The morning sun burned through the thin clouds above Eclipse Academy.

The coliseum was alive before the first bell—students rushing to the stands, instructors adjusting wards, and mana screens humming across the field.

This was it. The semifinals. The final six.

Jiwoo sat quietly with Minjae in the waiting area.

Rina stretched near the railing, sparks dancing across her fingertips.

Across the room, Kang Jisoo leaned back on a bench, eyes half-closed, saving his strength.

The ...