Lani's eyes were fixed on Jairen, her gaze intense as she pressed him for more information. "Tell me, Jairen, what do you know about Kaida?" she asked, her voice firm but laced with a hint of desperation.

  Jairen shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his eyes darting around the library as if searching for an escape. "I already told you, Lani, I don't know much. She just... took care of me, okay?"

  Lani's expression turned skeptical. "That's it? You're not hiding anything from me?"

  Jairen's gaze dropped, his voice barely above a whisper. "I swear, Lani, that's all I know."

  Lani's eyes narrowed, her hands clenched into fists. "Fine. Then explain this!"

  She slammed the book onto the table, the pages rustling as she pointed to a specific passage. "See? See?! This is what I'm talking about!"

  Jairen's eyes scanned the pages, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Lani, I don't see anything. What am I supposed to be looking at?"

  Lani's face reddened, her voice rising. "Activate your ghost eyes, Jairen! You have to see it!"

  Jairen's gaze faltered, his eyes darting to the side before dropping in shame. "Well, there's nothing there. What am I supposed to see?"

  Lani's expression turned incredulous. "You're... you're not even trying! You're hiding something from me, Jairen!"

  The tension between them crackled like a live wire, the air thick with unspoken secrets and accusations.

  Jairen's hand on Lani's head was a gentle gesture, his voice soft and reassuring. "Lani, I promise you, I'm not lying. I don't know who Kaida actually was. She found me and started taking care of me, then she left for a trip. That's it."

  Lani's eyes searched Jairen's face, her expression skeptical at first, but then she seemed to relax, her gaze softening. "Okay, Jairen. I believe you."

  Jairen's hand dropped from Lani's head, a look of relief washing over his face. But then Lani's expression turned determined.

  "Jairen, can we go to where Kaida took you?" she asked, her voice firm.

  Jairen's eyes widened, his face scrunched in a grimace. "Do we really have to? It's all the way back in the East District."

  Lani's nod was emphatic. "Yes, we have to. I need to learn more about Kaida."

  Jairen sighed, his shoulders slumping in resignation. "Fine. Let's go."

  It seems like Lani is determined to uncover more about Kaida's identity, and Jairen is reluctantly agreeing to take her to the East District.

  Jairen got up from his seat, and Lani followed suit. They approached Lady Ioanna, who was still seated, and informed her, "We're going to the East District, Lady Ioanna. We need to find out more about Kaida."

  Lady Ioanna's expression turned stern, her voice firm. "What?! The East District? What information are you looking for?"

  Lani explained, "We're looking for Kaida, Lady Ioanna. I need to find out who she was and what she wanted with Jairen."

  Lady Ioanna's eyes narrowed, her gaze flicking between Lani and Jairen. "Maybe I should go with you both."

  Just then, Eine strode in, a pudding cup in hand, and said, "That may not be such a good idea," his words muffled by the pudding.

  Lani curiously asked, "Why not?"

  Eine just shrugged and continued eating his pudding, not providing any further explanation.

  As they prepared to leave, Eine approached them and asked, "Where you guys going?"

  Jairen replied, "The East District."

  Eine's response was immediate. "Ah, got it!" He grasped Lani and Jairen's shoulders and suddenly transported them to the entrance of the East District.

  As they arrived, Jairen's eyes widened in shock at the destruction he had caused during his previous rampage. Construction workers were busy repairing the damages, and the air was thick with the smell of dust and debris.

  Lani's gaze was fixed on Jairen, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. "Jairen, what happened here?"

  Jairen's face was ashen, his voice barely above a whisper. "I... I don't know. I lost control."

  Eine's voice cut through the tension. "Well, you're here now. Go get your answers.”

  Lani's gaze swept across the destruction, her eyes wide with concern. "Jairen...this is a lot."

  Jairen's face contorted in shame, his eyes fixed on the rubble. "I can't believe I destroyed the district...the entire kingdom. I tore it apart."

  Lani's expression softened, and she placed a gentle hand on Jairen's arm. "Jairen, it's okay. This isn't your fault. You didn't know what was happening to you."

  Jairen's gaze remained fixed on the destruction, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I should have...I should have controlled it."

  Lani's grip on his arm tightened. "Jairen, listen to me. We need to focus on getting to Kaida's apartment. We need to find out what happened to her and why she was hiding you."

  Jairen's gaze slowly shifted back to Lani, his eyes searching for reassurance. "But what about...all this?"

  Lani's expression was firm. "We'll deal with it later. Right now, we need to prioritize finding Kaida and getting answers."

  Jairen nodded slowly, his shoulders squaring as he took a deep breath. "Okay. Let's go."

  With Lani leading the way, they navigated through the rubble-strewn streets, their footsteps echoing off the damaged buildings. As they walked, Lani's grip on Jairen's arm remained firm, a steady presence that seemed to anchor him amidst the chaos.

  Finally, they arrived at Kaida's apartment building, the structure surprisingly intact amidst the surrounding destruction. Lani pushed open the door, and they stepped inside, their eyes scanning the dimly lit interior.

  "Kaida?" Lani called out, her voice hesitant. "Are you here?"

  The only response was silence.

  Jairen calls out, "Kaida! Are you here?" But there is no answer. Jairen steps into the building, looking at the messy bed and then opening the fridge. "Oh no, I left my sandwich, it's all moldy, noooo!" He facepalms, but then he realizes something. "Wait...Lani."

  Lani looks at Jairen, holding a shirt in her hand. "Yes, Jairen?"

  "Lani, the door," Jairen says, his voice filled with concern. He takes a long pause, looking at the door worriedly. "Was unlocked... I locked it before I left, but I mean, she might've come back, but then she's not here. It's so confusing."

  Lani's expression turns curious, her eyes fixed on Jairen. "What's going on, Jairen?"

  Jairen's gaze remains fixed on the door, his voice barely above a whisper. "The door...it was unlocked. I'm sure I locked it before I left."

  Lani's brow furrows in confusion. "So? Maybe Kaida came back and forgot to lock it again."

  Jairen shakes his head slowly. "No, Lani. I'm telling you, I locked it. And now it's open. Something's not right."

  Lani's expression turns serious, her eyes scanning the room. "You're right. This doesn't feel right. Let's search the apartment and see if we can find any clues."

  Jairen nods, his movements swift as he begins searching the room. Lani follows suit, her eyes scanning every inch of the space.

  As they search, the silence between them grows thick with tension. It's clear that something is off, but what?

  Suddenly, Lani's gasp cuts through the silence. "Jairen, look at this!"

  Jairen's heart races as he turns to Lani, his eyes fixed on the piece of paper in her hand.

  Lani's eyes scan the paper, her expression intent. "So you're searching for me, huh? That means you must have the boy with you. If you're here, he's probably all big and strong now. Give him a good hug for me."

  Jairen's confusion deepens. "What does it say, Lani?"

  Lani's gaze flicks to Jairen, her eyes still activated. "It's a message from Kaida. She says to give you a hug."

  Jairen's face scrunches up. "That's it? What about where she is?"

