The buzz of the arena battles still lingered in the Academy's air, but the halls were slowly returning to normal. Decorations for the Winter Festival appeared like falling snow—paper lanterns, charm ribbons, and glowing orbs strung between rooftops.
For the students of A-2, however, peace was short-lived.
Zian sat under a tree in the courtyard, flipping through her notebook while pretending not to watch Kaen spar with Kyel. Her golden eyes narrowed as Kaen lazily dodged Kyel's high-speed strikes, not even breaking a sweat.
Mira flopped down beside her, sighing. "How can he be so good at everything and still act like nothing matters?"
Zian didn't answer immediately. "Because it doesn't—at least, not to him."
Across the field, Leon joined the match, launching a spear from long range. Kaen caught it mid-air and twirled it like a baton. Then he grinned and threw it back. The spear landed upright, tip-down, two inches from Kyel's boot.
Everyone froze. Kaen just laughed and walked away.
Later that afternoon, Headmistress Velda summoned the A-2 team.
"You've all done well this semester," she said, her tone formal but approving. "And you've proven yourselves more capable than any first-year class in history."
She paused, her eyes lingering on Kaen and Zian.
"For winter break, you are permitted to leave the Academy grounds. I expect you all to return in three weeks—stronger, smarter, and preferably alive."
Rayden chuckled. "That last part seems… optional."
Kyel, serious as ever, asked, "Will there be new training modules upon our return?"
Velda nodded. "Yes. Including the final exam arc. It may be your most dangerous challenge yet."
As the students began packing, Kaen found Zian outside, watching snowflakes drift down onto the training yard.
"You planning to visit home?" he asked.
Zian shook her head. "I don't have one."
Kaen tilted his head. "Then come with me."
Zian blinked. "To your house?"
He gave her a sideways glance. "You'll like it. Quiet. Far from anyone who thinks they know who you are."
"…Fine," she said, after a long pause. "But only because I'm curious."
His smile widened. "That's how it begins."
And as the first snow fully settled, the Winter Arc began.