Robert straightened, his cocky demeanor cracking as he noticed the change in Dontai’s stance. “His whole vibe… it’s different!” he muttered, uneasy.

  Dontai’s body began to glow faintly green, his magic crackling in the air around him. He cracked his knuckles and leveled a fierce glare at Robert. “Get ready for a beatdown,” he said, his voice steady and brimming with confidence.

  Robert scoffed, rolling his shoulder with a smirk. “You’re bluffing!” He lunged at Dontai, aiming to grab and slam him again, but this time Dontai was ready.

  In one swift motion, Dontai spun, delivering a devastating spinning back kick. “Kinetic Energy: Back Kick,” he muttered under his breath. His foot connected with Robert’s chest, the force so powerful that Robert staggered backward, coughing up blood as his chest visibly caved in.

  Kinetic energy—the energy an object possesses due to its motion—coursed through Dontai’s body as he spun. Every ounce of his magic was focused into his foot, amplifying the blow with brutal precision.

  Robert growled and made another attempt to grab Dontai, but Dontai’s torque magic flared to life. With a flick of his wrist, he sent Robert spiraling into the air, his body twisting uncontrollably.

  “What the—?!” Robert yelled, disoriented as he spun helplessly.

  Seizing the opportunity, Dontai followed up with a spinning hook kick, his body moving like a coiled spring. “Kinetic Energy: Spinning Hook Kick!” he shouted, his voice ringing with finality. The kick connected with Robert’s face, the impact sending him crashing to the ground with a resounding thud.

  Robert threw his hands up in surrender, his voice desperate. “Okay! Okay! I’m sorry! You win!” Before Dontai could react further, Robert vanished, warping out of the area in a flash of light.

  Dontai stood there, panting heavily as the adrenaline ebbed away. He looked around, shoulders slumping. “Still no friends,” he muttered, pouting as he trudged back toward the school, disappointment etched across his face.

  At Bolt Lake, Luca made one final attempt to attack Amara, but she countered with sharp ice shards forming on her fingernails. She swiped at him, the icy claws raking across his skin. Luca screamed, muffled by the ice covering his mouth, his body trembling from the searing pain.

  Before Amara could press her advantage further, Luca warped out of the lake in a desperate escape. Amara paused, her icy glare softening as she noticed the photograph on the ground. She picked it up—a picture of herself, Akoni, and Cassius—and held it tightly against her chest, her expression a mix of relief and sadness.

  At the school, the bell rang, signaling the end of class. Renita glanced out the window, her sharp eyes catching sight of Titian and Howard standing on the distant mountain. “So that’s what Solstice City has to offer,” she murmured, smirking faintly before grabbing her things and walking out of the classroom.

  On the mountain, Titian surveyed the aftermath. Luca lay on the ground, ice still covering his mouth and deep scratches marking his chest. Nearby, Robert was sprawled out, struggling for breath but conscious.

  Titian nodded, his tone calm but approving. “You two aren’t weak. I guess Solstice City does have some potential after all.”

  With that, he gestured to Howard, and the four of them warped out of the city, leaving behind an eerie silence.

  Renita strolled through the hallway, clutching her bag tightly. Her mind raced with unease. I can’t tell anyone. They’re still terrified at the thought of Camelot returning. But I should stay alert—anything happening on that mountain could mean trouble. Resolute, she tied her hair back, sharpening her focus and ensuring her heightened vampire senses could catch every sound.

  Suddenly, a buzz in her back pocket interrupted her thoughts. Pulling out her phone, she read the message: "Come to Test Mountain."

  Her heart sank, a chill running down her spine. "A-are they coming for me next?!" Panic started to bubble. "No, that doesn’t make sense. I wasn’t even on the list… was I? Forget it. If anything happens, I’ll bolt!"

  Gritting her teeth, Renita shoved her phone back into her pocket and took off with a burst of vampire speed, her surroundings blurring as she darted out of the school and toward the mountain.

  In the Magisterium, Howard and Titian stepped into the enchanted chamber, where the other members lounged around a table playing cards. The moment Titian entered, the room snapped to attention. Cards vanished, backs straightened, and all eyes focused on him.

  Titian strolled casually to the couch behind their table, picking up a dagger from the display as he settled in. “So,” he began, his voice calm but deliberate, “the heavy hitters in Auroria are Cassius, Arid, Amara, and Dontai—from what I’ve seen so far.” His eyes scanned the room as he spoke, his words measured and carrying an air of authority.

  He twirled the dagger in his hand before hurling it at the map on the wall. The blade struck its mark, embedding itself in the Gluttony Kingdom. “On a scale of one to ten,” he asked with a sly grin, “how much do you care about the Gluttony Kingdom?”

  Judas leaned back, arms crossed. “Honestly? It’s fine. Queen Stella Alnwick runs a brutal regime. She doesn’t hesitate to kill anyone from another kingdom she even suspects of being evil. Why do you ask?”

  Titian pulled a marker from the table and drew a cloud over the Gluttony Kingdom on the map. “Because,” he said, his grin widening into something far more sinister, “this is where Althara Shadowbane is hiding.”

