The sky over Shinzai shimmered with morning light as Kael wrapped up training with Renzo, Jinsei, and Maiya. The young Wielders had grown stronger with every session, their teamwork and power evolving at a pace that reminded Kael of the old days. Just as he dismissed the session, he noticed two familiar figures approaching through the gates of Nova Tower.
Liora and her father, Azephon.
Kael stood up straight, brushing his hands together. "Liora. Azephon. This is a surprise."
Liora—still graceful and radiant, eyes sharp like her husband Ryuu's—nodded solemnly. "Kael… we need to speak. Somewhere private."
Kael led them into the command chamber at the top of Nova Tower, where ancient Will-maps pulsed quietly and celestial monitors hummed in the background.
"What's going on?" he asked, locking the door behind them.
Azephon, elder and wise with celestial roots few truly understood, placed a glowing crystal orb onto the table. It flickered, then projected a faint pulse—deep violet energy radiating from the edges.
"We felt it from the far edge of the Astral Wound," Azephon began, his voice calm but heavy. "A signal. Ancient, cold… and dark. Something is moving out there, Kael."
Kael frowned. "How far?"
"Beyond even the Old Void," Liora answered. "But the ripple in space was strong enough to reach us. Whatever it is, it's coming."
Kael stepped forward. "How long until it reaches us?"
Azephon's eyes narrowed. "Best estimate… three years."
Silence filled the room.
"Three years…" Kael repeated. "That's long enough to prepare, but close enough to take seriously. What do you think it is?"
Liora hesitated. "We don't know. But it's not just a force. It feels like… Will itself. Distorted. Broken."
Kael looked down, deep in thought. He had faced monsters, fractured beasts, and corrupted Wielders. He had brought down Kurojin. But this—this felt different.
Kael raised his head. "Then we don't waste time. We start the advanced training now. Renzo, Jinsei, Maiya—they're not just the future anymore. They are the shield."
Azephon gave a rare smile. "That's what we hoped you'd say."
Liora stepped closer. "Kael… if Ryuu were here, he'd say the same. Let's prepare them the way we wished we were prepared."
Kael nodded. "Then it begins. Project Starveil—training the next generation not just for Earth… but for what's coming beyond it."
And so, as distant stars shifted in silence, Shinzai's warriors began preparing for a storm that would one day fall from the heavens.