Noroko's gaze locked onto the masked man, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. "What exactly do you think you're doing?"
The mysterious figure froze. For a fleeting second, a look of pure astonishment crossed his eyes, as if he recognized something—or someone—in Noroko's face.
"You, masked man, I'm talking to you," Noroko commanded. "Who are you? And what do you want from this merchant?"
The stranger stumbled back, whispering in a trembling voice, "N-nothing... My apologies... I must leave at once!"
Before Noroko could react, the man vanished into the thick of the crowd with practiced agility.
The merchant exhaled in relief. "You arrived just in time. I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Noroko gave a confident grin. "No thanks needed, Uncle. We are the protectors of this kingdom."
Deep in the Woods – The Reveal
The stranger arrived at a modest hut shrouded in wild vines. He slammed the door shut and collapsed onto a worn sofa, his breath still ragged.
"There's something about that boy," he muttered to himself. "His energy... he's strong. He might know something about my brother."
He stood up and faced a cracked mirror. Casting aside his black cloak, his true face was revealed: long black hair, a light beard, and brown eyes that carried a weight far beyond his twenty-seven years.
This was no stranger. This was Shira.
Clenching his fist, Shira vowed, "I will find you... you and Mother... even if it costs me my life."
The Next Morning – Training Grounds
The sun rose to kiss the white walls and golden engravings of the Academy. In the back courtyard, Sir Edward stood with his usual regal stature, checking his hourglass.
"Next group: Noroko, Bringo, Mizra, Nihi. Your objective is to protect the center point against a multi-target Mikano simulation. Begin!"
"Time to play!" Noroko shouted with excitement.
Mizra raised his palm with a smirk. "I'm going to try merging two techniques this time."
Bringo directed the team, "Offensive and defensive roles! Nihi, use your water to create a barrier!"
The simulation erupted. Noroko raised his hand, conjuring a spiraling cyclone. In a flash, Mizra injected Fire Mikano into the wind, transforming it into a fiery vortex that incinerated the first wave. Nihi formed a shimmering wall of water to deflect incoming energy arrows, while Bringo struck the earth, causing earthen spears to impale the remaining targets. The training ended with the objective untouched, earning them a round of applause.
A Royal Arrival
The golden trumpets suddenly blared, signaling a royal presence. A magnificent carriage drawn by rare white stallions with blue eyes pulled up to the gates.
"It's King Sarohan!" the students cheered.
The King stepped out—a man in his fifties with dark green hair and a beard, wearing a cloak adorned with Sun Stones. He smiled, but his eyes were devoid of warmth.
"The King himself? This is unheard of before graduation," Nihi whispered.
Noroko nudged Bringo. "Hey, aren't you going to greet your father?"
"I'm going," Bringo muttered through gritted teeth, "but I'm waiting for that annoying girl."
From the crowd emerged Alique, a twenty-one-year-old of noble grace with dark green hair. She brushed past Bringo with a mocking smirk, heading toward the King. Sarohan welcomed her warmly but gave Bringo nothing more than a formal nod.
Taking the podium, the King announced: "Diligent students... I hereby announce the formation of a new elite unit: The Echo Vanguards!"
As the crowd erupted, Headmistress Kiva added: "This unit will consist of six squads, each serving under one of the Alpha Vanguards (The Six Guardians). Only the top 18 members will be chosen. There is no room for the weak!"
Noroko's eyes blazed with ambition. "Guys... this is our chance!"
The Dead of Night – The Nightmare
Back at Noroko's house, Minahoke bolted upright in bed, a scream dying in her throat.
"SHIRA!"
Tears streamed down her face as the memories of the explosion haunted her yet again. Looking out at the moon, she whispered, "Did you survive? Will we ever meet again?"
To be continued