  Lani's eyes return to the paper. "It says some people broke in and she had to relocate. And then it says... 'go to the bathroom mirror'."

  Jairen's brow furrows. "What's that supposed to mean?"

  Lani shrugs and runs to the bathroom, her eyes fixed on the mirror. But when she looks into it, there's nothing there. She stands confused, her eyes scanning the mirror as if searching for a hidden message.

  Jairen follows her, his confusion growing. "What's going on, Lani? What did you see?"

  Lani's expression is baffled. "I don't know. I thought maybe there would be a message or something."

  Jairen's eyes narrow. "This is weird. Let's keep searching."

  As they continue searching the apartment, the tension between them grows.

  Lani's eyes scan the mirror, her gaze intense. Suddenly, she gasps. "Jairen, I see something!"

  Jairen's eyes follow hers, but he sees nothing. "What is it, Lani?"

  Lani's eyes are fixed on the mirror. "There's a message on the ceiling. It says '2 villages down, I'll find you'."

  Jairen's expression turns determined. "Let's go!"

  They run out the door, their footsteps urgent as they make their way to the next village. After what feels like hours of searching, they finally arrive at the second village.

  But when they look around, Kaida is nowhere to be seen.

  Lani's eyes scan the village, her expression worried. "Where is she, Jairen?"

  Jairen's gaze is equally concerned. "I don't know. Let's keep searching."

  As they search the village, the sun begins to set, casting long shadows across the ground. The air grows cooler, and the silence between them becomes more pronounced.

  Suddenly, Lani's head snaps up. "Jairen, look!"

  Jairen follows her gaze to a figure in the distance. But as they approach, they realize it's not Kaida.

  The figure walks intensely slow towards them, its pace unsettling. Jairen's head suddenly throbs with a flash of pain, and he's hit with a vision. He sees the figure, but it's not through his own eyes. It's like he's in a battlefield, and he hears his father's name being called out.

  "YOON! COME ON!"

  Jairen's confusion deepens. Is this a memory of his father? He looks at the figure again, and it's still walking towards them at the same slow pace. But then he hears Lani call his name, snapping him back to the present.

  "Jairen! Come on, that thing looks dangerous!"

  They quickly run behind some nearby buildings, peeking around the corner to see where the figure is. But to their surprise, it's gone.

  Lani's eyes are wide with concern. "What just happened, Jairen? What did you see?"

  Jairen's trying to process his thoughts. "I...I don't know. I saw a battlefield, and I heard my father's name. But I don't know what it means."

  Lani's grip on his arm tightens. "We need to be careful. That figure was not normal."

  As they catch their breath, they can't shake off the feeling that they're being watched.

  Lani's eyes widen as she sees the pair of blue glowing eyes approaching them. "That's her! It has to be. Kaida!!!" she shouts, her voice echoing through the empty village.

  Kaida walks towards them, her eyes fixed on Lani and Jairen. Jairen runs up to her and hugs her tightly. "I never got to thank you," he says softly, his voice filled with gratitude.

  Lani walks up to Kaida, her eyes curious. "The note...how did you know I was coming?" she asks, her voice laced with confusion.

  Kaida looks at Lani, her eyes sparkling with a knowing glint. "Hmmm...you're the next candidate?" she asks, her voice low and mysterious.

  Lani's expression turns puzzled. "What do you mean?"

  Kaida's gaze deepens, her eyes burning with an otherworldly intensity. She activates her ghost eyes, and both of her eyes glow a beautiful celestial blue. She asks Lani a single question, her voice dripping with an ethereal quality.

  "What can you do?"

  Lani's eyes widened, her mind racing with questions. What does she mean? What can she do? And what does it have to do with being a candidate?

  Lani’s brain stirs with confusion trying to understand Kaida’s question.

  Jairen's eyes widen in shock as Kaida's ghost eyes glow bright blue. He's blown aback by the realization of how strong Kaida might actually be. Lani starts stuttering, trying to explain her abilities, but Kaida cuts her off.

  "No need to be nervous, child. You can showcase your talents in battle if you'd like." Kaida steps out into the middle of the village, the moonlight shining down on her. "Come, face me in battle. Show me your abilities."

  Jairen's eyes opened wide in alarm. "Ms. Kaida, aren't you like...old? You shouldn't be fighting!"

  Kaida's laughter echoes through the village. "Wow, that was beyond rude! I'm not that old, and I still have a warrior's body!"

  Lani's eyes flash with determination as she activates her ghost eyes. She cracks her knuckles and gets into a fighting stance. "Let's do this, Kaida. I'm ready to show you my skills!"

  Kaida grins, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Ah, I love a good spar! Let's see what you're made of, Lani!"

  The two women face off in the center of the village, their ghost eyes glowing brightly in the moonlight. Jairen watches anxiously, worried that Lani might get hurt. But Lani's determined to prove herself, and Kaida's eager to test her skills. The battle begins!

  Lani charges at Kaida with full speed ahead, but Kaida is too quick. With a swift swipe of her hand, she changes Lani's view, making Lani's back turn to her instead of her face. Lani's eyes widen in confusion as she realizes what's happening, but before she can react, she's falling to the ground, swept under by a swift kick from Kaida.

  Jairen watches in shock, secretly hoping Lani wins as he cheers her on in his head. Lani quickly gets back up, determined to adapt to Kaida's moves.

  Kaida grins mischievously and does it again, changing Lani's view with another swipe of her hand. But this time, Lani's ready. She turns around quickly, her arms glowing with blue swirls as she punches Kaida. However, Kaida blocks with her arm and yells "Repel!" sending Lani flying back.

  Lani lands hard on the ground, her eyes flashing with determination. She's not going to give up yet! She gets back up, her ghost eyes glowing brighter as she prepares for another attack.

  Kaida's eyes sparkle with excitement. "You're getting better, Lani! But let's see how you handle this!"

  Kaida charges at Lani, her own ghost eyes glowing bright blue. The battle intensifies!

  Lani and Kaida engage in intense hand-to-hand combat, their movements lightning-fast as they exchange blows. Kaida kicks Lani, sending her flying across the village square once again. But Lani quickly recovers with a roll and yells "Nylon!" throwing her fist in the air like an uppercut. A blue shockwave shoots up from the ground, narrowly missing Kaida as she dodges to the side.

  "Whew, that was pretty close!" Kaida exclaims, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

  Lani starts thinking to herself, "She's too fast, way too fast. I need more speed." Suddenly, her legs glow with blue swirls, and her muscles become buff and toned. Her thighs thicken, and her calves tighten, giving her an extra boost of power.

  With her newfound speed, Lani runs towards Kaida, her movements a blur. But before Kaida can change direction, Lani grabs her wrist and tosses her to the ground.

  Kaida grins, impressed by Lani's quick thinking and strength. "You're getting faster, Lani! But can you keep up with me?"

  Lani's eyes flash with determination. "I'll show you my speed!"

  The battle rages on, with Lani and Kaida exchanging blows and showcasing their incredible abilities.

  Jairen watches in awe as Lani and Kaida exchange blows, their movements so fast that they appear as flashing beams of light to him. But to Lani and Kaida, it's an intense fight, an all-out sparring match between two blue ghost eye users.

