I didn’t know where I was.

  I didn’t know what was happening.

  And I didn’t know if this was even real.

  It looked like a universe — but something about it was wrong. The stars were dim, the sky cracked like shattered glass, and the colors bled together as if time itself was melting. All around me, war raged.

  Countless beings clashed across the endless void. They weren’t human…and there were Yomurei. They looked like divine soldiers wrapped in fragments of light, fighting against tall, humanoid Yomurei covered in black moist darkness.

  Both sides suffered terribly — the screams of pain echoed across the stars.

  I couldn’t tell who was good or evil, but instinct made me side with those fighting the Yomurei. Their power was overwhelming, but their eyes… their eyes carried something more than rage. It was sorrow.

  Then, through the chaos, I heard a voice — deep, powerful, and echoing through the cosmos.

  ?   “I will be the one to end this war!”

  Everything went silent. The stars froze. The world shattered into light.

  And I woke up.

  My eyes shot open as I gasped for air. I was back in my dorm, staring at the ceiling. Sweat rolled down my temple. My heart pounded.

  “What… was that?” I whispered. “A nightmare?”

  I sat up and rubbed my eyes. “What a weird one…”

  The room was quiet except for the soft sound of breathing. Tatsuya was still asleep on the other bed, his arms crossed over his chest like always. His face was calm, unreadable.

  I stood up, stretching my arms and yawning. The air was cold and still. As I opened the door, the smell of food hit me — savory and warm.

  Ayaka was already in the kitchen, wearing her uniform with an apron on top. The morning sunlight through the window made her silver hair glimmer faintly.

  “You’re up early,” I said, still half-asleep.

  She turned slightly, her usual calm expression softening into a small smile. “Yeah. I woke up before sunrise. Figured I’d make breakfast before the mission.”

  “Tatsuya’s still asleep,” I said, rubbing my head.

  She chuckled softly. “Not surprising. He’s the quiet type, but I bet he barely slept last night.”

  I yawned again. “You might be right.”

  I went into the bathroom and splashed cold water on my face. The reflection that looked back at me in the mirror didn’t feel like mine. My eyes looked sharper, like they’d seen something they shouldn’t have.

  “You look like you’re prepared for your first mission,” I told myself quietly.

  I didn’t believe it. But saying it made it feel a little more real.

  When I came out, Tatsuya was already sitting at the table, quietly adjusting his gloves. His black hair fell slightly over his eyes as he glanced up at me.

  “Oh, you’re awake,” I said. “That was fast.”

  He nodded silently. “Couldn’t stay asleep.”

  That was all he said. Short and calm — like always.

  Ayaka placed three bowls on the table. “Breakfast is ready. Rice, eggs, and grilled fish. Nothing fancy, but it’ll keep us steady for the mission.”

  We sat down and began to eat. The smell of miso soup filled the small dorm.

  “This is good,” I said, trying to break the silence.

  Ayaka smirked faintly. “Of course. I made sure it’s extra tasty. We’ll need the energy.”

  Tatsuya ate quietly, his expression unreadable. He didn’t talk much, but his eyes showed focus — the kind that came before battle.

  After we finished, I took a quick shower and changed into my uniform. The black Tenka Academy jacket fit perfectly, and the silver emblem on the shoulder reflected the morning light.

  Ayaka tied her hair and put her sword on her hip. “It’s almost time. We meet at Shinsei Hall before eight.”

  “Right.”

  We stepped outside at 7:45 a.m. The morning air was cool, carrying the faint scent of rain from last night. The academy’s streets were alive — students in uniform heading toward their posts, instructors giving orders, airships preparing for flight.

  Cherry trees lined the path, their petals dancing lightly in the breeze.

  Tatsuya walked silently beside me, his gaze fixed ahead. Ayaka walked with calm confidence, her every step measured.

  “You nervous?” I asked, glancing at her.

  She smiled faintly. “A little. First missions always bring nerves. But fear keeps us focused.”

  I looked down at my hands. “I guess you’re right.”

  We reached Shinsei Hall, its massive white dome gleaming under the morning sun. Inside, three groups of students had already gathered. The air was thick with tension — some were whispering, others checking their weapons.

  At the front stood Instructor Minazuki, his coat flowing slightly as he crossed his arms. His presence alone silenced the hall.

  When he spoke, his voice carried weight.

  “I assume everyone is here. Before we move out, I want to know the names of your groups.”

  He turned to the first team.

  “You, step forward.”

