Atman led them down a corridor that was tilted slightly downward.
The rain outside stayed loud for a moment, drumming against windows and roofs, but as they moved deeper, the sound softened. It didn't vanish completely - it just turned distant, muffled.
Raizen followed behind Atman, Saffi close at his side, Kenzo walking a step ahead with his hammer floating near his shoulder.
At first, Raizen expected the Academy to look like most places of status. Or at least like the other halls he's seen, like the Sky Domain.
He expected a hall of trophies of some sort. Painted portraits of known summoners. Intricate banners that spoke about history and glory. Something that showed how many things Ukai has done.
But the walls were empty.
No diplomas. No paintings. No medals. No plaques.
Nothing.
Just smooth wooden surfaces. The wood wasn't polished into shine either. It still looked natural, alive, the way a tree trunk looks when you take off the bark.
