Morning arrived at Skygate Academy like it always did—calm, orderly, and deceptively peaceful.
Golden sunlight poured over the sprawling training grounds, casting long shadows beneath towering academy structures. Students moved in groups along the stone pathways, some heading toward lecture halls, others already sparring in designated arenas. The distant clash of weapons and bursts of elemental energy filled the air, blending into a familiar rhythm of disciplined chaos.
To anyone watching, it was just another ordinary day.
Nothing had changed.
Nothing had happened.
But for Aether—
Everything was different.
He walked along the main pathway without hurry, his steps steady and unremarkable. At his side, the Flame Sovereign Pup trotted quietly, its small body radiating faint, controlled flames that flickered gently with each step.
It looked the same as always.
Small.
Unassuming.
Harmless, even.
But appearances meant nothing now.