  A tall boy with red hair did so confidently. “Sir! Team Ryujin!”

  “Team Ryujin. Noted.”

  Minazuki’s eyes shifted to another group. “And you?”

  A silver-haired girl saluted. “Team Seraph, sir!”

  “Team Seraph. Understood.”

  Finally, his eyes landed on us. “Sumeragi-san, your group?”

  Ayaka stepped forward, her expression calm and certain. “Team Gesshoku, sir.”

  “Gesshoku,” Minazuki repeated, nodding slightly. “A fitting name. The Moon’s Eclipse — light and shadow in balance.”

  She bowed lightly. “Yes, sir.”

  Minazuki stepped forward. “Teams Ryujin, Seraph, and Gesshoku — your first mission will be held at Showa Kinen Park. D and D+ class Yomurei have been detected in the area. You are to eliminate them and secure the perimeter. This will serve as your official field debut as Yomu executioner.”

  The room grew silent. Even the faint hum of the lights seemed to fade.

  “This is not training,” Minazuki continued. “There will be no simulations, no guidance once you enter combat. Remember your formation. Protect your team. And do not underestimate your enemy.”

  He raised his voice. “Are you all ready?!”

  “Yes, sir!” we all shouted in unison.

  Minazuki nodded firmly. “Good. Move out!”

  We turned and exited the hall. The sunlight was blinding now, the sky clear blue. Rows of armored vehicles and airships waited by the western gate. Their engines hummed softly as Yomu executioner soldiers loaded supplies and weapons.

  Ayaka glanced back at us. “Let’s go.”

  Tatsuya adjusted his gloves silently, eyes focused.

  I nodded. “Right behind you.”

  We walked toward the boarding ramp. Around us, students from the other teams were laughing nervously or hyping themselves up. Our group, though, stayed quiet. Focused.

  Outside the academy gates, four black vehicles waited in a straight line. The engines hummed softly, their glossy surfaces reflecting the morning sun. Each one bore the silver emblem of the Tenka Corps—the mark of those entrusted with keeping Japan safe from the Yomurei.

  These cars weren’t for comfort—they were armored, fast, and equipped with Shin’en-powered shields for emergencies.

  Each team had their own vehicle. The first car belonged to Instructor Minazuki himself, who would oversee the operation. The others were for Team Ryujin, Team Seraph, and lastly, Team Gesshoku—ours.

  Students who weren’t chosen for this mission stood near the entrance, watching us leave. They were headed toward the training grounds for their usual routines. I could see a mix of envy and nervous excitement in their eyes.

  Ayaka was already standing by our car, checking her weapon—a short blade infused with blue Shin’en. Tatsuya sat quietly in the backseat, hands resting on his knees, expression unreadable as always. I took the seat beside him.

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  Minazuki gave a final glance toward all of us.

  “Remember—this is not a simulation. Watch each other’s backs. And don’t act alone.”

  The engines roared to life, and the cars began moving.

  The streets were calm at first. Morning light glimmered on the glass buildings as we passed by, but a faint heaviness hung in the air. The closer we got to Showa Kinen Park, the more distant the city noise became—like the world itself was holding its breath.

  I looked out the window. The park came into view—a vast green landscape with rows of trees, ponds, and long paths. It was beautiful, but something about it felt off.

  Birds flew away in flocks as our cars approached the entrance.

  “It’s quiet…” Ayaka muttered.

  “Too quiet,” Tatsuya replied softly, eyes scanning the area.

  As soon as people saw the Tenka Corps emblem on our vehicles, panic spread. Civilians began evacuating without being told. Parents grabbed their children, shopkeepers shut their stalls, and joggers fled toward the gates. It was almost like they already knew what was coming.

  “They’ve seen enough attacks to understand,” Minazuki said through the earpiece. “This isn’t the first time Yomurei appeared in this area. Proceed with caution.”

  When we stopped, everyone got out. The crisp smell of grass mixed with the faint scent of iron—like the air itself was warning us.

  Minazuki stepped forward, drawing his sword from its sheath. The blade shimmered faintly, blue symbols glowing along its edge. He slammed it into the ground.

  “Shinsei Barrier: Activate!”

  A surge of Shin’en burst from the tip of his blade, spreading outward like ripples on water. A transparent dome expanded around the park, encasing the entire area in a soft, shimmering light.

  “This will prevent any Yomurei from escaping—or entering,” Minazuki said. “Now… prepare your weapons.”

