Chapter 7: Time Flies Like Wind
Scene 1: The Call to Duty
The academy courtyard buzzed with whispers. Nero leaned against a sun-warmed pillar, watching clouds drift over Aryavarta's spires. Months had hardened his frame, but not his unease.
Normalcy. A fragile lie.
Kenta sensei's shadow fell over him. "King's orders. You're joining the patrol at the Eye of Destruction."
Nero's stomach dropped. "The hell-portal? I'd rather duel you again."
Kenta's grin was wolfish. "Oh, you will."
Scene 2: Trial by Fire
The training arena lay in ruins—courtesy of their last bout. Nero faced Kenta, a wooden stake planted between them.
"Break it," Kenta ordered. "Ten minutes. I'll even hold back."
Nero lunged. Kenta blocked, his strikes tectonic. Dust billowed as Nero dodged, muscles screaming.
Flashback:
Ryota sensei's voice: "Purity isn't force. It's resonance."
Nero's fingers brushed the ground. A tremor rippled—subtle, lethal.
Crack.
The stake crumbled to dust. Kenta stared, then laughed—a sound like grinding stone. "Clever rat."
Scene 3: The Weight of Victory
Aftermath painted the arena in silence. Kenta massaged his numb arm, the aftereffects of Nero's Arbitrary Oscillation lingering.
"You remind me of him," Kenta muttered.
"Who?"
"Someone who loved flames… and paid the price."
Nero's chest tightened. Another ghost.
Scene 4: Bonds Forged in Shadows
At dusk, Nero found Ledger in the archives, scrolls on dark magic strewn about.
"The Eye mission," Ledger said, not looking up. "Stay sharp. The Abyss… it watches."
Nero nodded. "Any advice?"
Ledger's smile was razor-thin. "Don't die."
Scene 5: The Edge of Hell
The Eye of Destruction loomed—a maw of swirling obsidian, howling with trapped souls. Nero's squad gathered: three third-years, their eyes wary.
"Stay behind us, rookie," one sneered.
Nero gripped his pendant—a gift from Luna. For her. Always.
The first demon crawled forth, ichor-dripping. Nero's fists ignited with blue flame.
"Come," he whispered.
Chapter End: Echoes of the Past
Far below, in the Abyss's heart, a figure stirred.
"Namakami… at last."