Outside in the courtyard, the sun still shone brightly.
Students gathered in confusion, whispering nervously about the strange visitor in the hall.
Then the pressure arrived.
It began like a low vibration beneath the ground.
A subtle tremor moves through the stone courtyard.
Then suddenly—
The air collapsed inward.
Banko stepped forward from the crowd.
His silver eyes glowed faintly.
Then he released his willpower.
The effect was catastrophic.
Invisible pressure slammed across the courtyard.
Students gasped.
Many dropped instantly to their knees.
Windows shattered across the castle towers.
Stone tiles cracked like spiderwebs beneath Banko's boots.
Even experienced teachers staggered under the weight.
The courtyard fountain exploded outward as the pressure crushed the structure.
Water sprayed across the battlefield.
And yet…
One person did not kneel.
Julian stood in the center of the courtyard.
Unmoving.
The wind whipped his coat as his own power began to rise.
Banko smiled slowly.
"So you're the one."