The flight from the Undercroft to the surface was a blur of speed and violence. Alvian, in his Avatar form, punched through the ventilation grates and burst into the night sky of the Academy.
The sun had set. The moon hung low and full, but a shadow was creeping across its face. The eclipse.
The Moon Tower stood in the center of the Admin District, a needle of white stone piercing the clouds. It pulsed with a rhythmic, sickly violet light.
Below, chaos had already erupted.
Valeria hadn't waited. The moment Alvian gave the order, the Vanguard moved.
"FOR THE ACADEMY!"
Explosions rocked the base of the tower. Vanguard knights clashed with the Royal Guard—who were wearing the tell-tale masks of the Syndicate. The corruption had reached the highest levels of security.
Spells flew like fireworks. Fireballs, lightning, and ice shards illuminated the night.
