It had been the longest stretch of peace they'd experienced in years. No emergencies. No battles. Just silence.
Even though Mia hadn't been assigned any major tasks lately, she sighed to herself. Six months of calm… and this is my third year here. Yet, I'm still falling behind in some areas.
She glanced up as she passed a corridor, James walking beside her.
Mia's gaze landed on a familiar figure.
"Oh—hello, Gendai. Are you doing okay? You seem like you've got something on your mind."
Gendai waved her hand lazily. "No, it's nothing. Just… it's been peaceful lately. Almost too peaceful. The diversion realm helped stabilize things, but now it's like nothing's happening."
James let out a breath. "That's a good thing. We can finally relax a little—have fun for once. Plus, it gives the Astral Legion a chance to actually focus on training for the new year."
Gendai moved over to the window and sat on the ledge, staring out quietly. "Honestly… I forgot about that."
Mia tilted her head. "If you don't mind me asking… what's going on between you and Riah? You two used to be close, but lately—ever since that argument on the ship—it's been tense. It's been months, and you still haven't patched things up."
She crossed her arms. "You guys need to make up. This isn't the time to be enemies."
"I understand that," Gendai said, eyes still fixed on the window. "But it's not like we're enemies. We're just… not friends right now. When it comes to our work, we'll do it. Even if it's awkward." She stood, brushing herself off. "Anyway, I have to go."
As Gendai walked the hall, she paused by another window and leaned toward the glass, her breath fogging the edge. Outside, she saw Kazimir training a few new members of the Prismic Gathering. He moved with fierce grace, instructing with ease—focused, untouchable.
Gendai bit her finger, watching him.
"You're smiling way too hard," said a voice behind her.
She turned, finding Riah standing there.
"What are you doing?" Riah asked, arms folded. "Don't tell me you're just watching them."
Gendai raised an eyebrow. "And if I am? You have a problem with that?"
"No," Riah said. "But I do think I know what you were really staring at. If you want to train with him, then go. Stop spying through windows."
"Why would I?" Gendai scoffed. "They're just recruits. I don't need to waste time with amateurs."
Riah stayed silent.
Gendai's expression shifted. "You beat him, you know. In a sword fight. Something he's mastered—and yet, you outclassed him. I envy you for that… but more than that… I envy how he notices you. You have everything. You're strong, beautiful, and your body…"
She stopped herself.
"Maybe it's because I don't see him the way others do," Riah said quietly. "Everyone treats him like a weapon—a means to protect the world. But I don't. I just want to protect him."
"I want to protect him too," Gendai said. Her voice trembled slightly. "I want to be at his side. But you're in the way. You took that opportunity from me. Even if I could only have half of him… I'd take it. I just want to be part of him."
"You're obsessed," Riah muttered. "It's been two years. There are other people out there."
"I don't care about anyone else," Gendai replied. "If it's him, I'd love him with all my heart. But anyone else? No. I just want him to see me—to acknowledge me."
"So what you're saying is… you want to serve him?"
Gendai scoffed. "Thanks for wasting my time." She turned away. "I have a duel with Tyrone. Goodbye, Riah."
Just then, a broadcast echoed through the hallways.
Attention: Gendai and Tyrone's duel will begin shortly in the main arena.
Gendai glanced back with a smirk. "Looks like it's going to be quite the event—watching me beat Kazimir's strongest apprentice."
Riah said nothing.
A few steps ahead, Kazimir strolled by casually, munching on an apple.
"Where are you off to, Kazimir?" Riah asked, watching him.
"I'm going to watch Tyrone's duel. Where else would I be going?"
"You're always wandering," Riah said with a teasing smirk. "Wouldn't surprise me if the reason we haven't seen any threats lately is because you've been handling everything behind the scenes."
Kazimir blinked. "Nahhh. They caught heat stroke and died."
Riah narrowed her eyes. "Wow. Considering you're a prodigy, you suck at lying. You didn't even try."
"It wasn't believable?"
"Parasites aren't warm- or cold-blooded," she replied dryly. "Environmental changes wouldn't affect them like that."
"…Oh." Kazimir scratched his cheek. "I'll do better next time. Anyway, I'm off to the stage."
Without a word, Riah and Gendai began walking with him toward the arena.