The road into Veyl Academy smelled of rain and iron. Clouds rolled low, like a ceiling ready to crash; the air buzzed with distant Shinrei tremors. Master Isen walked with a steady, almost casual gait golden hair catching the light, black-and-silver robes whispering with each step. At his side marched two Eclipse Vanguards: Kurosawa Zeke, magma coiled beneath his skin, and Raiden Kurogami, who moved with languid lightning in his bones.
"Be safe, everyone. Just be safe…" Isen murmured, more to himself than to the young men beside him.
Raiden's jaw worked. "Tsk. To think the school is blocked… we can't even teleport in. Master Isen can't use his usual tricks."
Zeke slammed a fist into his palm. "Those Sins. I'll tear them apart."
They reached the academy gate. Stone pillars loomed like old sentinels. Beyond, the air thrummed with war—distant shouts, the crack of Echo Arts, the metallic tang of blood. Then a figure stepped out of shadow.
