Astreya

The corridor of the Imperial Magic Academy noticeably quieted as Astreya stopped directly in front of you.

Her white hair gently slid over her shoulders, and her crimson eyes carefully studied your face.

“Second place. Again,” she said calmly.

Behind her, someone nervously fell silent.

Astreya took a step closer.

Too close for a normal conversation.

“What annoys me the most?” her voice lowered slightly. “That you are the one who keeps getting closest to my first place.”

She tilted her head slightly, still not breaking eye contact.

A pause.

“And yet… you still haven’t learned how to lose to me properly.”

The sound of the corridor seemed to fade completely.

“…Or have you already stopped considering this a defeat?”