai? Beasts, forces of nature, something else?" he mused aloud, sitting alone in his spartan dorm room. He balanced a pen on his nose, his surroundings minimally decorated apart from the essentials and his favored white attire—because he simply preferred white.

Lost in thought, he was abruptly startled by a playful shout.

"Boo!"

Lyon's reaction was swift; the pen flew off his nose as he whipped around. "Kiana, you've got to stop sneaking up on me."

Kiana, unperturbed, merely giggled and bounced on her heels. "Why? It's fun! Plus, you're the only one around, and I need some fun."

Raising an eyebrow, Lyon suggested, "Why not play some of Bronya's video games instead of bothering me while I study?"

Shaking her head vigorously, Kiana pouted. "No way, Bronya keeps beating me! I need a break from losing."

With a deadpan look, Lyon pointed out, "Isn't Mei around? Or Himeko, maybe?"

Kiana wrinkled her nose. "Mei's out shopping with Bronya, and Himeko's... well, Himeko's probably flirting somewhere again."

Turning to fully face her, Lyon crossed his arms. "Right. And you don't want to hit the books? Your grades aren't exactly stellar."

Kiana's face fell at the mention of her academic performance. "Hey, don't bring that up... I mean, it's not like grades are the be-all and end-all, right? As long as I ace the practical tests with my combat skills, I'll scrape through."

Lyon sighed heavily. "Kiana, that's not how it works. You need good grades to progress to the next year. If you fail, you could be repeating classes."

Dismissively, Kiana waved a hand. "Eh, it's early days yet. I'll cram when it's crunch time. With your help, I'll pass. We'll graduate together, no sweat!"

Lyon couldn't help but admire her unfaltering optimism, even if it was a bit misplaced.

Though he couldn't help but think, 'She's beyond help...'

Before all this, Theresa had given him a pep talk about proving that a male could perform as well as any Valkyrie, placing a hefty expectation on his shoulders.

Apart from this, his curriculum was tailored differently due to his unique physiological traits and his natural aptitude for manipulating Honkai Energy—a fact he kept under wraps, trusting his instincts to stay quiet about his special visual abilities.

He often found himself in separate study sessions, apart from the usual group activities due to these differences.

With a reflective smile, he mused, 'I hope Mei is enjoying her time here.'

Indeed, Mei seemed content, finally surrounded by peers like Kiana and Bronya who valued camaraderie over external judgments, focused solely on their responsibilities.

Twirling a pen through his fingers, he thought, 'Hope she's having a better time than I am.'

His reverie was abruptly interrupted by Kiana's insistent tugging.

"Come on, Lyon! Let's hit up some Tekken or whatever game Bronya has. I'm dying to score a win!"

He raised an eyebrow at her, "Haven't you had enough of winning in the combat drills?"

"Not even close!"

With a resigned sigh, Lyon finally stood, stretching out. "Alright, just this once, okay?"

Kiana beamed, "Yes!" She darted out of his room, shouting back, "Loser has to deal with Himeko's hangover tomorrow!"

Lyon groaned, "No way! Kiana, wait up!"

As he chased after her, Lyon realized he needed to find a better balance between fun and his studies.

But just for the record, he won their game—take that, Kiana.

---

A month into his new routine, Lyon had settled into a semblance of normalcy amidst the school's eccentricities.

"Kiana, would you mind doing the dishes?"

"Ehh, I'd rather not..."

"What if I told you there's pizza after?"

In a blur, Kiana was at the sink, attacking the dishes with a vigor that risked the china's integrity.

Mei shook her head as she watched the frenetic cleaning, her hands steadily working the pizza dough.

Bronya, meanwhile, monitored the preheating oven, adjusting the settings manually since it lacked smart features.

Lyon lounged on the couch, a leg casually draped over the armrest, his boredom palpable.

Catching sight of his idleness, Mei wiped her hands and gave Bronya a new task. "Bronya, could you take over here? I need to check on something."

