The morning sun rose over the Astral Legion Academy, casting golden rays upon the towering halls and gleaming ceremonial grounds. On this day, the academy would witness the ascension of two of its brightest stars.
Kazimir and Riah strode through the grand gates in their newly adorned Vandor general uniforms—black and silver trimmed with emblems of their element, lightning and flame. Their presence commanded silence, broken only by the thunderous applause of the Astral Legion as they made their way to the front.
Tojo: "Congrats, you two."
Raijin: "That's gonna be me next. Watch."
Xavier: "One day, we'll stand beside them. I believe it."
Gendai's eyes followed their two leaders, a bittersweet expression painting her face.
Gendai: "So this is it… Our team's starting to shrink. Lilly's sealed away. Angelly… gone. And now Kazimir and Riah have become Vandors, each with their own responsibilities."
Tojo: "Yeah, it's rough. But at least they're still around. We just gotta work harder as the High Alpha Alliance now."
Gendai: "We were always in their shadows anyway."
Tojo: "True, but we were lucky to have them. They carried us through a lot. Now, it's on us."
After receiving their new titles, Kazimir and Riah turned to face the academy crowd. Jessie stepped forward with a nod of approval.
Jessie: "As newly appointed Vandors, you'll each be given your own tower and campus to govern. Starting next term, you'll lead your own factions."
Neve: "I'm curious to see how you'll both manage. Good luck."
Riah: "We'll give it our all."
As the formal ceremony faded into celebration, the academy transformed into a festival of lights, music, and laughter. An after-party buzzed with energy, and both Kazimir and Riah found themselves surrounded by eager Astral Legion students, already hoping to join their future factions.
Meanwhile, Tojo, Raijin, Gendai, and Xavier slipped away to the rooftop, where silence and the stars offered comfort beyond the noise.
Xavier: "They've got a lot on their shoulders now."
Gendai: "They're generals. Comes with the title."
Tojo: "Still, I have a feeling they'll join us up here."
Raijin: "Probably…"
Just then, Kazimir and Riah appeared, their combat gear now replacing their formal outfits.
Kazimir: "We're here."
Raijin: "Yo! That new drip is clean. I like the look."
Kazimir: "Thanks. We figured if we weren't partying, we'd stay battle-ready."
Tojo: "Looks dope."
Gendai: "The color change really suits both of you."
They all sat together under the quiet sky, the stars twinkling above like a final blessing for the moment they shared.
A low growl echoed as Rmir padded beside Kazimir, sitting calmly next to Raijin.
Raijin: "Yo… where'd he come from?"
Kazimir: "She's always with me. More like a bodyguard now—calm unless I give the command."
Riah: "He's a good boy. Just wants to be around us."
She leaned into Kazimir, gently resting her head on his lap. A quiet, rare moment of peace settled over them.
Tojo: "So… this might be the last night we're all together like this, huh?"
Kazimir: "Yeah. We'll miss these times. Traveling, fighting… But now, it's your turn to lead. You'll need new members for High Alpha Alliance."
Riah turned her gaze toward Gendai, voice soft but strong.
Riah: "Gendai."
Gendai: "Yes?"
Riah: "Keep working hard. You're stronger than you think. You've faced A-rank parasites and survived. That means something. Believe in yourself. You're not a shadow anymore."
Gendai: "Thank you… I won't forget that."
Riah: "I'm rooting for all of you."
Gendai: "And we wish you both the best. Vandor life isn't easy."
Kazimir: "We'll manage."
A streak of light arced across the sky. A shooting star.
They watched in silence, the starlight reflecting the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
Two hours later…
The rooftop was quiet once more. The others had left, returning to their rooms. Only Kazimir and Riah remained, walking into their newly assigned Vandor tower.
Riah: "Wow… This place is luxurious. And… only one bed?"
Kazimir: "You did say we're sharing a tower. One bed makes sense."
Riah (smirking): "I'm not complaining."
Her eyes locked onto his.
Kazimir: "Why are you looking at me like that…? Actually—don't answer. I already know."
Riah (grinning): "Hehe. You're trying to play it cool, but I can hear your thoughts loud and clear. Let's have a one-on-one… the kind only we can handle."
Elsewhere, outside on the academy balcony…
Jessie: "Neve… are you drunk?"
Neve (wobbling slightly): "Nope! Not even a little!"
Jessie: "Sigh… And to think you're a Vandor."