The sun had just risen when Arou's party gathered in the backyard of his house.
The ruins of the city were slowly being cleared, but the air was still thick with the lingering energy from last night's battle.
Nova stood upright with her arms crossed, her cold gaze fixed on Arou.
"So this is your base?"
Arou nodded, his sword hanging across his back.
"Yeah. You're part of the team now—I hope you know what to do."
Nova gave a faint smile, though her eyes remained sharp.
"Of course. I only need one rule: don't get in my way."
Airi stood a short distance away, her sword secured, silent as ever.
She observed carefully, analyzing Nova's every movement without showing any particular interest.
Shion adjusted his position slightly, staying alert.
Rei looked at Arou.
"We need to start training immediately. Vendico's aura is still leaving residual waves—it could become dangerous if we're not ready."
Arou nodded.
"Let's begin with the mage. Nova, show us what you can do."
Nova raised her hand, tracing magical symbols in the air.
A flash of blue light spread outward, forming layers of protective barriers and swift, precise energy attacks.
Arou and Airi watched closely, careful not to be caught in the energy's effect.
Arou reached out, trying to touch one of the energy streams. The vibration alone told him everything.
"Damn… this power is on a different level."
Nova looked at him coldly.
"If you want to survive in battle, adapt. Fast—or die."
Airi remained silent, watching from a safe distance.
Every time Arou made a mistake, her blade would slash precisely through the air—not to attack, but to signal correction.
The message was clear: learn… or lose.
Shion and Rei monitored everything, ensuring the training remained controlled, though the atmosphere stayed tense.
Only the sound of energy crackling broke the morning silence.
Then suddenly—
A faint flicker appeared in the sky.
A thin crack pulsed above the city, barely visible.
Arou stared upward, a chill running down his spine.
"That crack again…"
Airi narrowed her eyes.
"Stay focused. That's not our concern right now."
Nova glanced at it briefly, unfazed.
"A weak sign. It's not time yet."
Training continued.
But everyone knew—something far greater was waiting above them.
---
By midday, the training intensified.
At first, Nova remained cold as usual.
But as time passed… something began to change.
When Arou made a mistake, she lightly tapped his shoulder—no words, just a faint smile.
Arou blinked.
"…Did you just smile?"
Nova turned slightly, her eyes still sharp, but her lips curved.
"Watching you try… it's interesting."
Airi observed from a distance, still cold, her sword secured tightly.
Shion and Rei exchanged faint smiles, noticing the shift in atmosphere.
As training continued, Nova grew more open.
When Arou executed a move correctly, she nodded and let out a small laugh.
"Good. You're finally getting it."
Airi narrowed her eyes slightly, curious about Nova's change, though she said nothing.
Nova became increasingly lively—occasionally patting Arou's shoulder, even laughing when he lost his balance.
"Don't be so stiff. You'll burn out if you stay that serious."
From afar, Shion spoke quietly to Rei.
"She's… changing. This team is affecting her."
Rei nodded.
The atmosphere had shifted.
The once-cold Nova was slowly becoming part of the team… though traces of her arrogance still remained.
Above them, the faint crack in the sky continued to pulse.
Hidden. Waiting.
---
As the sun began to set, golden light filtered through the dust-filled air.
Arou and Nova practiced coordinated attacks—sword and magic moving in sync, bursts of light dancing around them.
Arou struggled to match her rhythm, stumbling more than once.
Nova tapped his shoulder again, smirking slightly.
"You're too rigid. Focus—but stay flexible."
Airi stood nearby, silent, her blade ready.
Each time Arou slipped, her sword cut precisely through the air—not to harm, but to guide.
Learn… or lose.
Rei maintained barriers to contain the energy surges, while Shion's shots created a more realistic combat simulation.
Every clash of steel, every burst of magic built tension—but also teamwork.
Hours passed.
Arou gradually adapted.
Nova grew more relaxed, occasionally laughing, occasionally praising.
"You're finally keeping up."
Airi remained expressionless, though she raised an eyebrow whenever Nova got too casual.
Still, the team began to move more smoothly.
From a distance, Shion and Rei watched with faint smiles.
Something was forming.
A team.
---
By evening, the training finally ended.
Dust and ether energy still lingered in the air.
Arou sat down, catching his breath.
Shion adjusted her ether rifle.
Rei dissolved the remaining barriers.
Nova sat beside Airi, who remained as cold as ever.
Without hesitation, Nova leaned slightly closer, a playful grin on her face.
"You're always so serious, Airi. You should relax once in a while."
Airi glanced at her, expression unchanged.
"Relax? I'm focused."
Nova laughed lightly, tapping her shoulder.
"You should smile more. Being serious all the time is kind of scary."
Airi said nothing.
But for a brief moment—her lips lifted slightly.
She quickly looked away, pretending to focus on the horizon.
Arou blinked from across the yard.
"…Wait. Nova, were you just teasing Airi?"
Nova smirked wider, eyes narrowing.
"Quiet. You wouldn't understand."
Shion and Rei watched from afar, half amused, half surprised.
Airi remained composed—but her slightly uneven breathing betrayed her.
Nova's teasing had reached her.
---
Then—
The crack in the sky pulsed again.
Stronger this time.
Dark light seeped through it like a heartbeat awakening.
Arou looked up, tension rising.
"That crack…"
Shion frowned.
"This energy… it's different from Vendico. Much heavier."
Rei scanned the surroundings.
"It's bigger. More intense. We need to be ready."
They stood in silence.
Whatever was beyond that crack…
was no longer just a sign.
It was a warning.
Arou turned to his team, his eyes sharp.
"We need to get stronger. Training and coordination are everything now. The real threat hasn't even appeared yet."
Nova smiled faintly—this time more serious.
"This training is just the beginning. But at least now… you can last a little longer."
Airi said nothing.
But for the first time, it was clear—
she acknowledged Nova.
Shion and Rei exchanged glances.
The team was finally coming together.
Above them, the fractured sky pulsed once more.
Quiet.
Ominous.
Waiting.
And they all understood one thing—
the real battle hadn't even begun.