  Kaida forms her fingers like a gun and blasts a giant swirling ball of blue energy, which pulls the ground beneath it. Lani dodges by jumping out of the way, her eyes widening as she realizes the extent of Kaida's abilities.

  "I understand why you were the strongest blue ghost eye user," Lani says, her voice filled with respect.

  Kaida chuckles, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Were? Until you show me you're better, I still am the best blue ghost eye user."

  Lani grins, her determination evident. "I'll show you my skills. Let's see who's the best!"

  Lani summons her two spirit lions, Calico and Caspian, by calling their names. The lions appear on the field, their eyes glowing with a fierce blue light. Kaida looks surprised, but also intrigued.

  "Oh? Lions are an interesting turn," Kaida says, her eyes fixed on the lions.

  Kaida runs so fast that it looks like she teleported, and she slams her fist down into Lani's arms as she attempts to block. But to Lani's shock, her block is broken, and she feels a surge of pain in her arms.

  Lani starts thinking to herself, panicking. "I'm being boosted by my lions, and she punched through my block?! How is she so strong?!"

  Calico and Caspian let out a fierce roar, as if sensing Lani's distress. They charge at Kaida, their claws swiping at her with deadly precision. But Kaida is too fast, and she dodges their attacks with ease.

  "You're quite resourceful, Lani," Kaida says, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "But let's see how you handle this!"

  Kaida unleashes a powerful kick, one that sends Lani flying across the field. Lani struggles to get back to her feet, her arms aching from Kaida's previous attack.

  Lani tries to get up, but her body aches too much, and she's forced to sit back down. She lays her head on the ground, looking up at the sky with a mix of admiration and defeat.

  "You are amazing," Lani says in a slow, calm tone, her ego on the verge of shattering.

  Kaida replies, "You're not too bad yourself. Just need to learn more."

  Jairen comes over to help Lani up, his eyes wide with surprise. "Kaida, I didn't think you were that strong," he says.

  Kaida's expression turns introspective. "I didn't want to be this strong anymore. I wanted a calm, normal life. But the warrior life never stopped. I just kept fighting."

  Lani looks up at Kaida, her eyes filled with a newfound respect. "You're incredible," she says, her voice barely above a whisper.

  Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  Kaida smiles, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "It's not something to be proud of, Lani. It's just what I had to do to survive."

  The three of them stand there for a moment, the tension and intensity of the battle slowly dissipating. Lani and Jairen look at Kaida with newfound admiration, while Kaida's eyes seem to hold a deep longing for a life she never had.

  Kaida, Jairen, and Lani walk into the building that Kaida resides in. They sit down at a table, and Kaida tells Lani, "Alright, I know you have questions. Ask away."

  The first thing Lani asks is, "How did you know my mom?"

  Kaida replies, "I'm sorry, who's your mother?"

  Lani calmly says, "Sujuni Junes."

  Kaida's memory comes flooding back, and she says, "She was my teammate in battle, my best friend. The only person who made life easier for me."

  Lani asks, "What do you mean?"

  Kaida explains, "Sujuni was a graceful spirit. She had such a brilliant aura, and she only had a green ghost eye. She shouldn't have been anywhere near battle, but she was there, slaying enemies right there with me. If my back was turned, she was my eyes behind me."

  Lani hears this and imagines her mother's greatness. She says, "Woahhhh."

  Then she asks, "How did my mom die?"

  Kaida feels a pain in her chest, and she doesn't want to relive the moment, but for Lani's sake, she has to. She says, "Right after she gave birth to you, she gave you away because she couldn't bear the thought of you dying or being anywhere near the battlefield. She went back into battle once she got confirmation you were safe. Then she made a fatal mistake. She didn't hear Yoon's command, and she was struck down by the enemy, slain in battle in the blink of an eye. No one saw it coming, but everyone saw her body fall."

  Kaida's eyes start to show a bit of sadness as she deeply misses her friend.

  Lani and Kaida continue their conversation, delving deeper into the mysteries of the blue ghost eye book. Lani asks, "Ms. Kaida, the book you wrote about the powers of the blue ghost eyes, can you go deeper into it?"

  Kaida smiles, eager to share her knowledge. "Ah, yes! The book is a comprehensive guide to the powers of the blue ghost eye. I wrote it for the next blue ghost eye user, whoever that may be, to wield the power of the best – which, of course, is me."

  Jairen listens in awe, his eyes wide with wonder. But then he asks, "How come I can't read the book?"

  Kaida's expression turns curious. "Well, what type of ghost eye do you have? Can you show me?"

  Jairen looks down, clearly trying to hide something from the both of them.

  Lani and Kaida sat across from Jairen, their faces filled with concern. "Jairen, what's wrong?" Lani asked, her voice soft and gentle.

  Jairen looked down, his eyes avoiding theirs. "I...I don't know how to explain it," he stammered.

  Kaida leaned forward, her eyes locked on Jairen's face. "Try, Jairen. We're here to listen."

  Jairen took a deep breath before speaking in a barely audible whisper. "It's gone..."

  Lani's eyes widened in confusion. "What's gone, Jairen?"

  Jairen's voice rose, his words tumbling out in a rush. "My ghost eye! It's gone! I can't access Night anymore. My ability to even access just one ghost eye is gone!"

  Lani's face paled in shock, while Kaida's expression turned stern. "What do you mean, Jairen?" Kaida demanded. "Who took your ghost eye?"

  Jairen's eyes flashed with anger, his fists clenched. "I don't know! But I'm going to find out!"

  With a sudden burst of rage, Jairen slammed his fists on the table, making Lani and Kaida jump. His forehead hit the table with a loud thud, and blood began to trickle from the impact. Tears of anger and frustration streamed down his face as he yelled, "I don't know what they did to me, but I'm going to get my ghost eye back!"

  Lani quickly moved to comfort Jairen, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace. "Jairen, it's okay. We'll help you get through this."

  Kaida placed a gentle hand on Jairen's shoulder, her voice soothing. "No one can take away your abilities, Jairen. They're a part of you. We'll figure out what happened and how to get your ghost eye back."

  As Kaida spoke, Jairen's rage slowly subsided, replaced by a deep sadness. He pulled away from Lani and Kaida, his eyes red and puffy from crying. "I don't know what to do," he whispered. "I feel lost without my ghost eye."

  Lani and Kaida exchanged a determined glance. They would do everything in their power to help Jairen regain his ghost eye and unlock the secrets of his past. Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead, no matter how difficult the journey might be.

  Kaida's eyes sparkle with curiosity as she asks Lani, "Hey, you said you found my book. Do you know where it's located?"

  Lani responds without hesitation, her words tumbling out in a rush. "Yeah, it's in Lady Ioanna's library!" She says it with a confident nod, seemingly unaware of the bombshell she's about to drop.

  Kaida's eyes widen in shock, her mouth agape. "Lady... Ioanna?" She repeats the name slowly, as if trying to process the information. Her voice is laced with a mix of surprise and wariness.