With a nod and a thumbs up from Bronya, Mei approached Lyon, who by now had shifted to aimlessly flipping through TV channels.

She crouched beside him, concern marking her features. "Lyon... is there something on your mind?"

He slid his sunglasses onto his head and met her gaze with a half-hearted turn. "Something on my mind, you ask?"

"Yes," Mei insisted, her expression tinged with worry. "You've been unusually quiet lately. Is there something bothering you?"

Lyon considered her question, his voice contemplative. "It's not exactly trouble, but there's something we haven't really talked about... our home."

Mei's expression softened at the mention, understanding the weight of the word. "Home..."

Their idea of home was more than just a place; it was where they found solace together.

Lyon repositioned himself on the couch, reflecting aloud, "It's bizarre to think about my past life. In the midst of what I thought was an interesting journey, there was always something much larger lurking."

Mei understood he was referencing his difficult beginnings, yet his last comment puzzled her.

Seeing her confusion, Lyon clarified, "I mean the Honkai. It's hard to grasp that such forces exist, wreaking havoc. It feels like the world itself is against anyone finding happiness."

A chill ran through Mei at his words, prompting her to offer reassurance. "It's daunting, yes... but in a way, we're fortunate."

Lyon, his cheek propped on his hand, questioned, "Fortunate? How so?"

Mei moved from her squat to sit beside him, expressing her thoughts, "We're lucky because we've been chosen to defend our home and combat the Honkai. By safeguarding our dreams—yours and mine—we can aim for a better tomorrow. That's why being here, at this school, is a privilege."

Catching his scrutinizing look, Mei's cheeks flushed with a mix of anxiety and anticipation.

Feeling his gaze intensify, she wondered, 'Did I phrase that too personally?'

Lyon's response eased her worries. "You have a point, Mei. For our dream, then?"

Though he wasn't driven by a specific dream, the idea of a hopeful future appealed to him.

Mei exhaled, relieved, "Exactly. For our dream. I believe Kiana and Bronya also share our vision of making the world a better place."

Lyon gave a half-smile, "That's a quaint way to put it, wanting everyone to be happy."

Mei remained silent, her thoughts private, swirling with things unsaid.

'If only you knew...'

In the quiet of the room, only the clatter of kitchenware filled the air as they sat together, lost in thought.

Lyon broke the silence, a practical note in his voice, "Welp, let me help out in the kitchen. I heard there's pizza in the making... and thanks, Mei, for helping clear my head."

As he spoke, Mei's heart quickened, and she rose to her feet, her voice tinged with genuine pleasure, "I'm glad I could make you feel better."

Lyon responded with a gentle smile and stood, signaling a move toward the kitchen, with Mei trailing behind him.

In that moment, Mei recognized something crucial about Lyon—he often retreated into his thoughts, sometimes burdened by them. She sensed that even small reassurances could lighten his spirits significantly.

From that day forward, Mei made a point to stay close to Lyon, providing quiet support even outside of their scheduled classes, hoping her presence would continue to offer him the solace he seemed to find in her company.

---

Two and a half months into their training at St. Freya, Himeko and Theresa had come to a concerning realization about Lyon. 

Boredom was his dangerous companion.

This realization had spurred worries among both faculty and students, prompting many to suggest that perhaps Lyon needed a bit more...engagement.

Now, they were walking into the training arena, only to find several Valkyrie trainees sprawled on the ground, while Lyon stood triumphantly in the center, hands on hips and a grin plastered across his face.

Himeko scanned the aftermath and sighed heavily. "Lyon, was it really necessary to go all out like this? I think I can see some bones out here."

Inhaling deeply, Lyon reveled in his perceived triumph. "Ah, the sweet scent of victory. They asked for it, Himeko."

Theresa gave him a flat look. "You do realize the more you do this, the more complaints we get, right?"

