The morning bell rang through Eclipse Academy, cutting through the lingering fog that hung over the courtyards.

Students streamed between the stone paths, laughter and chatter blending with the faint hum of mana channels flowing underfoot.

For the Combat Division, it was supposed to be an ordinary morning — drills, conditioning, and basic weapon forms. But today was different.

A notice had been posted on every dorm board at dawn:

Combined Lecture — Combat & Elemental Divisions: Mana ...