The news spread across the entire Royal Academy Realm like wildfire.
> "The Bonded Four have returned."
From castle balconies to floating scrolls in the sky, nobles whispered in fear, awe, and curiosity. Students gathered in hidden corners, excitedly sharing theories.
"They're from the Lost Lineage!"
"They awakened the old magic!"
"They say Princess Shane broke ten training swords in a day—just from sneezing!"
At the Blazing Sun Palace, Shane stood in front of three massive mirrors, dressed in a flowy battle gown made of starlight-threaded silk.
Shane grumbled. "Why do I need this fancy cloth just to punch someone?"
Queen Lianghua beamed. "Because, my dear, you'll be punching someone at a royal ball."
Meanwhile, Hansol—still emotionally recovering from the phoenix-feather outfit—watched from the doorway, eyes locked on Shane.
She looked... breathtaking.
He turned red again.
Luna and Xin entered behind him, both polished to royal perfection. Luna wore moonlight silver robes, her dreamy eyes scanning the hall.
Xin, in black royal armor with icy-blue gems, looked like a shadow prince—silent, composed, deadly calm.
Rio arrived last, dressed in healer's ceremonial robes, golden embroidery glowing. Even the palace maids whispered, "Is that the Little Doctor?! He's so handsome now!"
Suddenly—BOOM.
A loud magical gong echoed.
The Academy Master appeared in midair, robes fluttering like cosmic wind. "Bonded Four—your presence is requested at the Council Tower."
At the same time…
In the Moonfire Garden, the four nobles—Hansol, Yen Yu, Selen, and Sheha—stood in silence, watching the sky change to crimson.
Sheha's eyes narrowed. "The old power stirs again."
Selen, arms crossed, whispered, "And the golden bond between Shane and Hansol… it's not breaking. It's growing."
Yen Yu tilted his head to the moon. "Luna…"
Hansol, distracted and heartbeat racing, whispered under his breath, "What is this feeling… like something important is about to begin?"
To Be Continued…