The frost of late winter clung to the academy roofs as Kaede Mizuno stood atop the east tower, watching over the training grounds below. Snow glistened on the steel rails, the air crisp and sharp. Yet even with the cold, his mind burned with urgency.
After Kael's departure and sudden return—and now his second disappearance with the mysterious Kyoushiro—Kaede had been thinking harder than ever.
They all need to get stronger. If Kael's power is drawing this much attention... they'll need to keep up, or be left in the dust—or worse.
That morning, he summoned Ryuu, Hana, and Tetsu to the main atrium.
They arrived quickly—curious, and slightly uneasy.
"What's going on, Kaede-sensei?" Ryuu asked.
"I'm sending you three to be trained," Kaede said, arms folded. "Not just anywhere. I've arranged for you to study under the Three Strongest Wielders Alive."
Their eyes widened. Even Ryuu, usually composed, was stunned.
"You mean them?" Hana whispered.
Kaede nodded. "Yes. The world knows them as the Apex Trinity. Legends."
He walked toward the wall and tapped a control panel. A holographic display lit up, showing three figures:
Wielder One: Seraphine Vale – A graceful, silver-haired woman known as the Lightbringer, master of celestial Will and healing-combat hybrids. Resides in the Sky Monastery above Mount Shizukana.
Wielder Two: Magnus Kreel – A hulking, grizzled warrior known as the Titan of Steel. His earth-bound Will can level battlefields. He trains in the Ruined Arena of the West Wastes.
Wielder Three: Zhen Kairo – A calm, robe-clad man with long black hair and closed eyes. The Silent Storm. His Will manipulates wind, pressure, and movement to the finest edge. Lives atop the Tower of Whispers in the Eastern Archipelago.
"They've agreed to train you," Kaede continued. "Together. It's rare. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance."
Tetsu's eyes sparkled with excitement. "We'll really be learning from all three? Together?!"
Kaede gave a small smile. "They've created a temporary domain. A shared dimension, carved out just for this training."
"But why now?" Hana asked.
"Because," Kaede said, turning toward the snow-filled window, "Kael is evolving faster than any of us imagined. And the threats that follow him won't wait. You three… you're not just his friends. You'll be the wall between him and the world, whether it wants to save him or destroy him."
A silent pause passed. Then Ryuu stepped forward. "Then let's not waste time."
Kaede nodded and opened a portal—swirling gold, wind whipping from its center.
"Step through," he said. "And be ready. What waits for you on the other side… is nothing like what you've faced before."
Without hesitation, Ryuu, Hana, and Tetsu stepped into the vortex—vanishing toward the realm where legends walk.