The Academy airship sliced through the clouds, its massive engines humming like distant thunder. Below it stretched a wild, untouched island cloaked in mist, where the final exam would take place—a test of survival, skill, and something far more ancient.
From the deck, students peered over the railing. Lush greenery surrounded jagged cliffs, and glowing crystal veins pulsed beneath the ground, visible even from the skies. The air felt charged—electric, as though the land itself was watching.
Kaen stood silently near the edge, the wind tousling his dark hair. Zian stood beside him, her golden eyes fixed on the island. Something about this place stirred her instincts… something wrong.
Behind them, Lirien leaned against the ship's interior wall, arms crossed. Officially, she was here as an observer—assigned by the Hunter Association to protect students if needed. Unofficially, her gaze drifted to Kaen far more than necessary.
Rourke stepped forward as the island neared. "Students! This is Neryas Island, the site of your final exam. For the next five days, you'll operate in five-man squads. Your mission is to survive, collect arcane tokens hidden across the island, and face the trials guarding them. Each token tests combat, strategy, and teamwork. No external contact allowed. Remember—this is real."
After disembarking, the students were briefed by the teachers on base camp logistics and the rules. Then, with minimal delay, squads began venturing into the wilderness.
Later that day, Zian wandered deeper into the island's forest alone. She couldn't explain the pull she felt—it was like something in her bones was calling.
She came to a clearing drowned in white mist.
Then… he appeared.
A man emerged from the fog, clad in fractured silver armor. His long hair was pale as moonlight, and his six torn wings shimmered like shattered glass. His eyes—once divine—now burned with fear.
When they met Zian's gaze, he recoiled as if struck.
"No," he whispered. "You… You should have died that day."
Zian stepped back. "Do I… know you?"
The angel's hand trembled. "You were the only one who stood against us. The only loyal one."
Zian's heartbeat thundered in her ears.
Golden light flickered at her fingertips.
Memories—buried, broken, bleeding—strained against the cage in her mind.
The angel gritted his teeth. "I should kill you now. Before you remember what you are."
Zian's golden eyes glowed as light gathered around her. "Then you'd better try."