The moon hung low over Twilight Academy, but within the training grounds of Class D, fire crackled around the students.
Zhao Ling roared as he clashed with Shen Yu, their spirit energies bursting in violent ripples. A controlled duel under Han Li's command—but far from gentle.
"Channel your essence, not your emotions," Han Li called out, hands behind his back. His eyes weren't watching the fight. They were watching the shadows behind the clouds.
Zhao Ling's blade slashed down—Shen Yu sidestepped, countered with a wind slash, and both crashed to the ground in a draw.
"Better," Han Li said softly. "But still too kind."
"Kind?" Shen Yu wiped his lip. "I almost broke his ribs!"
"You hesitated."
Han Li turned. The wind stilled.
That moment, something in the sky changed.
A rift shimmered above the mountain. It disappeared as quickly as it came, but Han Li caught it—the slight fluctuation in spiritual pressure.
"The seal's weakening faster than expected," Li Tian whispered nearby.
Han Li's smile didn't reach his eyes. "And the real puppet master hasn't even shown their hand."
---
Meanwhile, in the elite quarters of Class A, Professor Yun sat before a gold-etched scroll. His face twisted in irritation.
"That janitor," he muttered, "how is he producing such results from rejects?"
"Do you want me to find out his method?" a soft voice asked.
A shadow stepped forward. Yun smirked. "Yes. And test his students during the evaluation tournament."
---
In a hidden cavern beneath the academy, the Sky-Eater opened its mouth.
It spoke no words—but every spiritual beast within ten miles whimpered.
A mind stirred far away, awakening.
And whispered, "It's almost time."