The fluorescent lights in the upper hallway of Saint Shinomiya flickered as Seijirou, Suzune, Shou, and Sakai moved in a tight formation, their footsteps a rapid percussion against the linoleum.
The air here was different—colder, sharper, and vibrating with a frequency that set Seijirou's teeth on edge, making him feel like all their moves are being observed by the enemy.
"Attack incoming," Haruka's voice cut through the phone, sounding like a digital goddess of war. "Trajectory: 180 degrees. High-velocity spirit signature. Everyone jump to the side. Once cleared, leave the corridor to Shou."
Without a second of hesitation, the group moved.
Seijirou and Suzune vaulted toward the left wall, while Sakai and Shou dove right.
Then, a millisecond later, a streak of blinding white light, jagged as a lightning bolt, tore through the space they had just occupied.
It moved at a great speed that the sheer friction of it was literally scorching the air into ozone.
