The gates of the Hunter Academy buzzed with anticipation as the first bell of the new academic year echoed across the sprawling campus. Students poured in from all directions—freshmen wide-eyed and nervous, seniors with practiced ease, and returning second-years carrying the pride of survival.
The sun gleamed over marble towers, and flags bearing the Academy's crest danced in the breeze. Mana crystals embedded in the walls pulsed softly, reacting to the surge of hunter energies converging from across the world.
Kaen stood near the academy's fountain plaza, arms crossed casually. His crimson eyes reflected the sunlight, unreadable as ever. A year ago, he was just a shadow in the crowd. Now, whispers followed him wherever he went. First-years stared with a mixture of fear and fascination.
Beside him, Zian observed silently. Her long white hair fluttered as her golden eyes scanned the courtyard. She now remembered who she was—the only angel who stood by the god till the end, the fallen who refused to betray. Her presence carried a quiet intensity. Shadow soldiers flickered behind her when no one was watching—fragments of beings she'd defeated, slowly gathering again as her army.
Then came Lirien, calm and elegant as ever, walking straight through the crowd like it didn't exist. Clad in a sleek black uniform with red accents, she now wore a badge no student had seen before—Elite Combat Instructor, Special Class. The headmaster had quietly approved her new role: personal mentor to Kaen and his group. No one dared question it.
"Teacher Lirien?" Kyel muttered as she approached. "You've got to be kidding."
Lirien smiled just slightly. "You'll be seeing a lot more of me now. Try not to disappoint."
Mira choked on her energy drink. Leon blinked. Rayden looked between Lirien and Kaen with wide eyes.
Kaen only gave a smirk. "Try not to hold back."
The Academy's announcement system crackled:
"All second-years, report to the central courtyard. New teams and mentors will be assigned shortly."
As they moved out, Kaen's gaze turned toward the sky—something above stirred. The world had begun shifting again.
And the darkness? It was always watching.