The next morning, Lirien stood on the academy's observation balcony, surveying the sprawling campus below. Wind tugged at her coat, and her long white hair shimmered under the rising sun. Her crimson eyes burned with an intensity that rivaled the sky's first light.
"So… this is where he's been hiding," she murmured.
Inside Classroom A-2, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation. Everyone whispered about the SSS-rank hunter who had appeared the night before. Zian kept her gaze on her notes, feigning disinterest, while Kaen lounged in his seat with a bored smirk.
"She's watching us," Kaen said quietly.
Zian glanced sideways. "The SSS-rank?"
Kaen nodded. "She's more than that."
Before more could be said, Professor Drayven entered the room with his usual practiced smile. "Today's lesson will be advanced dungeon scenario theory. But more importantly…" He gestured toward the door.
Lirien walked in, her presence commanding. Students gasped. Her uniform was immaculate, but it was her white hair and piercing red eyes that stole the room's breath.
"As part of an elite program," Drayven explained, "Lirien Frost will join your next excursion as an observer and participant."
Kaen's shadows shifted restlessly. His gaze met hers.
Lirien smirked. "Try not to disappoint me."
Kaen's grin widened. "Too late. I'm already impressed with myself."
Zian groaned. "One more of you and the building might explode."
Later, while preparing for the mission, Leon leaned over to Mira. "Why does it feel like things just got serious?"
Because they had.
Deep beneath the academy, something ancient stirred.
And Lirien's arrival was just the spark.