They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System

Chapter 531: Did You Take The Wrong Medicine??

Then she let out a small laugh, surprised and amused, when she caught the faint flush on Arthur’s face. It wasn’t much, just a hint of pink dusting his cheeks, but it looked wildly out of place on someone usually so cold and composed.

He looks... cute, she thought with a tiny, startled flutter in her chest.

"I’m going now," she added, her voice lighter.

Arthur gave the slightest nod, the embarrassment already tucked back beneath his usual calm expression.

With one last wave, Nnenna turned and walked into the Academy, her steps no longer weighed down by nerves, but lifted by a quiet, unexpected sense of peace.

Arthur watched silently as Nnenna disappeared into the Academy building. The large doors closed behind her, but her smile lingered in his mind, bright, genuine... softening.

Just driving her to school... just asking how she felt... made her smile like that?

He gripped the wheel loosely, thinking.

Would Ava... have smiled too?

Would she have appreciated it, if she knew he deliberately showed up for her?

He sat there for a moment longer, uncertain. Then, without overthinking it, he pulled out his phone and typed a short message to his little sister.

[You’ll do great.]

Simple. Honest. He hit send.

A few minutes later, his phone buzzed with her reply:

[Did you take the wrong medicine??]

Arthur: "..."

at the

she needed to hear that? Or... was this just how she processed affection from him,

sighed, sliding the phone

try again someday.

started the car

light but her heartbeat loud in her ears. As she drew closer, a wave of sound reached her, cheers, murmurs, laughter, and the thudding echoes of bodies already sparring

The arena was alive.

side entrance and paused, taking in the

ceiling crisscrossed with thin, glowing beams

combat, but currently scattered with

tiers, already packed with students, staff, and an unusual number of parents and observers. Several had small hologram screens open on their laps, live streaming close up angles or player stats. The medical wing was stationed just to the left, ready to attend to anyone who

a physical discipline, it was mental, emotional, and

buzzed through the

here!" someone whispered as Nnenna entered the participant

the girl skipping

think she can survive this

aiming for her directly. And Stephanie

guts just for

eyes swept over the arena calmly as her heart settled. The noise was loud, but oddly... it steadied her. This was the test she

gloves and moved further in, the sound of the crowd swelling behind her like

lights shifted

matches were

No Ava, no Emily, no Hannah. Just her, her thoughts, and the rising heartbeat of the arena around

She exhaled slowly.

so thick you could slice it. One misstep in this kind of arena and you would either lose your chance... or worse, lose face. And in

Time trickled by.

the arena lights dimmed slightly and a sharp gong

The referee had arrived.

central stage, a tall, lean man with

the Year Three Martial Arts Examination, a showcase of discipline, strength, and strategic skill. Today, you’ll witness