  Lani nods again, still oblivious to Kaida's reaction. "Yeah, she has it."

  The air seems to thicken with tension as Kaida's expression turns serious. She leans in, her eyes locked intensely on Lani. "Lani, are you sure about this?" She asks, her voice low and urgent.

  Kaida's eyes glaze over, her mind suddenly transported back to the battle-scarred fields of the war. She's no longer in the present, but reliving the painful memories of the past.

  In her flashback, Kaida is screaming at Lady Ioanna, her voice hoarse with grief and anger. "YOU COULD'VE DONE SOMETHING! YOU LET SUJUNI DIE!"

  Lady Ioanna's face is twisted in a scowl, her own anger and defensiveness palpable. "YOON GAVE HER THE ORDER! SHE LET HERSELF DIE BY NOT LISTENING!"

  Kaida's response is immediate and vehement. "HOW COULD YOU EVEN SAY THAT!"

  The two women are now wrestling on the battlefield, their bodies tangled amidst the carnage of 10,000 bodies. They fight and argue, their words and blows fueled by grief, anger, and betrayal.

  But then, Kaida snaps back to the present, her eyes refocusing on Lani and Jairen. She takes a deep breath, her expression carefully neutral. "Everything is fine."

  Lani nods, seemingly accepting Kaida's reassurance. But Jairen, oblivious to the tension, asks the question that makes Lani facepalm.

  "What's the problem between you and Lady Ioanna?"

  Lani's eyes roll heavenward, her expression a mix of exasperation and disbelief. Kaida's eyes, on the other hand, flash with a warning, her gaze darting to Jairen with a clear message: don't go there.

  "Jairen!" Lani calls out his name, punching him in the arm with a gentle but firm jab. "It's obvious that speaking about that hurts her. We don't want her to be traumatized."

  Kaida's laughter is a stark contrast to the tension in the air, her smile bright but slightly forced. "You don't have to worry, I'm already traumatized." She says it with a chuckle, but Lani's empathetic nature picks up on the underlying pain.

  Lani gets up, her movements swift and purposeful. "Thank you, Ms. Kaida, for the information. We should get back now before Lady Ioanna comes searching for us." She glances at Jairen, her expression a clear message to drop the sensitive topic.

  Kaida's eyes narrow slightly, her interest piqued. "Why would she be looking for you?" She asks, her voice laced with a hint of curiosity.

  Lani explains, "Well, all the students are kind of staying in the palace for now until the north district is fully repaired. It's almost done, though. The east district, not so much, so we'll be staying there for a while."

  Just as Kaida opens her mouth to respond, a knock on the door interrupts the conversation. The familiar voice on the other side is a welcome surprise. "Hey, so I tracked your energy here. Did you find your answers?" Eine asks, his deep voice firm but with an undercurrent of concern.

  Lani opens the door, a smile on her face. "Hey, Eine! Yeah, we did, and we found Kaida."

  Eine's eyes land on Kaida, and the air seems to vibrate with tension as the two engage in a silent stare-down. Kaida's expression is a mask of calm, but Eine's gaze is piercing, as if trying to see beyond the surface level. The intensity between them is intense, the weight of their unspoken words and unresolved issues hanging heavy in the air. Eine's broad shoulders and imposing frame seem to fill the doorway, his presence commanding attention.

  “Kaida…” Eine says silently, his voice low and serious, Kaida replies “Eine..” her voice silent as well.

  The air is electric with tension as Eine and Kaida engage in a silent stare-down, their eyes locked in a fierce gaze. Jairen, seemingly oblivious to the intensity of the moment, continues to munch on his chips, his words muffled as he says, "See, I told you there was something wrong."

  Eine's hand instinctively goes to the hilt of his sword, his jaw clenched in anticipation. "We could take this outside..." he growls, his voice low and menacing.

  Kaida's eyes flash bright blue as she activates her ghost eyes, her gaze burning with an otherworldly intensity. "We sure can," she hisses, her voice dripping with venom.

  Lani, sensing the escalating tension, intervenes, her voice shrill with concern. "What are you two doing?! You're adults, about to fight for nothing!"

  But Kaida's response is swift and decisive. Her hand shoots out, gently but firmly moving Lani out of the way. "It's not for nothing...this is for Sujuni," she says, her eyes blazing with determination as she stands tall, her gaze fixed intently on Eine.

  Eine's ghost eye erupts into a fiery orange glow, his stare burning with an inner fury as he meets Kaida's gaze. The air seems to vibrate with the weight of their unspoken words, the tension between them crackling with electricity. Jairen, still munching on his chips, watches the scene unfold with a mixture of fascination and detachment, his eyes darting between the two combatants with interest.

  Eine's words are laced with a confident smirk, "You know I'm stronger than you, right?" He takes a step closer, his eyes gleaming with a hint of arrogance. "This fight isn't a good idea for you. If you fight me, you'll lose."

  Kaida's silence is unsettling, her gaze fixed intently on Eine. She doesn't flinch, doesn't back down. Instead, she reaches out with lightning speed, her hand closing around the hilt of Eine's sword.

  Eine's eyes widen in surprise, and he swiftly backs away, slicing up and drawing his sword from its sheath. "You shouldn't have done that," he growls, his voice low and menacing.

  With a swift chant, Eine summons his lightning resonance, the air crackling with electricity. But Kaida is quicker, her fist flying towards Eine with precision and power. She connects with a solid punch, and Eine's eyes widen in shock as he feels his body change direction mid-air.

  Instead of flying backward, Eine finds himself hurtling towards Kaida. He manages to stop his tracks, planting his feet firmly on the ground mere inches from Kaida's face. His sword flashes in the dim light, poised to strike.

  Kaida ducks her head just in time, avoiding the deadly blade by a hair's breadth. With a swift kick, she targets Eine's knee, her foot connecting with a solid thud. Eine grunts in pain, his leg buckling under the impact.

  Eine swiftly recovers from Kaida's kick, his agility allowing him to quickly counterattack. With a swift sweep kick, he traps Kaida, his foot slipping between hers and causing her to stumble backward. Kaida falls, but her reflexes are lightning-quick, and she immediately jumps back up, her eyes blazing with determination.

  She unleashes another massive, swirling blue ball of energy, which Eine expertly cuts in half with his sword. However, Eine is caught off guard as Kaida uses the opportunity to close the distance between them. She jumps towards him, her arm glowing with blue energy, and slams his face into the ground with incredible force.

  The impact creates massive shockwaves, and Eine's body trembles from the force of the blow. His vision blurs, and he feels a surge of pain coursing through his head and neck. Kaida's attack is relentless, her energy and strength seemingly boundless. Eine struggles to defend himself, but Kaida's assault is too powerful, and he finds himself on the receiving end of a brutal beating.

  Eine's roar thundered through the air, his aura erupting around him like a fiery explosion. The two dragons swirling around him let out a deafening roar, their orange glow intensifying as Eine's eye burned brighter with an inner flame. His menacing chuckle sent shivers down Kaida's spine, her eyes narrowing as she sensed Eine tapping into the peak of his powers.