Lyon stretched casually. "What's the problem? I just asked them for a small favor."

Theresa exchanged a worried glance with Himeko. "I have a feeling asking you to clarify that 'favor' is going to make me regret it."

Grinning, Lyon seemed oblivious to their concern. "Oh, it was simple. We made a bet—if I win, they do as I say."

"And if they won?" Himeko pinched the bridge of her nose, anticipating his answer.

Pointing to himself confidently, Lyon declared, "Then they get the honor of dating me."

Theresa muttered under her breath, "This man is completely clueless about the hearts he's playing with."

Intrigued despite herself, Himeko raised an eyebrow. "And what if I took up that bet? Would the stakes be the same?"

Lyon pondered briefly, a finger resting on his chin. "Hmm... I suppose so. I've seen you in action, Himeko, but frankly, your moves seemed a bit sluggish from my perspective."

Himeko, not one to back down, cracked her knuckles in response. "Really now? Perhaps we should test that theory."

Theresa interjected with a worried expression, "Himeko, please reconsider! This boy—"

"—Just a student!"

She cut him, pointing an admonishing finger at Lyon, "—Has been wreaking havoc on our training equipment by magnetically pulling things and smashing them! The dean has been complaining, and I don't want to fan the flames if you end up losing to him!"

Lyon offered a casual shrug. "Why not give it a try, Himeko?"

Theresa looked between them, her expression bordering on despair. "Does anyone listen to me anymore?"

Patting Theresa gently on the head, Himeko reassured her, "Don't worry so much! It's not like I'm going to take him seriously. He's just a freshman, after all."

Lyon stretched his arms back, loosening up. "Hehe, ready when you are."

Himeko assumed a ready stance, muscles tensing in anticipation. "Prepared as ever!"

Theresa, resigned to her fate as the bystander, moved to the sideline to supervise. "Alright then... on your mark."

The two faced off, Lyon with his fists glowing a faint blue, indicative of his unique powers, and Himeko standing confidently.

Theresa dropped her hand sharply. "Go!"

Lyon was quick off the mark, aiming a punch at Himeko, who nimbly dodged.

Observing his tactics, Himeko commented while dodging another swipe, "Those are some dangerous moves, young man. You're really aiming to win, aren't you?"

Grinning, Lyon retorted as he adjusted his attack strategy, "I'd rather not end up dating someone who could be my aunt, thanks!"

Himeko smirked back, her movements becoming more fluid and teasing, "Well, let's see if you can keep up then!" as she evaded Lyon's advances with graceful agility.

Since starting at St. Freya, Lyon had committed to enhancing his abilities by harnessing the surrounding energy, methodically strengthening both his body and his perceptual powers.

His unique vision allowed him to perceive and manipulate energies that others couldn't, assuming they were strands of Honkai Energy. He integrated these insights into his combat techniques, taught at the academy, becoming adept in battle.

And so...

Himeko lunged with a punch, but as her fist neared Lyon, it decelerated dramatically, halting just inches from him. She tried pushing forward, to no avail.

Retreating, she eyed him warily. "Brat... what did you do?"

Lyon flashed a mischievous grin. "Wouldn't you like to know? It might just help you win."

Himeko, not easily dissuaded, scoffed. "Getting cocky, aren't we?"

Lyon had developed a defensive tactic, using his ability to manipulate energy like a telekinetic force, creating an invisible shield around himself. He dubbed this ability "Limitless."

Undeterred, Himeko charged again, only to be stopped by the same invisible barrier. "Gah..."

Seeing his chance, Lyon smirked. "Looks like I've got this one, eh?"

Trapped by Lyon's Limitless, Himeko struggled in vain. Lyon seized the opportunity, his fist glowing with a blue energy as he landed a solid punch to her stomach. This energy, which he called "Blue," enhanced his strikes, pulling Himeko into them for maximum impact.

Sent flying, she crashed to the ground, dazed and disoriented.

