The classroom buzzed with tension. Having an SSS-rank like Lirien joining their next mission was no small matter. Students whispered theories while Zian stayed quiet, watching Lirien from the corner of her eye.
Professor Drayven tapped his staff against the floor. "You'll depart tomorrow morning at 0600 hours. The assigned gate is classified as High-A, possibly verging on S-rank. This will be a trial in all aspects—combat, teamwork, survival."
Mira bit her lip. "Why give us such a difficult mission?"
"Because you're no longer just students," Drayven said. "You've drawn attention. Now prove you deserve it."
That night, Kaen stood alone at the academy's upper training deck, gazing at the moon. The shadows around him stirred as if sensing unrest.
"Still pretending to be normal?" Lirien's voice rang out.
Kaen didn't turn. "I never said I was normal."
She stepped into view, her white hair swaying, red eyes piercing. At 24 years old, she carried the quiet poise of someone who had seen far more than she spoke of. "You hide too much."
Kaen finally met her gaze. "So do you."
A silence passed.
"You don't remember me," Kaen said softly, more to himself than her.
Lirien blinked. "Should I?"
He smiled without answering. "Tomorrow will be interesting."
Earlier that day, she had passed by the academy kitchens and caught Kaen cooking. Something about the way he moved—focused yet relaxed—had made her pause longer than she meant to. Later, she found herself thinking about the smell of grilled herbs and spices. Strange, for someone as cold and feared as her.
The next morning, the squad assembled near the academy's teleport array. Zian, Mira, Leon, and even Kyel stood ready. Lirien joined last, slipping in without a word.
The light flared.
Their next journey had begun.