The afternoon sun hung high above Reikosha Academy as students filled the training grounds with the sounds of clashing weapons and friendly conversations. Although Shougo's and Griffin's students belonged to different squads, they often crossed paths around the academy, creating a strange but lively atmosphere. Ever since the Warrior PvP tournament had ended, many students had begun talking about one name in particular.
Kairo Kurosawa.
Some admired how quickly he had grown, while others couldn't believe the once timid E-4 student had managed to push Oko Fujiwara to his limits. The story spread through the academy faster than anyone expected.
Near one of the outdoor training fields, Oko leaned against a wooden fence with his arms crossed, watching several students spar with each other. A relaxed smile rested on his face, though his sharp eyes carefully observed every movement.
Daiki walked over with his hands in his pockets before nudging Oko's shoulder.
"So..."
Oko glanced at him.
"So?"
"How does it feel?"
"About what?"
"Losing."
Oko let out a quiet laugh.
"I didn't lose."
Daiki raised an eyebrow.
"You also didn't win."
"...Fair enough."
The two laughed together.
After a brief silence, Daiki looked toward the opposite side of the field where Kairo was practicing alone with the Black Spartan.
"I've never seen you smile like that after a fight."
Oko followed his gaze.
"...Neither have I."
Daiki folded his arms.
"You respect him now."
Oko smiled faintly.
"I respected him the moment he stood back up."
He remembered the battle vividly. Every time Kairo had been knocked down, he found another way to keep fighting. It wasn't his strength that impressed Oko the most—it was his refusal to stay down.
"There are plenty of strong people in this world," Oko said quietly. "But someone who refuses to surrender... those people become monsters."
Daiki nodded in agreement.
"I think he'll surpass us someday."
Oko chuckled.
"I hope so."
On another part of the academy grounds, Aoi sat comfortably beneath a tree while drinking another carton of milk. She quietly watched students train until familiar footsteps approached from behind.
"Tsk..."
She didn't even bother turning around.
"I can already tell it's you."
Tyouro grinned as he walked beside her.
"You missed me?"
"No."
"I knew it."
"You knew I didn't miss you?"
"I knew you'd deny it."
Aoi sighed.
"You're exhausting."
Tyouro laughed proudly.
"I get that a lot."
She took another sip of milk before looking at him.
"So... your face healed."
Tyouro instinctively touched his cheek.
"...Thanks for reminding me."
Aoi smirked slightly.
"You deserved it."
"You punched me before I even finished introducing myself."
"You talk too much."
"I call it confidence."
"I call it annoying."
Tyouro suddenly placed a hand over his chest dramatically.
"You wound me."
"I was aiming for your face."
For the first time, Tyouro noticed the faint smile she was trying to hide.
His eyes widened.
"...Wait."
"What?"
"You smiled."
"I didn't."
"You did!"
"I didn't."
"You definitely—"
Aoi stood up and lightly kicked his shin.
"Ow!"
"Now stop talking."
Tyouro rubbed his leg before laughing again.
"...You're actually fun."
Aoi rolled her eyes as she walked away, though the corner of her lips lifted ever so slightly.
Not far from them, Yuki quietly walked through one of the academy corridors with a book tucked beneath her arm. She preferred silence over crowds, often avoiding unnecessary conversations whenever possible.
As she turned the corner...
She nearly bumped into someone.
"Oh."
Tatsuo.
The two froze for a brief second.
"..."
"..."
Neither of them spoke.
Tatsuo scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"Uh..."
Yuki simply stepped to the side.
"Excuse me."
She walked past him without another word.
Tatsuo watched her disappear down the hallway before letting out a long sigh.
Dracula suddenly appeared from behind a nearby pillar with an exaggerated grin.
"Rejected again?"
Tatsuo's eye twitched.
"I wasn't rejected."
"You didn't even get a full conversation."
"I wasn't trying to."
"Sure."
"I wasn't."
"Whatever helps you sleep at night."
Tatsuo sighed.
"...You're unbelievable."
Dracula laughed so loudly that several nearby students turned to look at them.
As the day slowly came to an end, Griffin stood alone on the academy balcony, quietly watching all of his students from above. They laughed, argued, trained, and chased each other across the courtyard like ordinary teenagers.
A warm smile crossed his face.
"They've all grown..."
Shougo quietly stepped beside him.
"You sound proud."
"I am."
The two teachers watched the academy in silence.
After several moments, Griffin spoke again, though this time his voice had lost its playful tone.
"I hope they enjoy days like this."
Shougo glanced at him.
"...Why?"
Griffin kept his eyes on the students below.
"Because peace has a habit of disappearing when people least expect it."
The wind gently passed through the academy, carrying the laughter of the students across the courtyard.
None of them noticed the strange flock of black birds flying far above Reikosha.
None of them noticed how the sky seemed just a little quieter than before.
And none of them knew...
That somewhere beyond the reach of human eyes...
Ancient seals were beginning to weaken.
The peaceful days they cherished were slowly drawing to an end.