Morning in the Eclipse Academy's arena, the air itself trembling under the voice of thousands of spectators. For the first time in years, the great banners of Eclipse didn't hang in shame — they blazed under the morning light like challenges to the world.

A wave of cheers followed — deafening, electric, hungry. After years of silence, Eclipse was alive again.

In the prep hall below, tension replaced the noise. Students stretched, paced, or whispered silent prayers.

Minjae stared at the ...