[The Obsidian Forest.]
The dense canopy of the Obsidian Forest cast long, jagged shadows over the dirt path. Carl, Hitachi, Rose, Kent, and Austin had come to a sudden, grinding stop, their boots skidding against the earth. They stared at the group obstructing the path before them with a slight frown. The tension in the air was palpable, thick with the unreleased energy of rival academies.
"Why are you blocking our path!!" Austin yelled at them, his voice echoing through the ancient trees.
"Come on, it's our job to block your paths. If Mirabella was here, we won't dare to, but what can you five do?" Andrew asked with a mocking smirk, sitting comfortably on a thick tree branch above them. His casual demeanor was a calculated insult to them.
