Astral Academy – Edge of the Training Grounds
The silence of the Inner Realm faded.
Like mist retreating at dawn, the shrine dissolved, and Anay's awareness slowly returned to his physical body. His breath flowed easily, calmly—no longer seeking control, but existing in harmony with the world.
His hands, still resting on his lap, felt warm.
And within his chest, Zettai Anant pulsed faintly—not as a weapon waiting to be drawn, but as a will quietly awake, listening.
He opened his eyes.
The four walls of his dorm room greeted him—modest, sunlit, and unchanged.
But he was no longer the same.
He rose, stretched gently, and walked toward the window. Outside, the afternoon light filtered through the trees lining the academy training grounds.
He watched a group of students clashing below—sparring, laughing, shouting. But among them, standing centered, composed, was one familiar figure.
"Sato…"
The quiet crystal wielder moved like flowing glass—each motion precise, elegant, unhurried. Anay narrowed his eyes. There were ten students circling him. A challenge, it seemed.
But even from afar, it was clear—
Sato was never overwhelmed.
With one step, he tilted his body just enough to dodge a flying blade.
With one hand, he flicked his crystal shard forward to disarm an attacker.
He didn't overpower his opponents.
He simply outpaced their thoughts.
One by one, they fell—not from injury, but from realization. That no opening ever existed.
Anay smiled softly to himself.
"He's improved too…"
With no hesitation, Anay left his room. His steps were light, his spirit focused. The halls were quieter now, most students off on their missions. The air carried the scent of sunlight on old stone and training dust.
As he stepped out into the open courtyard, the wind greeted him gently.
His eyes stayed locked on the sparring ring.
Just as Sato finished the final match—his tenth challenger staggering back, admitting defeat with a respectful bow—Anay stepped into view.
Sato turned.
Even from a distance, he seemed to sense it—an aura newly awakened.
"Anay."
His tone was calm, as always, but there was a flicker of curiosity in his voice. The other students looked between them, whispers starting.
Anay walked forward until they stood a few steps apart.
"Where have you been these nine days?" Sato asked, adjusting his stance slightly. His crystalline blade faded back into mist.
Anay scratched the back of his head, gaze casual.
"Umm… just training. In my room."
A few of the watching students raised eyebrows.
Sato tilted his head slightly.
"In your room," he repeated. Not disbelief—just calculation.
Anay nodded with a quiet grin.
"Sometimes, you don't need to go far to go deep."
Sato smiled faintly at that. "I see."
The moment lingered between them—silent, respectful.
The courtyard wind passed gently between them, brushing Anay's cloak and catching faint shards of crystal still hovering near Sato's fingertips.
They were both different than before.
sato asked to anay let's clash
Anay replied ok