  "Okay, you're a lot stronger than I thought," Eine said, his voice dripping with excitement and a hint of madness.

  Kaida's response was nonchalant, her voice laced with a hint of amusement. "Eh, okay."

  But her eyes told a different story. They shone brighter, her ghost eyes blazing with an otherworldly intensity. The air around her seemed to distort, as if reality itself was bending to accommodate her growing power.

  This was it. The gloves were off. No more holding back.

  The two enemies faced off, their energies clashing in a spectacular display of light and sound. The ground trembled beneath their feet, the skies grew dark with anticipation, and the air was electric with the promise of destruction.

  The battle had reached its crescendo. Only one could emerge victorious. The question was, who would it be?

  Kaida's body begins to glow with an ethereal light, her eyes flashing open to reveal ghostly orbs that shine like dark blue stars. The moon's rays dance across her back, imbuing her with an otherworldly energy that seems to grow in intensity by the second.

  As she floats higher into the sky, a gargantuan energy ball starts to form above her head, its sheer scale dwarfing the village below. The air crackles with electricity, and the ground trembles in anticipation of the impending blast.

  Eine readies his sword, his eyes fixed intently on Kaida as he prepares for the inevitable. But Lani's frantic cries pierce the air, her voice laced with desperation as she begs Kaida to stop.

  "Kaida!!! Stop this at once!" Lani screams, her words hanging in the air like a plea to the heavens.

  Yet Kaida remains resolute, her gaze burning with an unyielding determination. She craves revenge, and Eine is ready to oblige. The air is heavy with tension, the outcome hanging precariously in the balance.

  Kaida's eyes widen in shock as the energy ball dissipates, her rage and frustration boiling over. She takes off after Eine, determined to confront him, but Lani intercepts her, holding out a calming hand.

  "No, Kaida!" Lani urges, her voice firm but gentle.

  But before Kaida can respond, Eine teleports them back to the palace, his powers seemingly boundless. Jairen and Lani exchange confused glances, Jairen's eyes wide with wonder.

  "What the?! How?" Jairen exclaims, coughing on his chips in surprise.

  Eine remains silent, his expression enigmatic as he walks away, leaving the others to ponder the extent of his abilities. Kaida's anger and frustration simmer just below the surface, her eyes burning with an inner fire as she watches Eine disappear into the distance.

  Jairen and Lani sit in bed together, their faces lit only by the soft moonlight filtering through the palace windows. Lani's expression is a mix of confusion and concern, her brow furrowed in thought.

  "Lady Ioanna...and Kaida," Lani says, her voice barely above a whisper, as if trying to piece together a puzzle. "They have some sort of history, something that's driving Kaida's actions."

  Jairen nods in agreement, his eyes serious. "They have issues with each other, some type of problem. But I don't think it's just about Lady Ioanna being in charge."

  Lani's eyes widen slightly, her gaze intensifying. "The death of my mother...Kaida said she wants payback for my mom."

  Jairen's expression turns thoughtful, his voice measured. "But that wouldn't make it better. It'd be senseless fighting, hurting each other without resolving anything."

  The silence that follows is heavy with contemplation, the weight of Kaida's words and actions settling upon them. The darkness outside seems to press in, as if the shadows themselves are listening to their conversation.

  Lani's eyes begin to well up with tears, her voice cracking with emotion. "We left her there, all alone, to deal with her losses...we have to go back..." She trails off, her words heavy with regret.

  Jairen's expression turns sympathetic, but his voice remains firm. "We can't, Lani. Especially when there are eyes all around the palace. They'll know where we'll be." He gestures to the shadows, his meaning clear.

  Lani's face falls, her plan shut down by the logic in Jairen's words. "You're right...but I just feel so bad. She's grieving and hurting, and I can't do anything. I feel useless."

  Jairen pulls Lani into a gentle embrace, his voice softening. "Lani, you're not useless. This is just a situation that we can't control. It's not our fault." He offers a comforting smile, his eyes filled with understanding.

  As they hold each other, the weight of their circumstances settles around them. The darkness outside seems to press in closer, a reminder of the dangers and uncertainties that lurk beyond the palace walls. Yet, in this moment, they find solace in each other's company, a beacon of hope amidst the shadows.

  The alarm blares to life, its piercing sirens and repetitive message shattering the night's tranquility. "Alert! Alert! There is a threat in the district! Alert! Alert! There is a threat in the district!"

  Jairen and Lani scramble out of bed, confusion etched on their faces. Jairen rubs his eyes, his exhaustion evident. "No, no, no, no! We were supposed to be sleeping! Why now?!"

  Lady Ioanna bursts into the palace hall, her full suit of armor gleaming in the dim light. Her sword's hilt is gripped tightly in her hand, and her voice rings out, a commanding authority. "Whoever you are! You are interrupting my sleep schedule! It is best you leave before I have you cut down!!"

  But her words are met with silence. The hall remains empty, the only sound the continued wailing of the alarm. Lady Ioanna's gaze scans the area, her eyes narrowing as she searches for any sign of the intruder.

  Then, she sees it. A familiar figure in the distance, its walk unmistakable. Lady Ioanna's eyes widen in fear. "The...Ghost... Roaming Ghost... No, you vanished... How could this be-"

  But before she can finish her sentence, the figure vanishes into thin air, leaving behind only the echoes of the alarm. It's as if it was never there at all.

  The sudden disappearance leaves Lady Ioanna stunned, her mind racing with questions. What did she just see? How did The Roaming Ghost return? And what does it want? The night's mysteries deepen, and the palace's unease grows.

  Lady Ioanna spins around, her sword at the ready, as the Roaming Ghost materializes inside the palace. She unleashes a powerful strike, but her blade passes through the ghost's ethereal form without any effect.

  "AGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" Lady Ioanna's war cry echoes through the hall, her anger and frustration palpable. "THIS IS FOR YOON!!!" She continues to strike at the ghost, but her attacks seem to have no impact.

  Jairen, trying to be sneaky, attempts to observe the fight from a hidden vantage point in the room. However, the Roaming Ghost's gaze falls upon him, and their eyes lock in a chilling stare. The ghost begins to move towards Jairen and Lani, its pace slow and deliberate.

  Lady Ioanna's attacks grow more frantic, but the ghost seems utterly unaffected. It's as if it's absorbing or ignoring her strikes, its attention fixed on Jairen and Lani. The palace's tension reaches a boiling point, the air thick with anticipation and fear.

  The Roaming Ghost's slow approach sends shivers down Jairen's spine. He knows he must act, but his mind races with uncertainty. What can he do against a seemingly invulnerable foe? The ghost's eyes bore into his soul, and Jairen feels his heart racing with dread.

  The Roaming Ghost's sudden disappearance leaves Jairen and Lani breathless and bewildered. They hastily retreat to their room, trying to process the eerie encounter. As they attempt to fall asleep, their minds race with questions and fears.

  Lady Ioanna, meanwhile, returns to her room, her thoughts consumed by the ghost's mysterious invasion. She sits up for a long time, lost in contemplation, trying to make sense of the events. Why did the Roaming Ghost appear in her palace, only to vanish without any apparent purpose or interaction?