  Ayaka drew her short blade, the energy around it pulsing lightly. I equipped my standard issue Tenka dagger—a temporary weapon since I hadn’t received an official one yet. Tatsuya pulled out his twin tonfas, their edges reinforced with Shin’en channels.

  Minazuki’s assistant, a man named Haru Takemura, approached with a small, orb-shaped device. “Detector’s on, sir.”

  The Yomu Detector floated mid-air, its glass core swirling with faint green mist. Slowly, it began to glow brighter.

  “Color’s changing…” Haru muttered.

  The mist turned into a sharp, vibrant green.

  “D-rank confirmed,” Minazuki said grimly. “They’re close.”

  Almost instantly, the air shifted.

  The grass beneath us began to darken. Patches of black moisture seeped out of the ground like spilled ink. The once-bright flowers around the paths shriveled into dust.

  Ayaka took a defensive stance. “Here they come.”

  The black liquid pulsed, forming clusters. Then—figures emerged.

  Twisted humanoid silhouettes crawled out of the ground, their bodies dripping with dark slime, eyes glowing faint red. They hissed in unison, a sound that sent chills down my spine.

  “As Kaito said…” I whispered. “Corrupt Shin’en turns into Yomurei.”

  “Exactly,” Minazuki confirmed. “Formations—now!”

  He raised his voice. “Team Ryujin! Secure the west zone! Team Seraph, the east! Team Gesshoku, stay near me and take the central field!”

  “Yes, sir!”

  All three teams split off immediately.

  The moment they separated, the air shifted. The once-peaceful park seemed to exhale darkness, the faint scent of decay spreading with every gust of wind.

  Team Seraph — Kira Aozora, Rento Sagawa, and Miyu Youmina — headed east, toward the open garden field. Their boots pressed softly against the dried grass, crunching under the faint moonlight that filtered through the clouds.

  “This place feels wrong…” Miyu murmured, holding her staff close. Her voice trembled slightly. “The Shin’en around here… it’s unstable.”

  Kira crouched, brushing her fingers across the soil. A faint residue of black mist clung to her glove. “Yomurei presence. Fresh.”

  Rento rested his hammer on his shoulder, scanning the horizon. “Then let’s crush them fast and get outta here.”

  Kira’s blue eyes narrowed. “Don’t get cocky. We stick to formation. Miyu, support from behind. Rento, you’re front.”

  Rento grinned. “Yeah, yeah. You lead, I’ll break bones.”

  The Yomu Detector hanging from Miyu’s belt blinked rapidly.

  “They’re close,” she whispered.

  Before they could react, the ground convulsed with a violent tremor. Thick, black liquid spurted upward, splashing across the field. The liquid took form — three humanoid Yomurei, skin pitch-black and faces featureless except for glowing red eyes.

  “Here we go!” Rento yelled, gripping his hammer.

  “Engage!” Kira shouted.

  The first Yomurei lunged straight at her, claws swiping horizontally. She ducked, rolled forward, and slashed its leg in one motion. Her twin daggers emitted thin streaks of blue flame as she cut through its limb, forcing it to kneel. She finished with a swift upward strike, dissolving it into ash.

  The second creature charged Rento. He swung his hammer in a wide arc — the air whistling before colliding with the monster’s torso. The blow sent the Yomurei flying several meters, landing in a heap before disintegrating.

  The third one moved toward Miyu.

  Her heart pounded, but she focused, chanting softly. “Reilight: Bind!”

  Golden chains erupted from the ground, wrapping around the Yomurei’s arms and neck. “Now, Kira!”

  Kira spun her daggers and dashed forward. A single slash — and the Yomurei’s upper body split cleanly in half.

  The air fell silent again.

  Rento wiped his forehead. “Tch. Too easy. Thought we were supposed to fight D-class, not C-minus garbage.”

  “Don’t underestimate them,” Kira warned. Her gaze drifted across the field. The black liquid that had splattered earlier hadn’t disappeared — it was spreading. “Look.”

  The ground pulsed.

  In seconds, several more dark shapes emerged — ten, then twenty, then nearly thirty. Each one twisted unnaturally as it stood, forming grotesque silhouettes.

  “R-Rento…” Miyu whispered, stepping back. “That’s way more than we can handle—”

  Kira interrupted, voice sharp. “We can handle it. Rento, clear the front! Miyu, barriers on my mark!”

  Rento slammed his hammer into the dirt. “Then let’s make it loud!”

