Morning returned slowly to Arcanum Academy.
Soft gold light pierced through the clouds, spilling across stone towers and dew-covered courtyards. But inside the east wing, in a sealed council chamber, shadows still reigned.
Seven robed figures sat at a crescent table. Behind them, the banner of Arcanum's founders hung heavy—symbols of wisdom, restraint, and vigilance.
"Tanaka's soul pulse has changed," one said.
"Anomaly confirmed," muttered another. "He resonates with a relic-class signature. Same as... the Fallen One."
An uncomfortable silence passed. Then a female councilor—older, face hard as stone—leaned forward.
"If that soul awakens fully, history repeats."
The headmaster, seated apart, finally spoke. "Then we guide him. Not eliminate him."
"Guide a weapon?" scoffed the eldest. "That's what our ancestors tried."
---
Back in the dorms, Riku stirred awake.
Kaela sat nearby on a window ledge, legs drawn to her chest, her tail flicking softly with the breeze.
"You talk in your sleep," she said.
Riku sat up. "Please tell me I didn't confess to someone."
"Worse." A smirk. "You called me 'sunshine.'"
He groaned. "Kill me now."
Kaela chuckled—but it faded.
"Whatever's inside you," she said, "you're holding it back. But it's clawing at the edges."
He met her gaze. "And if I stop holding it back?"
She didn't hesitate. "Then I'll be the one to stop you."
There was no threat in her voice. Just conviction.
And trust.
---
Meanwhile, Mira Langford stood in the academy's lower atrium, where the dueling rings were used for private training. She'd been waiting.
Lucien finally arrived, towel over his shoulder, fire sigils flickering faintly on his skin.
"You called me out?" he asked.
Mira nodded. "Spar me."
Lucien raised a brow. "Since when do you give orders?"
"Since I realized you've been hiding your strength. Just like Riku."
Lucien studied her. "Trying to close the gap?"
"No." Her eyes narrowed. "I'm trying to understand what I'm fighting for."
They began.
And Mira fought with more than talent—she fought with fury. Her wind magic was no longer scattered or panicked. It moved like a storm with purpose, each strike calculated.
Lucien dodged, impressed.
"You've changed."
She didn't answer. She only came faster.
---
That evening, Riku stood at the Academy's cliffside shrine. A place where fallen students were honored. He read the names etched into the stone.
One stood out.
T.S.
No date. No title. Just initials.
He traced the letters.
Then a soft voice behind him: "He died here. The one before you."
Riku turned. Vaelin Solgrave stood beneath the shrine's arch, robes fluttering in the sea breeze.
"He wasn't a monster," Vaelin continued. "He was betrayed."
"By who?"
Vaelin's eyes held a sadness too old to speak.
"Everyone."
Riku clenched his jaw. "Am I him?"
Vaelin stepped closer. "You are you. But what was lost is waking through you. And others can sense it."
"Others like the council?" Riku asked.
Vaelin didn't reply.
Instead, he placed a small scroll in Riku's hand.
"Tomorrow, you'll be summoned for your first 'official' trial. It's a test… but also a message."
Riku unrolled the scroll.
One word burned into the parchment.
"Reckoning."