The moon hung like a pale eye in the sky, peering through the swirling clouds as the group descended through the dark veil of night. One by one, the mythical beasts touched the ground at the rendezvous point in the heart of the sanctum—a rocky clearing illuminated by glowing crystals and conjured light sources. Shadows flickered across the faces of the gathered students, many still bearing the marks of trials endured.
Professor Seraphina stood at the center, her long robes fluttering gently in the breeze, her eyes scanning every new arrival with subtle concern. Beside her were two fourth-year elites who had entered the inner sanctum earlier, their expressions grave.
As Luca and the others dismounted, the celestial crane, the Kirin, the Ice Phoenix, and even the tiny Fairy Glyph all disappeared in a space formed by contract ready to be summoned again. Tension crackled in the air.
Seraphina stepped forward. Her voice was steady, but her eyes betrayed exhaustion.
