The golden morning light broke across the horizon, casting warm shadows over the silver towers of Aegis Academy. The campus buzzed with life—students in sleek uniforms walked in groups, laughter ringing in the halls. But as soon as a pair of heavy doors swung open, all heads turned.
A quiet hush swept across the courtyard.
Ellee stepped forward, her long dark hair swaying gently in the breeze. Her customized uniform—a sleek black-and-light-blue combat design with silver linings—flowed like a cape behind her. Her oceanic eyes glowed faintly, matching the sheen of the sword strapped to her back.
"Protector Ellee," several students whispered, bowing slightly as she passed.
"She's so cool…"
"She took down two rogue monsters by herself last week, didn't she?"
"I heard she even deflected a blast from a mutant without flinching."
Ellee gave a small nod, offering a rare, soft smile to some of the younger students. Respect wasn't something she chased—it simply followed her.
"Kayla. Kate," she called, turning slightly as her two trusted assistants approached, dressed in their matching white-and-blue uniforms.
"We're here, Ellee!" the twins chimed together.
Kayla had short, silver-blonde hair and bright teal eyes, while Kate wore hers long in a braid with matching features. They were both clever, skilled, and fiercely loyal. But to Ellee, they were more than just assistants—they were her best friends.
"Morning reports?" Ellee asked as they fell into step beside her.
Kate pulled out a slim tablet and scrolled with a swipe. "Nothing unusual on the outer barriers. Mana flow is stable. And—oh—your morning class has been moved to the West Wing sparring hall."
"Good," Ellee replied. "I need to test the new elemental stabilizer anyway."
Kayla nudged her sister and whispered, "Should we tell her now?"
Kate grinned and nodded. "Go ahead."
Kayla turned to Ellee, her voice brighter. "There's also something else today."
Ellee raised an eyebrow. "Yes?"
Kayla clasped her hands behind her back. "We're getting four new transfers. Special unit type. From the capital."
"Special units?" Ellee stopped walking.
Kate smirked. "Guild approved. They'll be assisting you directly. Think of them as co-protectors."
Ellee's expression didn't change, but her heart twitched at the word "four."
"They didn't say much about them," Kayla continued. "All records classified. Even their faces are under privacy lock until official introduction."
"Hmm…" Ellee started walking again. "That's strange."
"Agreed," Kate said. "But the guild trusts them. Said they survived multiple field missions, monster raids… They even passed the Royal Elemental Trials."
Ellee's mind buzzed quietly. Four… special… Why did it feel so strangely familiar?
As they entered the main hall, she could already sense the energy shifting. The air seemed… heavier. A tingle ran down her spine.
"They're already in the principal's office," Kayla added. "Should we escort you there?"
"No," Ellee said, stopping near the large window overlooking the garden courtyard. "I'll meet them at the welcoming hall."
She turned, staring out the glass.
"I don't know why… but something about this feels…"
"Familiar?" Kate offered gently.
Ellee didn't respond. Her eyes narrowed slightly, locking on the distant silhouette of four figures walking with a faculty escort.
One of them paused.
Turned.
She couldn't see his face—just black hair with a streak of white. But her heart stuttered.
Why does my chest hurt?
"Ellee?" Kayla asked softly.
"I'm fine," she whispered. "Let's go."
—
The welcoming hall shimmered with holograms, displaying student records and honors. Ellee stood at the center platform as the doors opened slowly.
The four new students stepped inside.
Her breath caught in her throat.
One girl had deep violet eyes, her long hair tied back with white ribbons. Another had freckles and warm hazel eyes, smiling softly at the room. Beside them were two boys—one tall with a quiet, almost calculating presence, and the other slightly shorter, with a wild spark in his gaze.
They stood confidently… but their eyes met hers with a strange pause.
"…We meet again," whispered the violet-eyed girl under her breath. No one heard her.
Ellee stepped forward. "Welcome to Aegis Academy. I am Ellee—Protector and Field Captain."
The tall boy bowed first. "An honor."
"We've heard much about you," said the girl with freckles, glancing at the sword on Ellee's back. "Your blade is famous."
Ellee tilted her head slightly. "And your names?"
The four exchanged looks.
There was something unspoken in their eyes.
A flicker of emotion.
Memories hidden beneath the surface.
"We go by our call signs for now," the quiet one said. "Authorization level Alpha."
"Tch," the playful one grinned. "Just like old times."
Ellee blinked. "Old times?"
He straightened. "Ah, nothing, Commander."
That voice… her heart whispered.
They stood before her like strangers. But her soul screamed their names.
Maya. Viola. Zion. Xion…
And yet—how could that be?
They were dead.
Right?
Ellee's fingers curled.
Unseen by all, her eyes shimmered a little brighter.
Kayla and Kate stood silently beside her, exchanging knowing glances.
This year… would not be normal.
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