The Promise of the Arena
The martial arena of Celestis Academy was vast.
A vast open space sat at the center of the school grounds, paved with stones smoothed by decades of movement. Morning after morning, those from the top division moved through forms on that surface. Sounds lingered in the breeze - steel meeting steel, motions interrupting motion, traces left behind.
This morning, though, something about the air had shifted.
A hush moved across the crowd, sharp as a pulled thread.
Folks showing up weren't just from one corner of the school - every division sent someone. Some walked in groups, others alone, but all ended up in the same place. Not a single section missed out on being part of it.
Following Kevin's lead, the crowd slowly entered the arena.
The seven division leaders were already waiting at the front.
From a distance, they stood like ancient mountains—silent, steady, watching.
Among them stood Leon.
