Kael's eyes snapped open.
The silence was gone—replaced by distant snarls, the crunching of bone, and the low rumble of approaching power. His nap hadn't lasted long—maybe a few hours at most. But it was enough.
He stood, stretching his sore arms. His aura sparked faintly, flickering like dying embers. But his resolve was alive—burning brighter than ever.
"…Round two," he muttered.
From the treeline, three new beasts emerged. These weren't like the ones before. They were larger, faster, and more intelligent—their movements calculating. One had crimson armor-like scales and four arms. Another floated silently, its form shifting like liquid shadow. The third… a hulking rhino-like creature with glowing blue veins.
Kael cracked his neck.
He dashed forward, clashing with the crimson beast first. The impact sent a shockwave echoing through the forest. Kael spun, using his momentum to launch a fierce elbow into its jaw before flipping over the shadowy one. It tried to trap him, but he blinked behind it—his movement faster, sharper.
One beast down. Then two.
But the rhino beast charged—its roar like thunder. Kael held his ground.
He gritted his teeth, aura flaring.
"Voidstep: Phantom Cross!"
In a blur, he vanished, appearing above the beast and slamming down with a glowing strike. The creature crashed through the earth, leaving a crater dozens of meters wide.
Kael landed, panting, shoulders rising and falling. Blood dripped down his temple.
Back in the real world…
Infirmary – Wielder Academy HQ
Eri sat beside the empty beds where Tetsu and Hana once lay. Her fingers trembled as she stitched a piece of cloth—just to distract herself. She had barely spoken since Kael left.
Ryuu leaned against the wall, arms crossed. His jaw clenched.
"He's been gone too long."
Kaede stood near the window, watching the horizon. "He'll return."
"…You sound sure," Ryuu muttered.
Kaede didn't respond. He was remembering Kyoushiro's words. 'You'll understand more later.' Something about Kael's power… his lineage… it all connected.
Kyoushiro was nowhere to be found. As if he'd vanished after guiding Kael to the door.
The atmosphere was heavy. Silent. Waiting.
Suddenly, the air shifted—just for a second.
Eri looked up. "Did you feel that?"
Kaede nodded slowly.
"Kael's still alive."
But no one knew what condition he'd return in… or what he'd face next.