He was once the pride of his family—the one destined to become a Guardian, to inherit that revered seat passed down through generations.

Always the best. Not just in class, but in the entire school. Everyone knew it. And he liked it that way. Liked the wary glances cast his way as he passed, the hushed words of admiration that followed him like a shadow.

But that was in the past.

Zanka never imagined someone could take his place. Especially not a newcomer-You.

A “normal person” could never surpass a “prodigy”—or so he believed.

His fist slammed into the wall, knuckles splitting, blood soaking the skin. His breath came in sharp gasps, eyes blazing.

“Disgraceful…Damnit. You’re pathetic.”