The night was still. A heavy silence hung over the academy grounds, the sky above painted in stars, unaware of the storm boiling in the heart of one of its warriors.
Kazimir's Dream
Within the cradle of slumber, Kazimir found himself standing beneath an alien sky—one where the sun and moon clashed, colliding in a violent eclipse. In that moment, time bled backwards. The Dynasty—the grotesque figure who had taken his mother—emerged from the chasm between light and dark, its silhouette etched into his soul like a scar that refused to fade.
Kazimir's eyes shot open.
Electric veins of Nullity pulsed across his skin, the energy leaking out in erratic, unstable flickers. The bed beneath him crackled as the barrier within him trembled.
"What does this eclipse mean…?" he whispered, steadying his breath. "Riah saw it too. But why was the Dynasty there? Is this a warning… or a prophecy? And this power—why is it harder to control now? Wasn't I sealed…?"
Meanwhile…
Back on the upper levels of the academy, two figures walked side-by-side through the dimly lit halls.
Riah: "We should head back to our rooms. It's late."
Gendai: "I was just going to say that. Let's go."
But as they stepped through the corridor that overlooked the academy's moonlit garden, they paused.
Kazimir was standing there, silently, like a statue carved from stormclouds. His eyes flicked up, locking with theirs. Something was different about him. Older. Sharper. Distant.
Gendai: "What's with that look? You good?"
Kazimir's voice was low, almost hollow. "Riah… you remember the eclipse you told me about?"
Riah: "Yeah. Don't tell me… you saw it too?"
Kazimir: "I did. The same eclipse—and the Dynasty. The one who killed my mother."
Riah: "Then it's true. I was told in my dream… that Purity and Nullity will cross paths during the eclipse. Like… origin meeting finality."
Kazimir: "So we're awakening something? Is this tied to us?"
Riah: "It might be. And… have you felt anything strange in your body lately?"
Kazimir hesitated. "Yes. I almost lost control. For a moment, the power almost broke free. I thought I was sealed."
Riah: "Then it's close. The seal won't hold much longer."
Kazimir: "And the Dynasty… it was there. I still remember the way it looked, the way it moved. I want it dead."
Gendai: "Kazimir… I don't know the full story, but going after the Dynasty alone… that's suicide. You're strong, but this isn't a solo mission."
Kazimir: "I know. But it's my purpose. I have to make sure that thing doesn't keep walking on this world… even if it means dying."
Riah: "Wait—are you seriously saying you'll go alone? Have that dream knocked a few screws loose in your head?"
Gendai: "You're the one who always talks about teamwork. About unity. You're the reason we've survived this far, and now you're just… throwing that away?"
Kazimir: "I never made an oath to be part of the team. You all are a team. I've always stood apart. That's why I never wanted to be captain."
Riah: "Then why not tell Jessie? It was her mother too. She deserves this as much as you."
Kazimir: "Jessie is a Zasia Vandor. She's needed for the final battle—not this one. And so are you. The world still needs you all. I've always known… this fight was meant for me."
Riah: "So this is about revenge. You're ready to die just to settle a score?"
Kazimir: "It's not about revenge. It's about peace. For her."
Gendai: "Then why throw your life away? That's not peace—that's just leaving the rest of us to mourn you."
Riah stepped forward, eyes burning with defiance.
Riah: "I'm not going to let you die. You're the reason I've come this far. You made me stronger, and you know it. I've caught up to you—I can fight beside you now. And if I have to hurt you to stop you from killing yourself, I'll do it."
Gendai stood silent, the wind tugging gently at her hair.
Kazimir gave a slight nod, but didn't respond. His stormy gaze softened, just a little.
Riah: "We'll talk more tomorrow. For now, sleep. You need it."
Kazimir: "…You too. Rest well. And Gendai—what you did against Lilly… that was incredible."
Gendai: "Thanks."
Kazimir: "I'm not underestimating either of you. I just… I don't believe this fight belongs to anyone else."
Riah: "It's a parasite. It belongs to all of us. Whether you like it or not."
Kazimir turned without another word, disappearing back into the shadows of the academy halls.
Riah: "Goodnight, stubborn lightning idiot."