Satsuki (raising an eyebrow, wearing a half-smile):
"Oh, so this is where you were, Sayaka. Thought you'd join us on the rooftop."
Before them, in a room overflowing with floating mana crystals, sparking machinery, and scattered tools, stood a small figure—almost childlike at first glance—staring with satisfaction at a still-smoking metallic construct. Her dark blue eyes shimmered with intense focus.
Sayaka (without taking her eyes off her creation):
"I don’t have time to stare at skylines. I need to prep for the magical engineering tournament."
Satsuki (crossing her arms, playful tone):
"Tsk... cold as ever."
Sayaka (glancing sideways):
"I’m not interested in fights. But I’ll cheer you on... if I have time."
Fei Long, leaning casually in the doorway, raised an eyebrow.
Fei Long:
"Then why are you so excited?"
Sayaka set down her tool and grinned mischievously, her eyes gleaming.
Sayaka:
"Because this time… I get to crush my archnemesis: Tetsu Shiba."
Clara, who had been quietly flipping through a book nearby, looked up with interest.
Clara:
"Oh… Tetsu? Isn’t he the eldest son of the Shiba Clan? I heard he’s brilliant. Are you sure you can beat him?"
Sayaka (with a confident smirk):
"Absolutely. This time, I’ve got a strategy that’ll wipe the floor with him."
Akane (frowning slightly, unsure):
"But… from what I’ve seen, he doesn’t show off. He’s always polite to you."
Sayaka raised a tool like a laser pointer and aimed it directly at Akane.
Sayaka:
"Don’t be fooled, Akane! That’s just a mask. Behind that smile… is an arrogant, smug genius with a god complex!"
Akane blinked, holding back laughter.
Akane (mock surprise):
"Oh, really~?"
Clara let out a light laugh, snapping her book shut.
Clara:
"Akane, she’s totally messing with you."
The siblings burst into laughter as Sayaka huffed in protest, indignant but smiling. The tension melted away. In the warmth of teasing and rivalry, another night at the Amagiri estate came to a close.
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?? Morning in Ambrocity began like any other.
Inside the grand halls of Kurogane Manor, each sibling prepared for the day in their respective rooms. Sunlight poured through the tall windows, reflecting off black marble floors with solemn brilliance.
In the main dining hall, the smell of freshly made breakfast filled the air. The conversation was minimal. The atmosphere… calm. As if yesterday’s chaos had been nothing but a bad dream.
After eating, Homura and Ishiki made their way toward the black car waiting out front. The door shut with a soft click. The vehicle began to roll slowly through the estate’s garden road.
The engine purred steadily. Ishiki, arms crossed, cast a glance toward his sister. Homura sat leaning against the window, her expression tranquil. Almost bored. As if nothing could disturb her morning.
And then—
?? BOOOOOM ??
The world exploded.
A blast tore through the car in a split second. Fire, steel, and shattered glass burst outward in all directions. The ground trembled. Heat surged like a tidal wave.
From within the smoke and sparks, two silhouettes emerged—completely unscathed.
Homura and Ishiki. Standing tall. Untouched.
Their clothes fluttered from the shockwave. Their expressions sharpened instantly. Their eyes locked onto the battlefield.
Figures cloaked in black stepped out from the smoke. They moved with lethal precision, each wielding obsidian daggers etched with glowing runes—mana-absorbing blades designed for assassination.
They charged in.
But they never landed a single blow.
The daggers exploded in their hands.
Shards of steel and sprays of blood hit the ground. The weapons overloaded, cracked, and disintegrated—taking their wielders with them.
Homura, her hand outstretched, smiled coldly. Her crimson eyes gleamed like embers, reflecting the fire that blazed around her.
Homura (icy tone):
"How lucky for you... your deaths will be quick."
A slicing wind cut through the chaos. In a blink, the attackers' heads dropped to the ground, rolling in silence.
Ishiki had moved.
His sword gleamed with blood. His technique—surgical. Flawless. Merciless.
In seconds, it was over.
Back-to-back, the siblings stood alert, scanning the field for more threats.
The air reeked of blood and scorched metal.
Ishiki (low voice):
"They underestimated us."
Homura (clicking her tongue):
"And paid the price."
Another engine roared in the distance. A second car sped toward them at full throttle. Both siblings turned toward the sound, ready for whatever came next.
The skirmish had ended.
But the war… was just beginning.
?? Tension filled the Kurogane estate.
Servants rushed to notify the academy about the heirs’ absence. Meanwhile, in the main hall, voices clashed like thunder.
Homura, Ishiki, Charlotte, and the heads of the secondary branches stood assembled. At the head of the long table, towering and silent, sat the Patriarch—a man of broad shoulders, a gaze like sharpened steel, and a voice that shook the room.
Then—a loud thud silenced the room as his fist struck the table.
Grandfather (raising his hand, commanding):
"SILENCE!"
Everyone obeyed.
He stood. His presence weighed on the room. His rage was palpable.
Patriarch (deep voice):
"This cowardly act isn't just an attack on my family...
It’s a direct insult to the honor of the Kurogane."
His fists clenched tightly.
Patriarch (growling):
"And worst of all...
They dared lay a finger on my princess."
His roar shook the walls.
Patriarch:
"THEY WILL PAY! I’LL HAVE THEIR HEADS ON PIKES!"
Homura froze as every eye in the room turned toward her. A slight blush crept onto her cheeks as she instinctively hid behind Charlotte.
Homura (muttering, embarrassed):
"Why does he have to say it like that…?"
Charlotte (whispering, amused):
"Seems like your daddy really adores you."
Homura glared daggers. Charlotte just smiled, unfazed.
Before the Patriarch could continue, a sharp, cool voice interrupted.
Aunt (arms crossed, tone cold):
"Even so… we have no solid proof."
A murmur of reluctant agreement rippled through the room. The attackers had left a symbol behind—but no concrete lead pointed to a specific enemy.
Aunt:
"If we strike blindly, we risk waging war against the wrong opponent."
Patriarch (gritting his teeth):
"...You’re right."
He took a deep breath, voice lowering.
Patriarch:
"I’ll send in the White Shinobi to investigate."
Aunt:
"And I’ll deploy my Ice Hunters."
Her gaze swept the hall—sharp as blades.
Aunt:
"The rest of you, fortify the estate.
They attacked once.
They will try again.
And next time, it’ll be a full assault."
The room erupted into motion.
?? The war had come to their doorstep.
And House Kurogane was ready to answer.