The echo of their footsteps carried through the open steel walkway that curved toward the Mission Core, a vast, dome-shaped chamber where the academy's field operatives received their directives.
Wind currents shimmered in blue light below, reflecting the pulsing veins of the academy's Shinrei network.
Ceyla walked a step ahead, her cloak flickering with static; Juno moved in silence, fists already taped; Khael followed, his expression calm but alert.
The hum of energy, the murmurs of other Veinwalkers it all felt familiar.
But then a voice broke through the crowd.
"Oi! If it isn't the golden boy himself, the Dragon Knight back from babysitting nobles!"
Khael blinked then grinned.
"Kenji?"
Out from a nearby console leaned Kenji Gas, grinning ear to ear, curly wolf-cut hair bouncing slightly as he crossed his arms. His eyes gleamed with the same easy confidence as always, a swagger that could either charm or irritate depending on who you asked.