  As the night wears on, Lady Ioanna's exhaustion finally takes its toll, and she drifts off to sleep, her mind still reeling from the enigmatic encounter. The palace, once again, is shrouded in an unsettling silence, the darkness punctuated only by the distant, mournful howling of wind.

  In the shadows, the Roaming Ghost's presence still lingered, a haunting enigma, waiting to be unraveled. Its motives and intentions remained a mystery, leaving the inhabitants of the palace to ponder and fear its next move.

  Jairen's early awakening is a surprise to himself, as he's not typically a morning person. He makes his way to the training room, where he finds Ito performing handstands. Ito greets Jairen with a push-up while still in handstand position, showcasing his impressive strength and agility.

  "Hey Ito," Jairen says in a tired, groggy voice, still trying to shake off the sleep.

  Ito notices Jairen's early arrival and raises an eyebrow. "Jairen, why are you up so early? I thought you were the type to sleep in?"

  Jairen explains his motivation for rising early, "I wanted to do some more training for myself, get better with my new blade."

  Ito's eyes widen with interest. "Woah, you got a new sword? Got a name for it?"

  Jairen shrugs, "It's called the Dream Blade. It's like an heirloom or something from my dad. I guess I just have to get proficient in using a blade now."

  Ito's gaze lingers on the sword, intrigued by its history and significance. "The Dream Blade, huh? That's a cool name. I'm sure you'll master it in no time, Jairen."

  The two begin their training session, with Ito offering guidance and support as Jairen works on honing his sword skills. The morning light streams into the training room, casting a warm glow on their determined faces.

  "And I have to work on this pulse technique," Jairen says, his eyes fixed on his sword as he examines it with a critical gaze. "I feel like I can upgrade my skills a bit more."

  Ito, still in his handstand position, raises an eyebrow. "That wind force thing you do when you punch someone?" he asks, his voice laced with curiosity.

  Jairen nods, his grip on the sword tightening. "Yeah, but I have to stop time in order to do it. The only time I didn't need to stop time was once."

  Ito's eyes widen in surprise, and he swiftly transitions out of his handstand, landing gracefully on his feet. "Whoa, hold up. You can stop time?" he asks, his voice filled with incredulity.

  Jairen nods again, his expression serious. "Yeah, I can manipulate time. But like I said, I need to work on this pulse technique more."

  Ito takes a step closer, his eyes burning with excitement. "Jairen, you're not just a skilled fighter, you're a time manipulator! That's a whole different level of power!"

  Jairen's gaze remains focused on his sword, his mind already racing with strategies to improve his skills. "I know, I know. That's why I need to master this technique."

  Ito's enthusiasm is palpable, and he begins to pace around Jairen, his hands gesturing animatedly. "We need to work on this, Jairen! We need to figure out how to harness your power!"

  Jairen smiles, a sense of determination washing over him. "Yeah, let's do it. I'm ready to learn more about my abilities and how to control them."

  The air is electric with anticipation as the two begin their training session, the sound of clashing steel and Ito's enthusiastic guidance filling the room.

  Jairen's eyes widen in surprise as he realizes he's shared his secret with Ito. "Woah, I guess that's the first time I told someone that I could stop time," he thinks to himself, a mix of emotions swirling in his head.

  He starts scratching his head, a nervous habit, and lets out a chuckle. "I guess the cat's out of the bag now," he thinks, feeling a sense of relief wash over him.

  Ito, oblivious to Jairen's internal monologue, gestures enthusiastically as he leads Jairen over to the punching bags. "Alright, let's work on that pulse punch of yours! I want to see what you're capable of!"

  Jairen grins, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. "Let's do this!" he says, cracking his knuckles in preparation.

  As they begin their training session, Jairen can't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards Ito. Maybe sharing his secret wasn't so bad after all. Maybe it was exactly what he needed to take his skills to the next level.

  Ito's voice echoes through the training room, "MORE! MORE! MORE!" as Jairen starts to get the hang of his pulse punch ability. Jairen's hands move swiftly, his fists flying towards the punching bag with increased speed and power.

  At first, Jairen feels a surge of excitement and pride as he sees his progress, but soon, his hand starts to hurt from the repeated impact. He winces in pain, his movements slowing down.

  Ito notices Jairen's hesitation and quickly jumps in, his voice filled with encouragement. "You can't be hurt! You gotta rematch me, remember?! You're a time manipulator, Jairen! You can't let a little pain hold you back!"

  Jairen takes a deep breath, gritting his teeth as he continues to punch the bag with renewed determination. His movements become faster and more precise, his power output increasing with each strike.

  Ito cheers him on, "That's it, Jairen! You're getting the hang of it! Don't hold back! Show me what you're capable of!"

  The sound of Jairen's fists hitting the bag grows louder and more intense, his sweat-drenched face set in a fierce determination. He's determined to master his ability and prove himself to Ito.

  Jack walks into the training room, rubbing his eyes, looking groggy. "What's going on in here?" he asks, his voice laced with sleep.

  Ito notices Jack and exclaims, "Yoooo, Jack! You come here to do some training?"

  Jack continues to rub his eyes, "Yeah, me and Kael were supposed to spar today."

  Ito's face lights up, "Oh! That's gonna be an awesome match! I was planning on fighting Jairen today."

  Then, Ito looks over at Jairen and says in a funny voice, "But I think he's too chicken to come fight me!" Ito starts making chicken sounds, "Bock-bock-bock!"

  Jack bursts out laughing, and Jairen, still training, says with a grin, "You don't gotta worry about me not sparring, I'm always in for a fight!"

  Ito chuckles and says, "Oh, I know, Jairen! I'm just trying to get you to crack under pressure!"

  The atmosphere in the training room becomes more lively, with the three of them bantering back and forth, their excitement for their respective matches overwhelming.

  Kael walks in, stretching his arms and yawning, "Whatcha guys doin?" He asks, holding a pudding cup and looking adorable.

  Jairen's eyes widen at the sight of the pudding cup, "Sweeeet! Where'd you get the pudding cup?!"

  Kael replies, "I got it from the fridge, it had some smeared marker up there," while trying to get the last bits of pudding out of the cup.

  Ito's eyes light up with mischief, "Ouuuu, that was Eine's!" he says, instigating the situation.

  Kael's eyes widen in realization, "Oh no, I didn't know that!"

  Ito bursts out laughing, "You ready for our spar, Kael? You're gonna need to be sharp to make up for eating Eine's pudding!"

  Jack comes from behind and pats Kael on the back, "Don't worry, Kael, I'm sure Eine will understand... or not."

  The group erupts in laughter, and the tension is broken. Kael looks sheepish but still enjoys his pudding, and the others tease him good-naturedly.

  Kael questions Ito, "Wait, we're sparring? I thought me and Jack were?"

  Ito laughs, scratching his head, "Oh yeah, but hey, I wouldn't mind fighting you too!"

  Kael laughs as well, "Bro, I would lose! You have that Eid thing, I would die on the spot!"

