Scene: Azurean Academy – Professor Elric's Office
The morning after the Direhorn incident, Kai was summoned.
No official reason. No explanation. Just a formal summons by Professor Elric, the head of Beast Studies. He was a quiet, stern man with a passion for rare creatures—and a reputation for "disciplinary thoroughness."
Kai knocked once.
> "Enter."
Scene: Beneath the Arena — The Forgotten Archive
The entrance to the old crypt wasn't on any academy map.
Kai knew of it only because of Theron—who once joked about secret duel chambers and forbidden spell vaults left behind by the founders. But it wasn't a joke now. Not when black veins were spreading through the stone above, and faint whispers echoed from cracks in the floor.
The spiral fragment in Kai's hand pulsed faintly.
> "It's guiding us," he muttered. "It wants to be home."
> "You sure this is smart?" Rashira asked, gripping her staff tighter.
> "No. But we don't have time to be careful."