  The room tensed at the name. A ripple of unease passed through the group, and a few members visibly flinched. “You’re still set on going after her?!” Frankey exclaimed, his voice tinged with disbelief. “That’s suicide! I know you beat her, Charles, Carter, and Ethan before, but they were younger then. Who knows how much stronger they’ve gotten since?”

  Titian leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he locked eyes with Frankey. “You’re right. They’ve likely grown stronger. But so have I.” His tone was calm, almost mocking. “And besides, you don’t have to go. I will.”

  The group exchanged uneasy glances as Titian continued, his voice low and calculating. “Here’s the plan. It starts with a little field trip to the Slutopia Dynasty.”

  He gestured to the map, his tone taking on a lecturing edge. “The Gluttony Kingdom thrives on excess and overconsumption. They control food supplies and luxury goods, inflating prices while hoarding resources. They manipulate other kingdoms into famine or drought, profiting by swooping in as their ‘saviors,’ all while their own citizens rot in overindulgence. But what happens,” he paused, a wicked glint in his eye, “when a group of high school kids, driven by their friend’s hero complex, stumble across something horrific? Like finding body parts in food shipments?”

  The room fell silent, the weight of his words hanging heavily in the air.

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  “And when they trace those shipments back to the Slutopia Dynasty,” Titian continued, “which just happens to be supplied by the Gluttony Kingdom, it’ll set off a chain reaction. The students will, of course, try to expose the truth. Gluttony Kingdom will become King Aldara’s main target. And when chaos erupts, Althara Shadowbane will have no choice but to come out of hiding. Why? Because a certain someone—” Titian leaned back, his grin turning sharp, “—is a student at Arcanum Royal High and happens to be a close friend of Melanthius.”

  The group looked at each other, confusion and apprehension written on their faces. “You’re betting everything on high school kids?” Judas finally asked, skeptical.

  “Not just kids,” Titian said, his tone dripping with confidence. “A domino effect. One that I’ll control.”

  Back in Solstice City, Anita—the certain someone—sat in her white card class, idly doodling in her notebook. A sudden itch in her ear pulled her from her thoughts. “Why does it feel like someone’s talking about me?” she muttered, scratching her ear absently.

  Moments later, a student began passing out papers to her classmates. When Anita received hers, she frowned at the bold lettering at the top: “Field Trip to Westmore Amusement Park!” She read further. “An amusement park… in Westmore? Why are we going all the way to the Slutopia Dynasty for this?” she wondered aloud, her eyes narrowing. Her gaze dropped to the fine print. “Authorized by Headmaster Draven.”

  “That’s weird,” she said, slipping the flier into her backpack. As she looked around, her heart sank. “Wait… nobody else got one? What’s going on?” Standing abruptly, she scanned the classroom. The student who had handed out the flier was gone.

  Anita decided not to waste time. Slinging her bag over her shoulder, she walked out of the classroom and headed for the carriage station listed on the flier.

  From the front of the room, the teacher watched her leave with a curious tilt of her head. “Where’s she off to?” she asked aloud.

  A nearby student, equally puzzled, shrugged. “Someone gave her a flier. I thought it was one of yours?” She pointed at the student who had handed Anita the flier earlier, but the figure was nowhere to be found.

  At the carriage station, Cassius, Bimoth, and Arid waited on the benches. Arid leaned back in his seat, arms crossed, glaring at Bimoth. “So, what now? You just decide to join Auroria after working for Dorian?” His words carried the bite of a grudge, clearly recalling their brief clash at Bloodthorn Summit.

  Bimoth, towering over everyone present, scratched at his arm sheepishly. “Actually, I joined Atlantis,” he corrected. “King Aldara thought I should tag along with you all since I don’t have much to do right now. Plus, we’re heading to another continent—I figure I’d chaperone.” Adjusting his snug shirt, he sighed.

  Cassius, pacing nearby, glanced at them both. “For the record, I’m older than both of you,” he said flatly, though his eyes darted impatiently. “Where’s Draven? This field trip came out of nowhere.”

  As if on cue, Headmaster Draven approached, a travel bag slung over his shoulder. His usual casual demeanor betrayed no urgency. “Better put a ‘Headmaster’ in front of that Draven,” he quipped, flashing a toothy grin. “Everyone ready?”

  Arid straightened up, suspicion flickering across his face. “Why are we suddenly going to an amusement park in another kingdom?”

  Draven flapped one of his dragon-like wings lazily. “You two did exceptionally well on your midterms. This is your reward, courtesy of yours truly.”

  Before anyone could respond, Anita came sprinting up to them, her breath ragged. “Wait! I’m here!” she called out.

  Draven turned to her with a puzzled expression. “Who are you?”

  Anita froze mid-step, shrinking under his gaze. “A-Anita Peak? You gave me this flier, right?” She held it up as proof.

  Draven’s eyes widened in shock. “No! How did you even—” His words were cut short when Arid stepped forward, a grin spreading across his face. “Oh, so you scored high on the midterms too?” He reached out and patted her head.

