Saturday morning sunlight poured over Eclipse Academy’s outer gates.

Students milled around in casual clothes, laughing, stretching, actually relaxed. The academy had officially declared the weekend a rest period before the quarterfinals.

Jiwoo stood by the entrance, hands in his pockets, watching the street beyond the walls.

Minjae waved from behind him. “Finally! Civilization! Real food! Fresh air!”

Rina appeared next, wearing a cap and a gray hoodie. “You make it sound like ...