Back at Thunderpeak Royal Academy, the early afternoon sunlight cascaded softly over the beautifully arranged central garden, casting gentle shadows beneath the grand cherry blossom tree.
Its branches rustled quietly in the breeze, scattering a few delicate petals across the stone pathways below.
Beneath the tree's shade, Arya, Emilia, Nyss, Elias, Kale, Sylvia, and Felira had gathered. Arya and Emilia had arrived first, quietly discussing Orion's remarkable tower ascension from the previous day, until they were soon joined by the rest of their friends.
Elias, however, was notably late, arriving with quickened steps and a grim expression. As he approached, Arya immediately noticed the uncharacteristically solemn look on his face, her bright expression shifting to one of immediate concern.