  Jairen chimes in, "Nah, bro, you would definitely last in a battle. You're underrated, Kael!"

  Kael smiles, "Thanks, Jairen, but I don't know about that. Ito's skills are on another level!"

  Ito grins, "Hey, it's all good, Kael. We can have a friendly spar, and I'll go easy on you."

  Jack jumps in, "Yeah, and I'll be the referee! Let's make it interesting, winner gets Eine's next pudding cup!"

  The group laughs, and the tension is replaced with excitement and anticipation for the friendly spar.

  Kael and Ito face off in the sparring zone, their eyes locked in a fierce stare. Ito cracks his knuckles, a grin spreading across his face as he prepares for the battle.

  Jairen's voice echoes through the room, "3! 2! 1! BEGIN!"

  The fight erupts as Ito charges towards Kael with lightning-fast speed. But Kael is ready, his eyes gleaming with determination as he amplifies his leg with his wind resonance.

  With a swift motion, Kael unleashes a flurry of wind kicks, gusts of air shooting towards Ito with incredible force. Ito dodges and weaves, his agility allowing him to avoid most of the attacks, but one kick manages to graze his arm, leaving a faint trail of windburn.

  Undeterred, Ito continues his relentless rush towards Kael, his fists flying in a blur of motion. Kael stands firm, his wind resonance amplifying his defenses as he prepares to face Ito's onslaught.

  The air is filled with the sound of rushing wind and the clash of fists, the two combatants exchanging blows in a dazzling display of speed and agility. The battle has only just begun, and already it's clear that this will be a fight to remember.

  Ito and Kael are now locked in a fierce close-quarters battle, their movements lightning-fast as they exchange blows. Kael throws a punch, but Ito dodges it with ease. Ito retaliates with a swift jab, but Kael blocks it with his forearm.

  Kael quickly creates some distance between them, but Ito closes the gap in an instant. Kael seizes the opportunity to test his new skill, Wind Pull, and focuses his energy. A gentle breeze stirs, and Ito feels an unusual tug, as if the air itself is pulling him towards Kael.

  Ito's eyes widen in surprise as he's drawn closer to Kael, his balance momentarily disrupted. Kael seizes the chance, throwing a powerful punch that Ito attempts to block. However, Kael's Wind Pull has given him the opening he needs, and his fist breaks through Ito's defenses, landing a solid hit.

  Ito grunts, his eyes flashing with surprise and admiration for Kael's cunning move. The battle rages on, with neither fighter giving an inch.

  Ito swiftly creates some distance between them, his eyes gleaming with determination as he begins to chant, summoning the power of Eid. The air around him starts to distort, hinting at the arrival of the powerful entity.

  However, Kael refuses to let Ito complete the summoning. With a swift burst of wind, he accelerates his speed, closing the gap between them in an instant. Before Ito can react, Kael grabs him and slams him to the ground, the two combatants crashing onto the mat with a thud.

  *BOOM*

  Both fighters lie there, out of breath, their chests heaving with exhaustion. Ito's eyes flash with surprise, impressed by Kael's quick thinking and agility. Kael's face is set in a fierce grin, his wind resonance still active as he pins Ito to the ground.

  The summoning of Eid’s power is forgotten, replaced by the intensity of the physical battle. The two fighters lock eyes, their rivalry and respect for each other recognizable as they struggle to gain the upper hand.

  Ito swiftly rolls over, using his agility to gain the upper hand. He pins Kael to the ground, his fist flying towards Kael's stomach. Kael tries to react, but Ito's punch lands squarely, causing Kael to double over in pain, coughing violently.

  Despite his discomfort, Kael quickly recovers, his wind resonance amplifying his strength as he throws Ito off him. However, Ito is relentless, his speed and agility allowing him to quickly close the distance between them once more.

  The two fighters engage in a fierce wrestling match, their bodies locked in a tight, intense struggle. Each combatant has a firm grip on the other, their muscles straining as they try to gain dominance.

  Ito's hands are clasped around Kael's wrists, attempting to pin him down, while Kael's arms are wrapped around Ito's torso, trying to restrict his movement. The air is filled with the sound of grunting and heavy breathing as they exert themselves, neither willing to yield.

  Jack leans in, whispering to Jairen as they watch the intense battle unfold, "Ito is getting desperate."

  Jairen nods in agreement, his eyes fixed on the fighters, "Yeah, I can see it. It looks like Kael is getting stronger."

  Just then, Ito unleashes a flurry of rapid-fire combos, his fists flying towards Kael with incredible speed. But Kael, fueled by his wind resonance, stands firm, blocking and countering each attack with precision.

  Kael's hands move swiftly, his arms weaving a complex pattern of defense and counterattack. Ito's eyes narrow, his face set in a fierce determination, but Kael's newfound strength and agility prove to be a formidable match for his skills.

  The exchange of blows is lightning-fast, the two fighters moving in perfect sync as they clash in a whirlwind of motion. Jack and Jairen watch in awe, their voices hushed in excitement, as the battle rages on.

  Ito's demeanor suddenly shifts, his eyes blazing with intensity as he stops punching and stands tall, his arms falling to his sides. He hunches over, his face twisted in a snarl, and Jack knows exactly what's coming.

  Kael, sensing danger, tries to back away, but it's too late. The Prison of Pillars activates, nine glowing pillars surrounding him, trapping him in a magical cage.

  Kael's eyes widen in panic as Ito begins to chant, calling upon the power of Eid. "Call upon death... Fall from star... Raining Skyline-"

  Kael tries to shout "NO!" but Ito's voice drowns him out, "FALL OF EID!"

  A blazing arrow forms in the sky, descending towards Kael, but just as it's about to strike, Lady Ioanna intervenes, "CANCEL!" The arrow dissipates, and the Prison of Pillars deactivates.

  Ito's face falls, his anger and frustration palpable. Jack and Jairen, however, can't contain their laughter, doubling over in hysterics at Kael's misfortune. "HAHAHAHA! Oh man, Kael, you got owned!" Jack guffaws, while Jairen chimes in, "Yeah, Ito's got some serious skills!" Kael's face turns bright red with embarrassment and frustration.

  Lady Ioanna continues to scold Ito, playfully bonking him on the head as she reminds him to control his powers. Kael, still trying to catch his breath, holds his head down in defeat, but Jack and Jairen come over to offer words of encouragement.

  "Don't worry, bro! You still got pretty far in the match," Jack says with a grin.

  "Yeah, I wonder how I'll fare up," Jairen adds, but Lady Ioanna interrupts, her expression turning serious.

  "No more sparring, unfortunately, right now. Remember, the Advanced Leagues are approaching, and I need you all to be up to par. Once you graduate from the Advanced League, you'll have the chance to become a Knight of mine and be accepted into the Grand Academy in the Central District."

  The students' eyes widen at the mention of the prestigious academy.

  "The Grand Academy is the largest in all the kingdoms, where all the major guilds are formed, and the most powerful fighters train. It's a place of great opportunity, and I expect to see you all excel," Lady Ioanna concludes, her eyes shining with expectation.