  Anita blinked, cheeks flushing slightly as she leaned into the touch. “Uhh… I got a 90, I guess?”

  Draven, looking increasingly frazzled, opened his mouth to object but stopped himself. Bimoth bowed slightly. “I’ve heard of you from Melanthius. Anita, right?”

  Anita nodded hesitantly.

  Draven tapped his clawed fingers against his thigh, visibly nervous. “Right… Well, uh… let’s go! Amusement park time!” He forced a wide smile, ushering everyone onto the carriages.

  The carriages shimmered as they transported the group to Westmore City in the Slutopia Dynasty.

  Once they dismounted, Bimoth stretched, his massive frame casting a long shadow. Taking a deep breath, he exhaled contentedly. “The air smells peaceful here.”

  Anita, clutching her bag tightly, glanced around uneasily. “Peaceful,” she muttered under her breath, “Something doesn’t feel right.”

  Meanwhile, Anita struggled up the mountain, her breaths heavy and ragged. The chilling wind cut through her, but it did little to quell the fire in her chest.

  “You bastard!” she screamed, her voice echoing through the wilderness. Her eyes locked onto a muscular figure, his back adorned with intricate werewolf symbols tattooed into his skin. “LINCOLN?! I THOUGHT YOU RAN AWAY, YOU COWARD!”

  At the sound of her voice, Lincoln turned slowly, his presence almost predatory. His muscles were far more defined than she remembered, his once-warm brown eyes now a cold, stormy gray, and his sharp, gleaming fangs caught the dim light.

  “I didn’t run away,” he said, his voice deep and unyielding. “Ever since Goldman knocked me out, I returned to my pack. Being the only werewolf in a pack of real wolves… I was always the outcast. My brothers and sisters never let me forget it.” His lips curled into a grimace. “But I’ve reconnected with nature, thanks to Father. Now, I’m stronger than ever.”

  He stepped toward her, cracking his knuckles with a deliberate motion, the sound sharp and menacing in the quiet of the mountain. His eyes gleamed with a dangerous hunger for vengeance.

  “And I’m going to make Goldman pay for what he did. But first…” Lincoln leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a growl. “Where is Arid?”

  Back in Westmore, Draven paced inside the bathroom, his voice echoing angrily off the tiled walls. “KING PERCIVAL! WHY IS ANITA PEAK HERE?!” he bellowed into his phone, the sound carrying even into the empty stalls. “SHE HAS NO BUSINESS BEING ON THIS TRIP!”

  He ran a clawed hand through his hair, his frustration mounting. “If you didn’t give her a flier, THEN WHY THE HELL DOES SHE HAVE ONE?!” His voice dropped to a growl as he leaned against the sink.

  “I couldn’t just send her back! The whole point of this field trip was to scout for recruits!” Draven hissed through gritted teeth. “What is she even going to contribute here?!”

  He exhaled sharply, glaring at his reflection in the mirror as he adjusted his tie. “Fine, we’ll postpone the scouting. But now I actually have to entertain these kids instead of focusing on the mission!” he groaned, slamming the end button on his phone.

  Draven straightened up, muttering under his breath as he reluctantly prepared to play the part of the cheerful chaperone. “This better not ruin everything…”

  Maren walked along the outskirts of Auroria Dominion, his form shifting back from the student who had passed Anita the flier to his usual self. “It’s done, sir,” he muttered under his breath, his pace steady but contemplative. Just as he moved further away, the sound of slow, deliberate clapping echoed behind him.

  He froze and turned, his eyes narrowing when he saw Ashley standing there, still wearing her signature jaw mask. “Former king Maren,” she said, her voice dripping with mockery, “Still playing second fiddle to Titian? The same man who’s cousins with the one who killed your father? Are you really that much of an idiot?” Her words were sharp, like a blade that aimed to cut.

  Without hesitation, Maren’s leg lashed out in a roundhouse kick, but Ashley effortlessly blocked it with her arm, an amused grin playing on her lips. “Just like old times, huh?” she taunted, her smile wide and knowing.

  Maren steadied himself, his leg dropping back to the ground with a fluid motion. He cracked his knuckles, his gaze icy. “Titian is on my side. You don’t need to worry about me,” he said coolly. “But what about you? You ran away from your sisters just to play second fiddle to Dorian. How’s that working out for you?”

  Ashley’s smile faltered just a moment, the tension between them thickening, but she quickly masked it with another wicked grin. “Touché.”

  “What are you even doing here, Ashley?” Maren asked, his voice sharp and impatient. Ashley flexed the hand she’d used to block his kick, a sly smile creeping across her face. “Don’t worry about it,” she said with a chuckle. “Didn’t know you’d turned into such a nosy little prince.”

  Maren groaned, rolling his eyes in exasperation. “If you get in my way again, Ashley, I’ll end you—and your so-called king,” he warned, his tone laced with venom. Without waiting for a response, he leapt into a swirling water portal, disappearing from view.

  Ashley stood there for a moment, her smirk unwavering as she watched him vanish. “As if you could,” she muttered to herself before vanishing from the kingdom in a wisp of shadow.