  He charged. His hammer ignited in red Shin’en, the ground cracking beneath his steps. “Shin’en Burst!”

  The impact created a shockwave, obliterating the front line of Yomurei. But for every one that fell, two more took its place.

  Kira moved like lightning, slicing through the left flank, leaving bright streaks in the air. Her attacks were precise, every movement honed. Still, the horde’s number kept rising.

  Miyu spread her arms, chanting faster. “Luminous Wall!”

  A translucent barrier of golden light expanded in front of her, blocking the claws of three advancing Yomurei. Each strike made cracks appear in the barrier. “It won’t hold long!”

  “Just a little more!” Kira shouted, cutting through two monsters that broke through Rento’s guard.

  Blood splattered across her cheek — not hers, not human.

  Rento yelled, “They just keep coming! What’s feeding them?!”

  “The ground!” Miyu pointed toward the center of the field — a black, pulsating lump like a heart. With every pulse, more Yomurei emerged.

  Kira clicked her tongue. “A generator. It’s spawning them.”

  “Then we break it!”

  Rento charged straight toward it.

  “Wait—Rento!” Kira shouted, but he was already halfway there.

  The generator pulsed violently, and a massive claw shot from beneath it, striking Rento square in the chest. He flew back, hammer spinning out of his hands, crashing into the dirt several meters away.

  “Rento!” Miyu screamed.

  The ground split open. From within the pulsating black mound, something larger rose — a towering Yomurei, nearly three meters tall. Its body was armored with bone-like plates, and its four arms ended in long, jagged claws.

  Its presence made the air vibrate.

  Kira’s pupils dilated. “That’s a D+…!”

  The monster roared, releasing a wave of corrupted energy that threw Kira and Miyu off their feet.

  Miyu coughed, trying to crawl to her staff. “Kira—!”

  Kira forced herself up, her daggers glowing faintly. “Don’t… don’t panic.” She looked to Rento, who was struggling to stand, blood running down his lip.

  “I’m… not done yet,” he growled.

  Kira stepped forward, spinning her blades. “Listen up. Rento, focus on hitting its legs. Miyu, keep us alive — anything you’ve got left.”

  Miyu nodded weakly. “Got it.”

  The monster charged.

  Kira met it head-on. Their clash sent shockwaves through the garden — her daggers clashing against its claws. Sparks and black mist flew in every direction. The Yomurei swiped again; Kira barely dodged, feeling its claws graze her arm.

  She hissed in pain, then countered with a twin slash that left burning blue trails across its chest. It staggered but didn’t fall.

  Rento slammed his hammer into its knee. “Crushing Impact!”

  The limb cracked, making the creature howl.

  Miyu thrust her staff forward. “Reilight: Bind Array!”

  Golden chains erupted from the ground again, wrapping around the Yomurei’s torso and limbs. It struggled violently, tearing some apart but slowing down enough for Kira and Rento to attack in unison.

  Kira leapt high, daggers spinning in her hands. “Twin Nova!”

  Rento roared beneath her, hammer glowing. “Burst Strike!”

  Their attacks landed simultaneously — hammer and daggers striking the same point in the monster’s chest.

  A blinding explosion of white light engulfed the entire field.

  When the light faded, the Yomurei was still standing — barely. Its body smoked, its chest cracked open, exposing glowing red liquid within.

  “It’s… still alive?!” Miyu cried.

  The monster let out one last shriek and swung wildly. Its claws caught Rento across the shoulder, sending him tumbling.

  Kira landed hard, rolling to her knees. “Miyu! Heal him!”

  “I’m on it!”

  Golden light enveloped Rento’s wound as Miyu pressed her staff to his back. “Reilight Heal!”

  Rento winced. “Hah… thanks, Miyu.”

  “Don’t thank me yet!” she yelled. “Finish it!”

  The monster raised its remaining arm, Shin’en surging through its body. The ground cracked as dark veins spread outward.

  Kira felt it — the creature was charging for a final blast.

  She met Rento’s eyes. “We end it now.”

  He nodded, gripping his hammer tight. “Together.”

  They charged.

  The Yomurei unleashed its beam of dark energy, tearing through the air. Kira moved faster than thought, sliding beneath it, her daggers trailing light. She cut upward, slicing through its arm mid-blast. The attack wavered, exploding prematurely.

  The explosion knocked her back, but Rento kept going.

  He leapt, roaring, his hammer shining bright red. “Heaven Crusher!”

  The weapon collided with the Yomurei’s core — a direct hit. The monster’s body froze, light bursting from its cracks.

