> The morning breeze carried a chill through the academy halls as the students gathered in the Great Dining Hall. The Principal's voice rang out with an authority that brooked no argument:
"In two days, the God Summoning Trial begins. Representing our Academy, I nominate: Mira, Lysandria, Aeldir, Seraphine, Luna, and Prince Caelrion. They have earned their place by the highest rankings in our last mock battle."
The announcement sent a shockwave through the room, but the real surprise came later.
When the team met, Prince Caelrion seemed transformed. His usual arrogance was gone, replaced by a gentle, caring demeanor. As the group shared an awkward meal, he bowed his head.
Lysandria's fingers tightened around her cup. The mana around Prince Caelrion did not match the rhythm they had felt in the mock battles—its flow was calmer, older.
Aeldir's gaze sharpened. "Your presence… it's not the same one from yesterday."
"I apologize for my brother's behavior," Caelrion said softly. "I am in charge of this body for the duration of the trial. I will handle the logistics; the combat I leave to you."
The shift was undeniable. Whatever now stood before them was not the same presence they had faced before.
As the team prepared to depart for the arena, Mira suddenly stood up, abandoning her half-finished plate.
"He's here," she said, already moving.
The space before the Academy gates distorted without warning, a completed portal unfolding rather than forming.
There, emerging from the distortion, stood a man with ash-silver hair and deep crimson eyes. His presence pressed down like a physical weight, heavy and suffocating. This was Eron Vale—the second brother, survivor of the Forest of Asura, where the universe's most lethal mana beasts roamed.
Beside him stood a woman who redefined the meaning of gentle.
She inclined her head to all who stood before her—not in submission, but in acknowledgment, like an ancient forest recognizing passing lives. That quiet courtesy unsettled the nobles more than any open threat. Her power rested within her presence: patient, restrained, inevitable.
"Brother," Mira asked, her gaze shifting to the woman. "Who is she? And why is she holding your hand?"
Eron's exhaustion was unmistakable—not the fatigue of travel, but the weight of something long carried.
"She is a Forest Spirit," he said. "And she is my wife."
Silence followed.
"Does Mom know?" Mira asked. "Does Astro?"
"Neither."
"Then why?" Mira's voice sharpened. "You know the rule. No marriage without introducing them to the family."
Prince Caelrion stepped forward, curiosity overtaking caution. "Can I ask… who is Astro?"
The temperature dropped instantly.
Ice surged up Caelrion's legs, locking him to the stone. Mira's gaze hardened.
"That name is a family name," she said coldly. "It doesn't belong to outsiders."
The ice retreated as swiftly as it had formed.
"I've formed a team for the trial," Eron said, turning back to Mira. "Will you join me?"
Mira gestured subtly to those beside her. "My team is already here."
Eron's gaze passed over the group before he nodded.
"Then be ready. And Mira—have you found Astro?"
"He was here," she replied, eyes lifting toward where the portal had vanished. "Now he's gone. Somewhere no one can follow."
Eron exhaled slowly.
"As long as he's alive… time still exists."
Without another word, the heavy presence of the Asura survivor and the gentle Spirit Princess followed the group back into the academy. The Spirit Princess paused briefly at the threshold, her gaze lingering on the grounds—then she stepped inside after Eron.