🌙 Episode 23: "After the Battle: The Storm in Silence"
🌆 Shinjū Academy – Sunset
The sky had turned orange in the aftermath of the battle.
The walls of the academy buildings still bore traces of charred energy.
But the students were smiling. For once, Abyssion had retreated.
Tensei stood in the ruined courtyard.
The wind whipped his hair, his face a mixture of pride and worry.
Tensei (inwardly):
"Did we win, or were we merely delayed?"
Footsteps were heard behind him.
Ryūjin was coming—the bandages on his shoulders were still leaking blood.
Ryūjin: "Are you still here?"
Tensei: "Yes. The battle is over, but peace hasn't come."
Ryūjin: "Peace doesn't come right away. Sometimes even winning is a silent loss."
Tensei: "Are you a philosopher or something?"
Ryūjin (smiles): "A side effect of being a dragon."
They both looked up at the sky.
Stars twinkled in the distance.
🏅 Rank Ceremony
They had gathered in the academy's central square.
Some students were about to be promoted for their heroism in battle.
Yuki led the students at the ceremony.
Ryokuryu was at his side, his face solemn yet proud.
Yuki: "Today, we celebrate not only a victory, but also our unity.
Now, a new chapter in the history of Shinjū Academy is opening."
The names were called out one by one:
Yuki: "Riku Harada – Promoted to Silver Rank!"
Crowd: Applause erupts.
Yuki: "Ren Akazuki – Promoted to Silver Rank!"
**Haru Takeda – Honored as a Gold Rank Candidate!"
Haru was surprised.
Haru: "M-me? Gold Rank?!"
Riku (laughing): "If it weren't for your lion's claw, Abysssion would still be here."
Ren: "You deserve it, man. But don't get too excited."
Haru (smiles): "I won't get too excited, I'll just roar."
The crowd laughed.
But beneath this warm atmosphere, something felt—a growing unease.
🌌 Night – Academy Garden
Night had fallen.
Riku was walking alone in the garden.
The reflections of trees destroyed in the battle were visible in the small pond.
Yuki came up to him.
Yuki: "Didn't you sleep?"
Riku: "I don't know… Everyone's celebrating, but I can't relax."
Yuki: "The silence after battle is usually the loudest."
Riku: "We think Abysssion is gone, but… I have a feeling. It's like he's still watching us."
Yuki took a deep breath.
Yuki: "He may be watching. But don't let him scare you.
You are a child of the surface; even darkness cannot swallow you."
Riku (smiles slightly): "Thank you, Master."
They watched the sky in silence for a while.
The moonlight danced on the surface of the lake.
⚙️ Underground: Abyssion's Shadow
Meanwhile, in a cold cave underground…
Mizura knelt, and before him appeared the faint silhouette of Abyssion.
Abyssion: "They have become stronger… but this will only delay the end of the surface."
Mizura: "Order… what do you wish me to do?"
Abyssion: "They fear silence. Then let them disappear into silence."
Mizura: "Understood…"
Mizura closed her eyes.
A gray energy began to slowly spread from beneath the waves—Abyssion's new plan was silently being born.
🌅 Morning – New Mission
The next morning, Ryūjin summoned three students:
Riku, Haru, and our new acquaintance, Kaya Shindo (a cool but strategic individual).
Ryūjin: "We detected a strange energy in a small town.
It could be Abyssion's residue."
Kaya: "So, we'll go there."
Riku: "A three-person team… so it's a secret mission."
Haru: "If we're ready, let's go. Even though the war is over, we still have a lot to protect."
Tensei watched them from afar.
Tensei (inwardly): "Let's see if the silence is truly peace, or the storm before it…"
đź’« End of Chapter Quotes
The wind shook the trees.
In the distance, a gray fog was slowly moving toward the city.
Narrator:
"In the silence that comes after victory… some battles never end.
And some enemies simply learn to be invisible."
✨ End of Chapter 23 – "After the War: The Storm in Silence"