  For a moment, it looked like it might resist again… but then it shattered, dissolving into black dust.

  Silence.

  Only the sound of heavy breathing remained.

  Kira fell to one knee, panting. “Status?”

  Rento was on his back, laughing weakly. “Alive… barely.”

  Miyu slumped down beside them, tears welling in her eyes — half relief, half exhaustion. “We… we did it.”

  The Yomu Detector’s red light flickered once… then faded to blue.

  Kira looked up at the dark sky. “That was just D+. We’re not ready for higher ranks yet.”

  Rento gave a short chuckle. “Then we get stronger.”

  Miyu smiled faintly. “Yeah… Team Seraph’s not going down that easy.”

  They stood together, surrounded by the silent ruins of the corrupted garden — petals turned to ash, the air still thick with fading darkness.

  In the distance, faint tremors echoed from the western side of the park.

  Kira turned toward it, her eyes narrowing. “That direction… Team ryujin.”

  Rento picked up his hammer. “Then it’s their turn to fight.”

  The screams from the eastern garden faded into silence — the sound of Team Seraph’s battle ending.

  But at the western side of Showa Kinen Park, another kind of storm was brewing.

  Team Ryujin — composed of Daichi Renmaru, Sora Himura, and Eiji Kanzawa — advanced through the wide walkway lined with cherry trees, their petals long withered by the spreading black corruption. The once-vibrant scenery was now soaked in a dim, gray mist, each step echoing on cracked pavement.

  Unlike the other teams, they moved with eerie calm.

  Daichi, their leader, was tall and composed — his sword hung by his side, gleaming faintly with blue Shin’en. “Stay alert,” he muttered. “The Yomu detector’s showing unstable spikes. They’re shifting position.”

  Sora tapped on his wrist device, eyes fixed on the pulsing radar. “I think they’re moving underground. Readings appear, disappear, then resurface again ten meters ahead.”

  Eiji frowned, adjusting his glasses. “Tch, that means these Yomurei can burrow. That complicates things.”

  Daichi nodded. “Then we don’t walk in the open. Stick close to the trees.”

  They shifted formation, moving along the shadowed path. The Yomu detector blinked red — then went completely dark.

  Eiji blinked. “Huh? It stopped responding.”

  Sora’s eyes widened. “That’s… not good.”

  Without warning, the ground split open beneath them.

  “Move!” Daichi yelled.

  All three jumped away as a massive black tendril burst from the soil, followed by a creature crawling out like a spider. Its body was long and sinewy, covered in layers of cracked black armor. Its face resembled a skull, eyes glowing faint crimson.

  “D-class confirmed!” Sora shouted.

  Daichi unsheathed his sword in one swift motion. “Formation three! Keep distance until we know how it attacks!”

  The Yomurei roared, swinging its elongated arm, smashing through a tree like paper. Shards of bark and dirt exploded around them.

  Sora rolled aside, raising his hand. “ReiTrap—set!”

  A glowing blue circle appeared on the ground. As the Yomurei stepped into it, the circle lit up — dozens of thin Shin’en wires shot upward, wrapping around its legs.

  Eiji immediately followed. “Lightning Arc!”

  Bolts of electricity surged from his palm, coursing through the wires and shocking the Yomurei. It howled in agony, flailing violently until it ripped free, leaving chunks of its own flesh behind.

  “Good teamwork,” Daichi said, “but not enough to kill it.”

  He dashed forward, his blade humming with Shin’en. “Azure Fang!”

  A single flash — blue light tore through the air, cutting a long scar across the monster’s chest. It screeched, but even as the wound sizzled, black liquid started to reform around it.

  “It’s regenerating faster than expected,” Eiji muttered.

  “Then we target the core,” Daichi said, eyes narrowing. “Sora, locate it!”

  Sora pulled out a scanner orb from his pouch and tossed it upward. The sphere hovered, scanning the Yomurei with a pulsing green light. After a few seconds, data appeared on Sora’s wristband.

  “Got it! Its Shin’en core is centered in its upper spine, behind the bone armor.”

  Daichi tightened his grip on his sword. “Perfect. Let’s make a plan.”

  He quickly analyzed their surroundings. The terrain was filled with thick trees and broken benches — obstacles, but also cover.

  Eiji smirked. “We lure it toward the lake. The water might amplify my lightning. If we can get it there, I can fry that thing’s nervous system.”

