Two weeks had passed since the battle at the palace.
Inside the towering Samurai Hall, long chairs lined either side of a grand table. Despite the sunlight streaming in through the high windows, the air felt cold, brittle—as if time itself held its breath. The disciples sat quietly, fidgeting with tension. Whether it was anticipation or dread, no one could say.
Lithos looked toward the entrance. "They're supposed to be here by now," he whispered.
Kazui and Suno were already seated. Shinsei stood nearby, arms crossed, eyes closed.
Kazui turned. "Shinsei-san, I think you should take a seat."
Shinsei didn't open his eyes. "That won't be necessary."
THUD.
The massive doors creaked open. A cold, otherworldly chill spilled into the chamber. Every disciple's breath caught.
They had arrived.
Four figures strode in.
A pale demon with pointy ears and a mechanical arm forged from Flowsteel and infernal sigils. A wicked spear rested casually over his shoulder. Kenzo Shinigami.
A droopy-eyed girl with long white hair and an expression as vacant as it was piercing. Ayaka Tsuranagi.
A man with long flowing hair and closed eyes, each movement calm, precise. His presence echoed like a whispered storm. Danzai Kyoraku.
And last, a beautiful Kitsune with three ethereal tails, her every step a dance of elegance and power. Kagura Enno.
Ayaka's soft voice broke the silence. "Kenzo… do the honors."
Kenzo grinned. "With pleasure."
He turned to the gathered Samurai.
"We are the Veilborn."
The name alone sent an electric jolt through the air.
"Also known as the Intercessors," he continued, "we represent the last defenders of the four great races."
Suno stood. "Defenders?" He scoffed. "Another group of would-be gods playing with destruction?"
Danzai chuckled softly. "Destruction? That's such a crude word. Our goal is much more refined."
Kagura tilted her head. "We're restoring balance. The Great Apocalypse."
Shinsei's eyes opened, just slightly.
Ayaka leaned forward, voice like ice. "We will return the world to the Age of Myth. When the veils between realms were not bound by mortal chains."
Kazui slammed the table. "Are you insane?! What do you gain by tearing open sealed realms?"
Kenzo replied, his voice calm. "True equilibrium."
Danzai interjected with a grin. "One grand war. All races involved. No rules. No barriers. The victor inherits this world."
Suno: "You want to plunge the realms into extinction—without their consent?"
Kagura smirked. "Consent is a luxury for the weak."
Ayaka's eyes glinted. "And opposition... is punished by death."
Danzai folded his arms. "It's justice, isn't it? You all preach fairness. This is the fairest war of all."
Shinsei took a step forward. "You know this war will wipe out entire races."
Ayaka smiled faintly. "Pretty much."
Suddenly, Kenzo tilted his head toward Zenith.
"Hey kid… that killing intent you're aiming at me? It's disgusting."
Zenith narrowed his eyes. "That spear. It's the same one from the Selection Exams."
The room tensed.
Kazui and Suno shot to their feet.
Kenzo smirked. "Ah, this old thing? Belongs to my disciple."
Lithos' voice was sharp. "Another demon of that caliber exists?"
Zenith stepped forward. "Your disciple killed innocent people."
Blink.
In a heartbeat, Kenzo's spear was pressed against Zenith's neck—
—only to be stopped by a hand.
Danzai.
In the same moment, Shinsei appeared behind Kenzo, his blade resting on the demon's throat.
Danzai's voice was gentle. "Next time that happens, I'll serve you your disciple's head on a pike."
Kenzo grinned, withdrawing his weapon and sitting with a scoff. "Tch. Boring."
He rose. "I'm done here."
Without waiting, he walked away.
The others followed.
Shinsei turned to Kazui and Suno. "Now you know their motives… But there is someone who must be protected at all costs."
Every head turned.
"Hime Kuraragi."
Kazui: "Who?"
Shinsei: "A girl from the village of Hanamura. Her ability must never fall into Veilborn hands."
Suno: "What ability?"
Shinsei: "Ryūten Kakuchō."
A hushed silence fell.
"She can amplify the Flow of any wielder tenfold."
Kazui's eyes widened. "She could tip the scales of any war."
Suno: "To the Veilborn, she's a living cheat code."
Shinsei nodded. "Exactly."
Kazui faced the room. "Team Hinazuki. Your mission is to retrieve Hime Kuraragi and bring her here."
Oborozuka blinked. "Seriously? Team Hinazuki?"
Suno: "He's the calmest of the bunch. That counts for something."
Kazui: "Prepare yourselves. You leave when the paperwork clears."
Hinazuki, Oborozuka, and Yatsurugi rose as one.
"Yes, sir!"