The crack didn't grow.
But it didn't disappear either.
People stopped pointing at it.
They just… checked it sometimes.
Like making sure it was still there.
Morning — Training Grounds
Kael showed up early.
Rion was already there, practicing control with his Light attribute. No big displays. Just clean, steady output.
"You're getting better," Kael said.
"It's just control," Rion replied.
They started sparring.
Rion was sharper now. Faster decisions. Cleaner movements.
Kael pushed harder to match him.
Too hard.
He misstepped once.
Rion noticed.
"You're forcing it."
"I'm fine."
Rion didn't argue. But he knew Kael well enough to see it.
At one point, the air around Kael shifted slightly. Barely noticeable. Like heat above stone.
Rion paused.
"…You felt that, right?"
Kael looked around. "Felt what?"
Rion frowned.
"Nothing."
They continued.
Neither brought it up again.
Afternoon
The sky shimmered faintly once.
Not enough to panic anyone.
Enough that trained people noticed.
Yildes was one of them.
He didn't react publicly.
But he didn't look relaxed either.
Reports had already spread. Other regions had seen the same crack.
No explanation.
No known spell.
No known enemy claiming responsibility.
That was worse.
Evening — Village Entrance
A rider approached just before sunset.
Government insignia.
Not local.
Not casual.
The guards let him through quickly.
The messenger dismounted and spoke calmly.
"I request an audience with Shadow General Yildes."
Yildes arrived shortly after.
Xilo followed, already sensing the tension.
The messenger bowed slightly.
"The World Government requests your immediate presence."
He looked at both of them.
"Both of you."
Xilo let out a short laugh.
"Have you not been a problem for us long enough? Now you ask for our help?"
The messenger didn't react.
Yildes' voice cut in calmly.
"Xilo. Enough."
Xilo clicked his tongue but didn't argue further.
The air between them wasn't friendly.
This wasn't the first time the Government had reached out.
And it definitely wasn't the first time there had been issues between them.
The messenger continued.
"The situation is beyond regional control."
A pause.
"The Council wants you in the capital."
Silence settled.
The crack in the sky caught the last light of the sun.
Yildes looked at it once.
Then back at the messenger.
"When do we leave?"