Chapter 1:

Heartweld: Lovefall

Level Up at Love School: Retake


When we were transported back to Romancia, the absence of a welcome was palpable.

Bohyňa's usual system voice, which should have greeted us with an announcement about special permissions or even a playful quip, was disturbingly silent. It was a stark reminder of her current state—enslaved by Plameň.

We respawned just outside Love School, where everything seemed deceptively normal. The sky was adorned with heart-shaped clouds drifting lazily, the building itself gleamed with its usual polish, and a sweet breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers. Even the animals ambled about in pairs, seemingly at peace.

“Hey, look at those two wolves,” Búrka said, pointing toward the edge of the nearby forest. Two wolves frolicked in the sunlight, their movements synchronized and joyful.

“Yeah? So?” Nebo muttered, clearly uninterested.

Láska’s eyes widened with sudden realization. “Oh my goodness, look at the symbols above their heads!” She gestured emphatically toward the wolves.

We followed her gaze, and sure enough, two male symbols hovered above the wolves, glowing faintly.

Come to think of it, we had never seen same-gender pairs before. It was strange, but given the gravity of our mission, I shelved the thought for later. Plameň’s presence was a more pressing concern.

Nebo said dismissively, already bored. “Where do we find this so-called King of Romancia?”

Láska’s brow furrowed in thought before she spoke. “Let’s start with the school itself. If he’s claimed it as his castle, there’s bound to be something important there.”

We quickly agreed on the plan and split into two groups to cover more ground. Láska and I took one side of the school while Búrka and Nebo scoured the other. We moved methodically, checking every room—from the teachers’ lounge to our old classroom. The halls echoed with our footsteps, but they were otherwise eerily silent. Not a single soul crossed our path.

When we regrouped in the classroom that had been our home base during our studies, a heavy realization settled over us.

“This place is completely abandoned,” Láska said, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Looks like we’ve got no choice,” I said, pulling a chair to the front of the room. “Let’s make this our base for now.”

Búrka plopped down at a nearby desk, her face twisted in annoyance. “So, we’re just squatting in a deserted school until we figure out how to confront this self-proclaimed king? Great plan.”

Nebo, already leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, let out a long yawn. “Fine by me. Just wake me up when there’s something worth doing.”

The room fell into an uneasy silence as we began to strategize. Outside the windows, the tranquil landscape seemed to mock us. The serenity of Romancia felt like a lie—a beautiful façade concealing the chaos brewing within its heart.

“This is stupid” Nebo grumbled. “If Plameň really is King now, he probably knows we’re here already.”

“That’s true,” Búrka nodded. “And with Bohyňa under his thumb, he’s probably watching us even now.”

A heavy silence fell over the room, the weight of the situation pressing down on us.

Then, suddenly, it shattered.

“Guess who’s back. Back again. Shad-“

“PLAMEŇ?!”

We leapt to our feet as he casually strode into the classroom, his eyes gleaming with quiet irritation.

“What do you guys want from me?” he said, taking a seat at the teacher’s desk as if he owned the place. “I thought we agreed to stay out of each other’s way.”

My heart pounded as though I were facing the demon lord himself, but a quick mental check reassured me—my Whisper of Hearts hadn’t gone off. He wasn’t intending to harm us. Not yet.

I glanced above his head. His name now bore the title “King of Romancia”, and his level had risen up to 100.

“Plameň,” I began, swallowing the lump in my throat, “please stop this. Other people deserve the chance to graduate and love freely, just like we did. And release Bohyňa, too!”

“Oh, is that what you think? Love freely?” He leaned back, his tone dripping with disdain. “Guess what. Not everyone gets to do that, even after graduating.”

“What do you mean?” Láska’s voice trembled with unease.

“You really don’t know anything, do you?” He sighed, standing. “I’m not wasting my time explaining. Just leave.”

As he turned to go, Nebo stood and blocked his path. For once, his usual nonchalance gave way to resolve.

“Stand back, guys,” Nebo said, cracking his knuckles. “This is the one time I’m willing to stick my neck out for someone else.”

“Nebo, you…” Búrka’s voice cracked, her eyes brimming with emotion.

“I didn’t want to fight, but after the mistake we made, this is the only way to secure our diplomas.”

Láska’s excitement bubbled over. “He’s gonna do it! His special move!”

Nebo stepped forward, his voice calm but commanding. “Eternal Vow: Unbreakable Promise! Plameň, promise me that you’ll release Bohyňa and open Love School’s gates to everyone again!”

We held our breaths, waiting for the outcome. For a moment, even Plameň seemed amused.

Then the system’s dreaded monotone voice chimed in.

[Soul Enchantment failed. Your level is not high enough for your opponent.]

Nebo sighed, deflating back into his usual slouched posture. “Well, I tried,” he muttered, sliding to the floor and sucking on his thumb as if preparing for another nap.

“Damn it!” I clenched my fists in frustration. “Plameň, come here and face me! If Soul Enchantments won’t work, then let’s settle this man-to-man!”

“Kiss, don’t be reckless!” Láska warned. “Remember his ability—he can turn your anger and hatred into love!”

To my surprise, it was Plameň who responded.

“Relax. He doesn’t hate me. My Heartflip won’t work. But if you want to fight, I’ll give you a fight.” He smiled faintly, a glint of mischief in his eyes. ”I tried to warn you to leave me alone but…” He turned to the air, addressing no one in particular. “Bohyňa. Do it.”

[Yes, my King.]

The system messages rang in our heads like ominous bells. A chill ran down my spine as my Whisper of Hearts flared to life, signaling imminent danger.

“What the hell is going to happen?” I instinctively grabbed Láska’s hand.

Her reaction was immediate. “Caring Shield: Infinite Wall!” she cried out, her voice steady despite the fear in her eyes.

A shimmering barrier enveloped us, its translucent surface glimmering with a faint, protective glow. We stood within it, holding our breath as though it could somehow shield us from more than just physical harm.

And then the message hit us like a tidal wave:

[Player no. 52: Kiss, Player no. 17: Búrka, Player no. 6: Láska. Your Love Pass items have been extracted from your inventory.]

The words hung in the air, their weight sinking into our hearts.

“No…” Búrka’s voice cracked, her confidence faltering as the truth set in. “What have you done?!”

Plameň smirked, his violet eyes cold and calculating. The smugness in his expression was almost unbearable.

“Plameň!!!” Rage surged within me as I broke from Láska’s grasp and dashed toward him. Fists clenched, I aimed for the smirk that taunted us.

But Plameň barely flinched. “Alchemy: Heartweld. Lovefall.”

In an instant, the world shifted. My vision blurred as a wave of euphoria swept over me. My anger dissolved into nothingness. The vibrant hues of Romancia seemed brighter, the air sweeter, the figure before me… breathtaking.

Those deep violet eyes held me captive. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach.

This man… this incredible being…



Chapter 1: END

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