The nine Instructors moved toward the ship's edge, their fists opening as sparks danced around their hands. The sparks twisted into weapons—some familiar, others strange. One instructor summoned what looked like a stone book, its pages glowing with ancient power.
The students stepped forward, hands opening in response.
The scar-faced instructor glanced back at them, his voice cutting through the tension.
"You kids stay back. Let the adults handle this."
Shae hesitated, then stepped back. The others followed his lead.
But Nyssira was already caught in the chaos. Shae's frown deepened as he stepped forward.
"I'm sorry, I can't—"
Something slammed into his skull. His vision spun as his head cracked against the concrete deck.
"Erwin!"
The pink-haired girl's scream tore through the air. She lunged forward, fury blazing in her eyes.
The scar-faced instructor stood unmoved, as if his hand hadn't just crushed the Vice President of the Student Council.
