The once-vibrant halls of the Pacesetters Academy stood cloaked in a heavy, almost suffocating silence. Where once students sparred with wooden blades and unleashed torrents of mana in training grounds, now there was only the quiet shuffle of patrols and the distant echoes of hushed murmurs. News traveled fast in Eldoria, and this time, it struck like a divine thunderbolt.
The representatives who had journeyed to the Battle Convention in the Valoria Kingdom were all confirmed dead. It wasn't just the loss of youth and talent that shook the land—it was the loss of leadership.
Chancellor Castaneda—a pillar of intellect and diplomacy.
Vice Chancellor Reeves—a man of wisdom and discipline.
General Cao—the backbone of the Academy's military prowess.
All gone. All eradicated.
A black flag flew over the central spire of the Academy—a symbol not just of mourning, but impending collapse.
