Morning – Peace Shattered
Unit 9 was in the middle of their garden duties—Mira humming, Teaha sharpening blades, Kevin lazily tossing stones—when the alarm bell rang.
Bihoo was the first to raise his head.
"An alert?"
Nisa stood still. Her jade felt hot.
The front gate opened.
The commander marched through with two elites beside him. His face was tight, unreadable.
"Unit 9. I apologize—your rest ends today.
Guests have arrived."
Academy Grounds – Gathering
The team stood in formation as people began to arrive from all corners of the military region—commanders, elite scouts, war priests… and family.
Kevin blinked. "Wait. Is that…?"
Mira: "Kevin, that's your brother."
Kevin groaned. "Of course he shows up now. He's probably here to embarrass me."
Teaha spotted his own father—a sharp-eyed war general—and instantly stood straighter.
Lara's older sister walked by, offering only a proud nod.
Nisa – Alone in the Crowd
But no one came for Nisa.
She kept her head down.
Bihoo noticed. He walked toward her but—
A regal woman stepped into view. Hair like liquid obsidian. Eyes calm but unreadable.
Bihoo's mother.
She looked at Nisa for a moment. Silent.
Then turned to the commander.
> "That girl. I wish to test her."
Everyone paused.
Nisa straightened. "Test?"
Commander: "Lady Enira will assign you a personal trial."
Lara whispered, "Why her?"
Mira: "Maybe she sees something…"
Private Test – The Forest Arena
Nisa stood at the center of a glowing sigil, heart pounding.
Bihoo tried to speak, but Enira raised her hand.
> "You hold strength... but do you know why?"
The ground shook. From the trees came a summoned shadow beast—eyes glowing red.
A real one.
Nisa's body moved before her mind could. Her jade flared. Wings of light shimmered faintly behind her for the first time.
The beast charged.
She moved with no fear. No doubt. She remembered how to fight.
Aftermath – Hidden Glance
She stood, panting, the shadow beast vanishing into smoke.
The guests were silent.
Enira looked… pleased. Just for a second.
She turned to Bihoo. "She's stronger than I expected."
Then whispered only to herself:
> "She could survive the Seal War."
End Scene – Garden, Sunset
The team sat around the table again.
Kevin's brother had left behind a sealed scroll. It bore the mark of a forgotten army.
Nisa sat by herself, tracing the jade at her waist.
Bihoo walked over, placed a gentle cup of tea beside her, and sat without a word.
She didn't speak.
But she smiled.
To be continued...