The air around the academy had grown heavier with each passing week. Since Kael's departure, Ryuu, Hana, and Tetsu had been more focused than ever. Their training became intense, almost obsessive. If Kael could walk away to protect them, the least they could do was grow strong enough to protect themselves—and maybe, one day, stand at his side again.
That winter morning, the trio was dispatched on a mission not far from the academy—just a routine scouting operation. Rumors had spread of a strange disturbance in a forest zone known as the Obsidian Hollow. Locals had reported bursts of energy, trees reduced to ash, and unexplainable tremors. The academy sent the three to investigate.
Obsidian Hollow – Noon
Ryuu sliced through thick brush with a single wave of his blade, scanning the landscape. "No signs of corrupted Wielders… just a fried patch of trees."
Tetsu, crouched near the ground, pressed his palm into a scorch mark. "Still warm. Whatever happened was recent. Probably last night."
Hana stood quietly, eyes sharp, senses honed. "It's quiet… too quiet. I don't like it."
Suddenly, a rush of pressure filled the air. The sky darkened slightly—not from clouds, but from presence.
They all turned sharply as an overwhelming surge of Willpower energy pressed down on them like a tidal wave.
"Above!" Ryuu shouted.
Descending from the sky like meteorites came Raven and Azrael—but something about them was different. Their auras twisted violently, darker and more condensed than ever before. Their landing caused a shockwave, toppling nearby trees and cracking the earth beneath them.
Azrael's piercing gaze locked onto the group. "Still standing? Good. Let's see what your training bought you."
Raven let out a chuckle, licking his lips. "I've been dying to shatter your sound barrier, Ryuu."
Without hesitation, Ryuu charged toward Raven, drawing his blade in one smooth motion. Raven met him halfway, creating a sonic boom that split the air. The two clashed, moving at lightning speeds across the field.
Azrael raised his blade, black flames licking off its edge. "Come now. Let's dance, Tetsu. Hana."
Tetsu and Hana launched into battle, striking with practiced teamwork. Hana weaved through Azrael's flame strikes with speed and grace while Tetsu used brute force to absorb and counter.
But Azrael wasn't holding back. With a smirk, he gathered both hands in a formation that summoned a massive black inferno shaped like a beast's head.
"You two aren't enough," he said coldly. "Soul Fang!"
The flame beast lunged toward them.
Hana shouted, "MOVE!"
But there was no time.
Suddenly—BOOM!
The attack was blocked—mid-air—by a familiar figure.
Kael.
Clothes still worn and battle-scarred. Hair still messy. But his presence? Colossal.
Kael held the flaming beast at bay with one hand. His eyes glowed faintly. Without a word, he crushed the Will-beast into nothing. Then, in one swift move, he reached forward and grabbed Azrael by the wrist, yanking him in.
The two locked eyes. For a moment, it was silent.
Then—BAM! Kael's fist slammed into Azrael's face, sending him crashing back through several trees.
Raven stopped mid-clash with Ryuu, eyes wide.
Azrael, blood dripping from his nose, wiped his mouth and smirked. "Heh… you've grown."
Raven floated beside him. "Guess we got our answer."
The two villains retreated, disappearing in a blur of shadow and sonic wind.
"We just wanted to see how far you've come," Azrael's voice echoed. "And it seems... you've evolved, Kael."
The field fell silent.
Kael turned to the others. "Everyone okay?"
They nodded—speechless, overwhelmed, but safe.
But just as the moment began to settle, another figure stepped onto the field from the shadows.
Kyoushiro.
He stood tall, robes fluttering lightly in the winter breeze. His eyes, always unreadable, fixed on Kael.
"It's time," he said. "Come, Kael."
Without hesitation, Kael nodded.
"Wait—" Hana stepped forward. "What's going on?"
Kael looked back only once. "I'll explain... soon. There are things I need to understand. And power I still haven't unlocked."
Kyoushiro turned. Kael followed him into the woods.
Ryuu, Hana, and Tetsu stood frozen, stunned.
Confused.
And left with more questions than ever.