The mission to the Desote Ring left the squad bruised and scarred, physically and emotionally. Kagami, now nine years old and three years into his life at Drakemount Academy, sat quietly on the edge of the training cliffs overlooking the mist-veiled expanse beyond the mountains. The wind howled softly, pying with his jet-bck hair as his bck eyes narrowed in contemption.

  Despite their success, Kagami couldn’t shake the gnawing feeling of guilt and inevitability—the trap had been id for him. The Drakeheart cn’s votile scion and the sadistic Orc weren’t simply passing threats; they were pieces in a greater design he still didn’t fully understand.

  “I should’ve seen it coming,” he murmured, his hand clutching a smooth crystal orb infused with his elemental mana. “They’re after me, but it’s always others who bleed.”

  His thoughts were interrupted by Elias’ approach. “They bleed because they believe in you,” Elias said softly, pcing a hand on his student’s shoulder. “And because you fight to keep them safe.”

  Kagami nodded slowly. “Thanks, Elias.”

  Back at Drakemount Academy, the squad was called for debriefing.

  Kagami, Elias, Minna, Iren, and Leo sat around a grand arcane map table in the Tower of Confluence. Their mission report was detailed through magical projections as they took turns describing the battle, the enemies’ tactics, and the unsettling implications.

  Suddenly, the chamber’s double doors opened, revealing High Magistra Maeron Elowen Thalore, Headmaster of Drakemount Academy. Her long silver-blonde hair was tied back, her eyes glowing with the gentle pulse of elemental magic.

  With her was another presence—towering and stern—Headmaster Alric Vaelthorne of Whimwood Preacademy. The unexpected sight of both heads of magical institutions together sent a chill of anticipation through the room.

  “Kagami,” Maeron spoke first, her voice graceful yet commanding. “Your report indicates a disturbing evolution in the dark mage group’s reach.”

  “They’re growing more organized,” Elias added. “This wasn’t random. They knew exactly when and where to strike.”

  Alric narrowed his gaze. “Which means there are more eyes inside our walls than we thought.”

  Kagami stood up, bowing respectfully to both headmasters. “Is this… leading to war?”

  Maeron gnced at Alric, then gave a slow nod. “A convergence is coming. The enemy grows bolder. And so must we.”

  Elias stepped forward. “What are your orders?”

  Alric, ever the sage of precision, replied, “First, inter-academy unity. I’ve called a summit of all major magical institutions. We need to prepare our future mages for the storm ahead. And Kagami—”

  “Yes, Headmaster?”

  “This time, you won’t be just a student. You’ll be representing Drakemount.”

  Kagami’s eyes widened slightly. “Understood.”

  Maeron gave a knowing smile. “Prepare yourselves. The next chapter of this tale will be written in fire and thunder, ice and stone.”

  Outside the tower, storm clouds brewed over the horizon. And beneath them, ancient powers stirred, waiting for the right moment to rise.

  ---