  Sora nodded. “Then I’ll bait it. I’ll set traps along the path to slow it down.”

  Daichi glanced at both of them — a small smile forming on his lips. “Good. Let’s make it count.”

  The plan went into motion.

  Sora sprinted forward, weaving through the trees, throwing small blue talismans that embedded into the ground. The Yomurei followed with an ear-splitting roar, its claws slicing through trunks as it chased him. Each talisman lit up, exploding into bursts of light that scorched the creature’s legs.

  “Come on, ugly!” Sora taunted, leaping over a fallen tree.

  Behind him, Daichi followed closely, cutting down smaller Yomurei that spawned from the spreading black mist.

  Eiji reached the lake first, crouching near the edge. “Good. Conductivity level high enough.” He placed several glowing rods into the water, connecting them through a chain of Shin’en. “When it steps in, I’ll unleash everything.”

  “On your signal,” Daichi’s voice came through the earpiece.

  Moments later, Sora burst from the treeline, panting heavily. “It’s right behind me!”

  “Then dive left — now!” Daichi shouted.

  Sora rolled aside just as the massive Yomurei lunged out of the forest, claws slicing through the air. It crashed into the shallow water, its weight sending waves in every direction.

  “Eiji!”

  Eiji slammed his palm into the activation seal. “Thunder Domain!”

  The rods glowed white-hot, and lightning erupted from the surface of the water, consuming the monster in a web of searing light.

  The creature screamed, its body convulsing violently as its armor cracked apart.

  Sora shielded his face from the brightness. “Is it working—?!”

  Before he could finish, the Yomurei broke free with a roar, the lightning dispersing. Half of its body was charred, but it was still moving.

  “No way—!” Eiji gasped. “That was my strongest voltage!”

  Daichi appeared from the treeline, sword gleaming. “Then I’ll finish it manually!”

  He dashed across the lake’s edge, water splashing under his boots. The Yomurei swung its claw at him — Daichi slid under it, his blade slicing through the creature’s arm. The limb fell, dissolving instantly.

  But before he could reach the core, the creature slammed its tail down, sending a shockwave that threw him backward.

  Daichi hit the water hard, gritting his teeth. “Tch—too strong…”

  Sora saw it coming for him next. “Not this time…” He activated his final trap — a glowing sphere attached to one of his talismans.

  “ReiBomb!”

  It exploded beneath the Yomurei, throwing it off balance. Its movements became erratic, its regenerative aura flickering.

  “That’s our opening!” Eiji yelled.

  Daichi stood again, channeling his remaining Shin’en into his blade. Blue light began to spiral around him, the air vibrating with power. “Azure Style: Final Flash Fang!”

  He leapt into the air — the sword cutting through the mist like a comet.

  The blade pierced the Yomurei’s back, right where the spine met the core.

  A deafening blast of light followed.

  The Yomurei’s scream was swallowed by the explosion as its body disintegrated into fine ash, leaving only ripples on the lake’s surface.

  Daichi landed hard, breathing heavily, the edge of his sword smoking.

  Sora dropped to his knees, exhausted. “That… was insane…”

  Eiji exhaled, pushing up his glasses with a shaky hand. “We… actually did it.”

  The three of them stood still for a moment, the water reflecting the fading glow of their Shin’en.

  Then the silence broke — a smaller creature emerged from the water, lunging toward Eiji.

  “Eiji!” Sora shouted.

  But Daichi moved first. In one swift motion, he turned and sliced the creature cleanly in two, not even glancing back as it dissolved.

  He sheathed his sword. “Mission complete. But we got sloppy at the end.”

  Eiji laughed weakly. “Yeah… next time, I’ll triple-check the readings.”

  Sora sat on a rock nearby, smiling faintly. “You two are insane, you know that? But damn… that was one hell of a fight.”

  Daichi looked toward the horizon, where black smoke still rose faintly from the eastern side. “Team Seraph must’ve finished theirs already.”

  Eiji adjusted his glasses again. “And that means…”

  Sora smirked, glancing toward the southern field. “Team Gesshoku’s up next.”

  Daichi nodded. “Yeah. Ren Kazenagi, Ayaka Sumeragi, and Tatsuya. Let’s hope they can handle what’s coming.”

  The wind carried their words through the silent park — a park no longer filled with laughter or light, but the lingering scent of ash and battle.

  As the sun began to pierce through the clouds, Team Ryujin stood quietly by the lake, their reflections rippling beside the dissolving remains of the Yomurei they had slain.