Lira lingered a moment longer in the greenhouse, her fingers brushing the edges of the glowing sprouts. Then, with quiet purpose, she reached into a small leather pouch and selected a few seeds — the ones she felt pulsing gently with something more, something old. She wrapped them carefully in cloth and tucked them close to her chest.
The academy grounds were still quiet as she slipped past the outer buildings, following the now-familiar path to the forest's edge. Morning mist still curled low between the trees, as if waiting.
As Lira stepped into the first line of shadows beneath the canopy, a shift stirred the air — not wind, but presence.
Renkai stepped out from between two trees, his white robes flowing lightly, his silver hair catching a hint of sun through the mist. His expression was unreadable at first, then softened into a quiet smile.
"Today, you are early."