  The students nod, determination etched on their faces, as they contemplate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

  Ito's face twists in frustration, "We haven't had time to even think about the Advancement Leagues, it's like we placed high scores for nothing!"

  Jack tries to intervene, but Ito cuts him off, his voice rising, "No! We trained for nothing, we've been training for nothing! And if the district hadn't been destroyed, we would've been in the best guild! We would've been stronger, could've learned so much new things!"

  Just then, Lani walks into the room, sensing the tense atmosphere, "What's going on? Why is everyone so upset?"

  Lady Ioanna sighs, "Ito's feeling frustrated about the Advancement Leagues and the opportunities we've missed due to the district's destruction."

  Lani's eyes widen in understanding, "Oh, Ito, I see. But we can't change the past. We have to focus on what we can control and make the most of our situation."

  Ito's expression remains defiant, but Lani's words seem to calm him slightly. Jack and Jairen exchange concerned glances, while Kael looks on, still trying to process the intensity of the moment.

  Lani walks over to Jairen, gently taking his hand in hers, "Hey Jairen, feeling alright?" she asks with a soothing tone.

  Jairen nods, a smile spreading across his face, "I'm excited about this new academy. I can't believe there's a place that's even better."

  Lani agrees, her eyes sparkling with a mix of excitement and nervousness, "Yeah, it's kind of scary. It makes me nervous even thinking about something like that. I wonder what the expectations are like over there."

  Lady Ioanna joins their conversation, a hint of pride in her voice, "The expectation for The Grand Academy is top-notch. Students there are at the peak of their abilities. I definitely know that since I graduated at the top of my class there, along with Sir Valric, and then Eine graduated there."

  Jack's eyes widen in awe, "Woahhhh!" he exclaims, clearly impressed.

  Lady Ioanna's expression turns serious, "I haven't told the other students yet, so only you few know, okay? Let's keep this between us for now."

  Ito smirks, "If you graduated at the top of your class and Jairen is stronger than you, then we'll be alright."

  But Lady Ioanna quickly shuts him down, "He's not stronger than me, but he's pretty close. He'll be able to hold his own. Would you be able to, though?"

  The room falls silent, with Ito's face turning bright red. Kael bursts into laughter, holding his stomach as he doubles over. "Ito just got OWNED!" he gasps between guffaws.

  Jack joins in, pumping his fists in the air, "OHHHHHHHHH!" while Jairen and Lani continue to laugh, their eyes shining with mirth.

  Ito's scowl deepens, but he can't hide the hint of embarrassment. Lady Ioanna's stern expression softens into a small smile, "Let's focus on training, shall we?"

  The group continues to chuckle, still grinning from the exchange, as they try to compose themselves and refocus on the task at hand.

  Alumi walks into the training room, looking around curiously, "Hey, what's going on? Why is everyone so excited?" she asks, but the room falls silent, with everyone trying to play it cool and hide the earlier exchange.

  But Jairen, with his charming smile, approaches her, "Hey Alumi, first time seeing you here!" Alumi smiles, "I was studying abilities and different powers in my little area."

  They continue to chat, and Alumi seems to light up in Jairen's presence. As she prepares to leave, Lani calls out, "Hey Alumi, can I join you?" But before she can take a step, time suddenly freezes, and Lani finds herself stuck in place, unable to move.

  The hallway, once bustling with activity, is now a snapshot in time, with everyone paused mid-movement. Alumi, however, seems unaffected, and she turns to face Lani with a curious expression, as if sensing something is amiss.

  The voice, low and menacing, echoes through the hallway, "Resistance? To time stopping?" It's as if the speaker is savoring the moment, enjoying the fear that's about to unfold.

  In an instant, a dark flash illuminates the frozen scene, and Alumi's body jerks backward, a gaping hole torn through her shoulder. She slumps to the ground, her eyes rolling back as she loses consciousness.

  The figure, shrouded in shadows, steps forward, seemingly immune to the time stop. They move with purpose, scanning the area as if searching for something or someone.

  The frozen students and Lady Ioanna remain suspended in time, unable to react or intervene. Lani, still stuck in place, can only watch in horror as the figure looms over Alumi's limp form.

  The air is heavy with tension, and the silence is oppressive, punctuated only by the sound of Alumi's soft gasps as she struggles to remain conscious. The figure's intentions are unclear, but their malevolent presence is palpable, casting a dark shadow over the scene.

  The figure glides into the training room, their gaze locking onto Jairen with an unnerving intensity. They approach him, their movements eerily silent, and place a finger on his forehead. Jairen's eyes widen, but he's unable to move or resist. His eyes roll back, and he crumples to the ground, unconscious.

  The figure whispers to themselves, "Where is it?" Their voice is barely audible, but it sends shivers down the spines of the frozen onlookers.

  With Jairen neutralized, the figure continues their search, moving with an air of determination. They glide through the palace, their eyes scanning every nook and cranny, as if searching for something specific.

  The frozen students and Lady Ioanna remain helpless, unable to intervene or even speak. Time remains stuck, and the only sound is the soft whisper of the figure's questioning, "Where is it?"

  The figure's true intentions and the object of their search remain a mystery, but their sinister presence and actions leave no doubt that their goals are far from pure.

  The figure's search finally yields results as they enter the library, their eyes scanning the shelves with an unnerving intensity. They notice a single book, tilted at an odd angle, as if defying gravity. The figure's smile grows wider as they approach the book, their hands reaching out to claim it.

  As they pull the book from the shelf, a faint hiss escapes, and steam begins to rise from the bottom of the shelf, shrouding the area in a misty veil. The figure's smile twists into a menacing grin, their eyes gleaming with malevolent triumph.

  But what they see remains a secret, hidden behind their sinister smile. The steam swirls, obscuring the book's contents, leaving the outcome of their search a mystery.

  The figure steps into the smoking opening behind the bookshelf, and the entrance seals itself, enveloping them in darkness. Their maniacal laughter resonates through the library and halls, sending chills down the spines of the students.

  As the time stop releases, Lani rushes to aid her friends, "Jairen!! ALUMI!" She tries to rouse Jairen from his unconscious state and tends to Alumi's wounded shoulder.

  Kael and Jack exchange worried glances, scanning their surroundings for answers. "What just happened?" Kael asks, confusion etched on his face.

  Lady Ioanna's expression twists in a mix of anger and concern. She mutters under her breath, "Not again…" before shouting, "CHECK THE AREA, FULL SWEEP!" Her voice echoes through the halls, mobilizing Sir Valric and Eine into action.

  Sir Valric and Eine swiftly begin their search, combing the area for any clues or signs of the figure's identity or motivations. The atmosphere is tense, with the students and instructors on high alert, unsure of what dangers may still lurk in the shadows.

  Lady Ioanna's hand closes around the hilt of her sword, her grip tightening as she prepares for battle. Her eyes narrow, her jaw sets, and her stance widens, ready to face whatever darkness is emerging from the shadows. The air seems to vibrate with anticipation as she whispers to herself, "Let them come." leaving the outcome of the impending confrontation hanging in the balance Lady Ioanna’s eyes glow as she activates her ghost eyes prepared for battle.