The golden afternoon light flickered between the leaves as Tyana and Saphyra walked along a narrow forest path. Birds sang from distant branches, and the soft crunch of twigs underfoot filled the air.

  "How do you keep your hair so perfect?" Tyana asked, glancing at Saphyra's sleek brown curls.

  Saphyra grinned, flicking her hair over her shoulder. "I make this rose balm using my Creation Igeni. It's simple — I extract the oils from fresh petals. Smells nice, too."

  "I figured," Tyana replied. "I do something similar — but instead of just extracting oils, I mix herbs and plants into a proper shampoo." She paused, then added proudly, "It's all about balance. Too much rosemary and you end up smelling like a garden."

  "I’d rather smell like a garden than smoke," Saphyra chuckled.

  Tyana sighed dramatically. "That's Jill’s influence. If she gets her way, we’ll scrub soot out our hair for days."

  The two laughed before the trees thinned, revealing a perfect clearing. The ground was flat, nestled beneath a broad canopy of trees that shielded the area from strong winds. A gentle stream gurgled nearby — ideal for washing and collecting water.

  "Looks perfect," Tyana said, already reaching for her pouch. Her fingers brushed over the familiar token inside — the miniature house crafted by Oliver Pot. With a breath to steady herself, she activated her Creation Igeni.

  The token trembled in her palm, pulsing with golden energy before shooting from her hand to the center of the clearing. In an instant, the air warped, and the token expanded into a full-sized wooden cottage—large enough to house six people comfortably.

  The house was cozy yet practical, with earthy tones and wooden paneling. The entrance hall was wide enough for boots and jackets to hang neatly, while the spacious living area boasted a large table for the group to gather. A small kitchen stood to one side, fitted with an ancient electric stove, a gift from one of Oliver’s successful expansions. Two rooms on one side were set for the girls, while the other held a shared room for the boys. The second floor contained two bathrooms and a tucked-away storage area. Soft lanterns adorned the walls, casting a warm glow across the interior.

  Tyana swayed slightly as she expanded the house, exhaustion washing over her. Earlier that day, she'd spent precious energy using her Life Igeni to heal a wounded deer she'd found limping through the woods. With the house expanded, her head ached, and her limbs felt heavy.

  "You alright?" Saphyra asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.

  "Yeah... just drained," Tyana murmured. "I'll be fine."

  Meanwhile, Bernard and Jill walked along a separate path, the air rich with pine and damp earth.

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  Bernard paused mid-step, his gaze narrowing. "They’re close."

  "Who?" Jill asked.

  "Chet and Lydia," Bernard said, frowning. "Let's wait for them. Look there in the sky."

  Moments later, Chet and Lydia arrived. Lydia's wings disappeared inside her back, and Chet's flying blackboard reunited with Chet's shadow. "I knew you were close, too," Chet said with a rare grin.

  "It's like you guys are magnets or something," Jill mumbled.

  "I just know where Bernard is," Chet shrugged.

  "So... what were you two doing back there?" Lydia asked, strolling behind them. "Smells like you were dealing with something nasty."

  Bernard hesitated. "We... buried something."

  "What?" Lydia asked, stepping closer.

  "A snake," Jill added casually. "Big one. Cobra."

  Lydia’s smile dropped, her posture stiffening. "You killed a snake?"

  "It attacked Jill," Bernard added quickly. "She had no choice."

  Lydia’s voice turned sharp. "That’s still a reptile. That’s... like killing part of me."

  "You’re not a snake," Jill shot back. "You’re part dragon. Big difference."

  "To you, maybe," Lydia growled. "To me? It’s not."

  "I didn’t mean—" Jill began, but Lydia held up her hand, her expression tight with frustration.

  "Forget it," Lydia gasped. "Let’s just get to camp."

  The girls stood in silence along the way. Bernard and Chet discussed the exam calmly, and soon enough, they were at the clearing where the house was.

  At SOL Academy, Ulric and Oliver stood near the Academy's entrance, preparing for their journey. Oliver stood before a small metallic cube — one of his most prized Tokens. He channeled his Creation Igeni, and the cube expanded outward, transforming into a sleek, ancient vehicle. Its metallic body hovered slightly above the ground, powered by glowing Igeni crystals embedded within the frame.

  "The old relic’s still got some life," Oliver said proudly.

  "We’ll need it," Ulric muttered. He turned to see Luisa standing at the doorway. Her concerned gaze met his.

  "Watch over them," Luisa said firmly. "Especially Bernard."

  Ulric paused, memories pulling him back.

  Three years ago…

  Tyana, Bernard, and Ulric had been exploring old ruins when Tyana screamed—vines shot from the earth, twisting around her arms and legs. A monstrous plant pulsating with red veins coiled tightly around her, leeching the life from her skin. Tyana’s breathing had grown ragged, her skin pale as wax.

  Bernard had tried desperately to free her. Fire burst from his hands, scorching the plant, but it kept tightening. Stone spikes from Bernard’s Destruction Igeni crumbled before they could strike true. His panic grew. His Igeni lashed out, wild and unstable.

  "Don’t hurt her!" Bernard had shouted, his energy spiraling out of control. The air shimmered as destruction spread wildly. Vines snapped, crumbled, and disintegrated, but Bernard’s power surged. Tyana tumbled free, gasping, yet Bernard remained lost in the chaos, energy pouring from him in violent waves.

  Ulric arrived just in time, leaping between Bernard’s destructive storm and Tyana’s unconscious body. He knocked Bernard out cold with a precise strike. The raging storm of Igeni died immediately... but the devastation it left behind was haunting — a path of scorched earth and crumbling stone carved by Bernard’s uncontrolled power.

  In the present, Ulric sighed and turned back to Luisa. "He’s stronger now. Bernard knows what’s at stake."