By the time they arrived at the training camp, exhaustion had settled deep in their bones. The crisp scent of pine and damp earth filled the air, and towering trees loomed over them, their dense canopies casting shifting shadows under the moonlight. The main camp, nestled between the thick forest and a jagged rock outcrop, was built like a military outpost—high reinforced walls, sturdy dormitories, and a vast training ground at its center.

  Raphael wasted no time.

  "Alright, listen up," he said, his voice cutting through the quiet murmur of the group. "It’s late. You’ve all had a long day. We start training at first light. For now, settle in and rest."

  A collective sigh rippled through the group, some stretching out their sore limbs while others simply stood in weary silence. Rei, as usual, said nothing, his golden gaze sweeping across the camp with quiet scrutiny.

  Raphael gestured toward the distant glow of lanterns beyond the camp’s perimeter. "If you want to relax before the suffering begins, there’s a hot spring nearby. Consider it a rare luxury before I put you through hell."

  That was all the encouragement Lysander needed. "Hot springs? Hell yeah! Let’s go!" He clapped a hand on Zane’s shoulder, practically dragging him forward.

  Zane snickered, rolling with it. "Dibs on the best spot."

  The group split, the boys heading toward their section and the girls toward theirs.

  Elijah, standing a few steps ahead, smirked. "Before any of you get bright ideas, let me remind you—this is a secured facility."

  Lysander shot him a blank look. "So?"

  Elijah bent down, picked up a loose rock, and weighed it in his palm. Then, with a casual flick of his wrist, he hurled it over the tall wooden fence that separated the men’s and women’s sections of the hot spring.

  For a moment, nothing happened.

  Then—

  A shrill alarm blared, red warning lights flaring along the perimeter. The rock never hit the ground. Instead, a barrage of hidden turrets activated, whirring to life with lethal precision. A storm of energy rounds and miniature missiles shredded the projectile mid-air, vaporizing it in a blinding burst of light.

  Silence followed, thick and absolute.

  Lysander let out a low whistle. "Holy shit."

  Elijah dusted off his hands. "Consider that a warning."

  Zane whistled under his breath. "Noted. We shall not question the gods of security."

  Lysander nodded solemnly. "May they have mercy on any fool who forgets."

  Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

  Rei, who had been watching with an unreadable expression, turned away without a word and headed toward the changing rooms.

  ---

  Steam curled in delicate wisps as the girls made their way toward their section of the hot spring. The night air was crisp, the warmth of the water a welcome contrast. Conversations were light, their fatigue settling in after the long day.

  "Aww, look!" Elissa gasped, her voice tinged with delight.

  The others followed her gaze.

  Near the edge of the changing area, curled into a small, fluffy ball, was a tiny white fox. Its fur gleamed under the lantern light, and its golden eyes blinked drowsily, half-lidded with contentment.

  Elissa, unable to resist, crouched down and reached out a hand. "It’s adorable. Come here, little—"

  The fox’s eyes snapped open.

  A blur of motion—too fast to stop.

  A sharp scratch across Elissa’s hand was the only warning before the creature darted away, landing gracefully on a nearby rock.

  Then, before their eyes, its form shimmered—twisting, stretching—until Akane stood in its place, arms crossed, ears twitching in irritation.

  "I am not a pet," she said flatly.

  Elissa cradled her hand, blinking in stunned silence. "...Huh."

  Luna smirked. "Elissa, I think you just got outworlded."

  Daisy chuckled, while Stacy covered her mouth, trying—and failing—to hold back laughter.

  Elissa huffed. "She could’ve just said something!"

  Akane flicked her tail, golden eyes cool. "I did. You just didn’t listen."

  Laughter rippled through the group as they finally stepped into the springs, sinking into the warmth, letting it soothe their aching muscles.

  ---

  The hot spring’s surface shimmered beneath the lantern light, reflecting the star-strewn sky above. The springs were large enough to accommodate both squads comfortably, steam curling in delicate tendrils over the water.

  Lysander stretched with a satisfied groan, leaning back against the smooth stones. "Now this is the life."

  Zane let his head tip back, his silver-purple eyes half-lidded in relaxation. "Not gonna lie, I expected training camp to be hell from day one. I’m almost worried this is a trap."

  Caleb, arms folded across his chest, chuckled. "Don’t jinx it."

  Carter smirked. "Raphael’s probably letting us enjoy this so we’ll suffer more tomorrow."

  Jian, ever composed, simply closed his eyes. "Then we should enjoy it while we can."

  Despite the relaxed atmosphere, glances flickered in Rei’s direction.

  Unlike the others, he wasn’t leaning back or sinking into the warmth. He sat perfectly still, shoulders tense, golden eyes staring at the rippling water as if his mind were somewhere far away.

  Elijah, seated nearby, finally broke the silence. "You good, Rei?"

  Rei blinked, barely turning his head. "...Yeah."

  It wasn’t convincing.

  Elijah held his gaze for a moment before nodding. "Alright."

  Lysander, oblivious as ever, grinned. "Maybe he’s just mentally preparing for tomorrow. Big brain move, actually."

  Zane elbowed him. "Shut up, Lys."

  "What? Am I wrong?"

  The conversation moved on, but the concern lingered.

  ---

  The dorms were simple but sturdy, each squad member assigned their own small room. As the night deepened, exhaustion finally took hold, lulling most into sleep.

  But not Rei.

  He lay awake, staring at the ceiling, the moonlight painting faint silver streaks across the walls.

  His thoughts churned, looping endlessly.

  The battle. The effortless power of the instructors. The widening gap between him and them.

  Not strong enough.

  Not good enough.

  Not fast enough.

  With a quiet sigh, he sat up.

  He needed air.

  Running a hand through his hair, he pushed back the covers and silently slipped out of his room. The halls were still, the faint hum of night insects the only sound.

  Outside, the cool night air hit his skin, crisp and grounding. For a moment, it helped—the weight in his chest lightening just a little.

  Then—

  A rustling in the bushes.

  Rei tensed, turning toward the sound.

  A small creature peeked out—a round, fluffy-looking thing with oversized ears and gleaming eyes.

  Rei crouched slightly, extending a hand. "Hey there…"

  The creature twitched.

  Then—

  It bolted.

  "Wait—"

  Rei instinctively moved to follow, but—

  "Out past curfew?"

  The voice cut through the night, low and edged with quiet authority.

  Rei froze.

  Turning, he found himself face to face with Haruto.

  The instructor’s sharp grey eyes were unreadable. "What are you doing out here?"

  Rei hesitated. "...Couldn’t sleep."

  Haruto exhaled through his nose. "Not an excuse." He stepped forward, guiding Rei back toward the dorms with an easy but firm grip. "Get inside. Now."

  Rei hesitated but ultimately obeyed, casting one last glance toward the woods before turning away.

  As they walked, Haruto gave him a sidelong glance. "Your squad’s worried about you."

  Rei didn’t respond.

  Haruto sighed. "Get some rest. Tomorrow’s going to be a long day."

  The dorm door shut behind him.

  And for the first time that night, the silence felt heavier.

  [End of Chapter]