Lyon, elated, danced around the training ground. "Woohoo! No date with the red hag for me!"

Meanwhile, Himeko staggered up and promptly vomited into a nearby trashcan. Theresa surveyed the scene, her expression a mix of astonishment and concern.

"Grandpa is going to kill me..."

Lyon continued his jubilant celebration, oblivious to the aftermath of his victory.

---

In the current lecture, Lyon, alongside Mei, Kiana, and Bronya, sat together in class, attending one of Himeko's detailed sessions.

Mei, ever the diligent student, was engrossed in the lecture, meticulously translating Himeko's words into her own comprehensive study notes. Bronya appeared equally absorbed, processing every word with robotic efficiency.

Kiana, on the other hand, seemed less engaged, amusing herself by crafting paper balls and sketching images of Honkai beasts on her notebook, a testament to her restless creativity.

Lyon, positioned next to Mei, seemed more interested in her notes than the lecture itself.

Mei noticed and chided him gently, "Lyon, you should be focusing on the lecture."

He shrugged off her concern with a smile, "I find your notes clearer than my own scribbles. They help me stay on track."

"I can print a copy for you later," Mei offered, "but for now, please try to pay attention to Himeko."

Lyon nodded, settling back into his seat, "Alright, I'll give it a shot."

Moments later, Himeko directed a question at him, "Lyon, can you answer this question on the board for us?"

Caught off-guard, Lyon glanced at the board where the question read: 'What determines the variability of Honkai?'

Confused, he whispered to Mei, "What's she asking here?"

Mei looked equally puzzled, "It sounds like she's asking about the factors that influence Honkai manifestations."

"Ah," Lyon acknowledged, standing to give his answer. He faced Himeko confidently, "I think the variability could be seen as an entity awakening, akin to a blossom fairy descending into a child's tale by the spring's cascade."

"..."

The classroom fell silent, everyone processing Lyon's poetic interpretation with mixed expressions of bewilderment and curiosity.

Mei paused mid-sentence in her note-taking, determined not to record Lyon's recent statement, which veered on the side of absurd.

Kiana, juggling paper balls until a moment ago, stared at Lyon, her expression a mix of amusement and disbelief, the paper balls tumbling onto her head.

Bronya, ever the pragmatist, simply shook her head, convinced Lyon's antics were becoming more outlandish with each passing day.

The classroom buzzed with murmurs as students exchanged bewildered looks, trying to discern if Lyon was jesting or just hopelessly confused.

Himeko, exasperated, rested her forehead against the chalkboard with a thud. "What nonsense are you spouting now..." she muttered, more to herself than to Lyon.

Lyon, maintaining a grave expression, was inwardly fighting back laughter.

'As she's said, I'm just spouting nonsense right now. While what I said is somewhat illogical, it's none of my business.'

Confidently reclining in his seat, he watched as Himeko's frustration visibly mounted.

With a weary sigh, Himeko announced, "I'm ending this class early before I lose any more of my sanity."

A cheer erupted from the class, but Himeko raised a hand to silence them. "However," she continued, "I need to remind you—assuming anyone listened during the syllabus review—that in two weeks, you'll have your evaluation exams. Passing these will elevate your status and qualify you for field missions."

Lyon leaned back, whispering to Mei, "Sounds straightforward enough, right?"

Mei, packing her notes, nodded but with a hint of caution, "It should be... though one might find it challenging."

Their gazes turned to Kiana, who seemed momentarily overwhelmed, saliva almost foaming at her mouth in anxiety.

Himeko laid down the clincher, "And remember, if one team member fails, the entire team repeats the year!"

The collective groan from the teams echoed through the classroom as they contemplated their linked fates.

Which made the weight of her words crash down on Lyon, Mei, and Bronya like a ton of bricks, and Lyon shouted as Kiana's performance suddenly becoming their concern.

"SON OF A BIT—"

End of Chapter