Kairon had just sat down again.
One scroll in his lap, a half-crushed pear in one hand, and the dregs of sleep still dusting his lashes.
Peace.
But the peace never lasted.
Not with them.
Not here.
Knock-knock.
The sound wasn't on the door. It was inside the barrier—like silk torn in reverse.
Then came the scent.
Rosewater and sweat. Steel oil and forbidden pages.
A ripple passed through the archive. Brix stood instantly, flames reactivating along his knuckles. Lio rose more slowly, one knee still on the floor, his expression sharpening.
The shimmer peeled open again.
This time, no permission was requested.
And through the glimmering tear stepped a figure dressed in asymmetrical robes—half priest, half courtesan. Golden eyes. Sleeves too long, lips curled in amusement, and a voice already ready to break things.
Mav.
"Knock knock," he said, uninvited, "or do we not do doors anymore?"
Kairon didn't look up. "No one asked for poetry."
Mav grinned. "And yet here I am, like destiny in eyeliner."
[Sin Signature Detected: LUST – High Compatibility.][Student Slot Remaining: 6. Entry Triggered.]
The System chimed in Kairon's head.
[Warning: Third Sin-Class Entity Present. Loyalty Designation Pending.][Attention Required: Existing Candidate Status – Unresolved.]
Kairon sighed. "Of course it's you again," he said vaguely, not turning to either one.
"Me again?" Mav tilted his head. "We've met?"
"We've all met," Kairon muttered. "Eventually."
[System Prompt: Decision Required. Candidate Kneeling: Slot Assign – Y/N?]
Brix turned, startled. "It's asking you."
Lio didn't raise his head. Didn't beg. Didn't speak.
He stayed kneeling. Not shaking. Not desperate.
Just ready.
Kairon looked at him.
No name spoken.
Just a man kneeling like it mattered.
The scroll in Kairon's hand fell shut.
And finally—he spoke.
"Don't ask me if you can stay," he said softly. "Ask me if I'll take responsibility for you."
Lio looked up. "Will you?"
Kairon closed one eye, looked toward the ceiling, and muttered, "Only if you keep your boots off the scroll shelf and don't try to inspire anyone."
[Student Slot Assigned. PRIDE – Initiated.][EXP Transfer: 520,000 Delivered.][Skill Tree Unlocked: PRIDE – Tier 1.][Title: Blade of Intent – Assigned.]
Lio inhaled sharply. A glow traced the edge of his shoulder blade. A mark—not of servitude, but of choice—lit across his collarbone.
He didn't smile.
But he nodded.
Mav clapped slowly. "Oh wow. He chose you. Did the world just tilt? Or is that just the disappointment in my chest?"
Kairon looked at him flatly.
"I don't know who you are, and I'm not planning to find out today."
Mav bowed. "How romantic."
Kairon pointed to a shelf. "Pick a corner. Be quiet."
"Already my role in life," Mav muttered as he wandered.
And just like that—three had gathered.
The Wrathful.
The Prideful.
And now the Uninvited.
And Kairon didn't know any of their names.
But somehow, they already belonged to him.