The sky was still scorched with magic residue when the rescue team arrived.

  A fleet of high-ranking mages from Drakemount descended swiftly through the shattered trees and smoldering ground. The leader, cd in an enchanted cloak adorned with the academy crest, took command at once.

  “Secure the enemies! Bindings triple-yered. Medical team to the unconscious boy—now!”

  Kagami stood silently as the rescue medics rushed past. Minna was already reinforcing the magical bindings around the unconscious bodies of Fenric and Shei, her brows furrowed in concentration. Seraphina watched over her, casting defensive wards around the perimeter.

  When the medics reached Elias, Kagami instinctively followed, watching as they stabilized him and gently lifted him onto a levitating stretcher, his body pale but breathing.

  “Kagami,” Seraphina said softly, approaching him. “The team wants us to report to Headmaster Maeron immediately.”

  He didn’t look at her.

  “I’m not leaving Elias alone,” he said quietly. “Not until his mother arrives.”

  Seraphina blinked. “Master Rivel?”

  Kagami nodded. “He’s her son. I want to stay until she comes. Please… you and Minna go first. I’ll follow after.”

  The two girls hesitated. Minna looked like she wanted to protest, but Seraphina gently touched her shoulder and nodded. “Alright. Just don’t keep the Headmaster waiting too long.”

  Minna gave Kagami a soft gnce. “Thank you… for protecting us. And Elias.”

  As the teleportation glyph shimmered and took them away, Kagami remained beside the medics, walking silently until Elias was pced on a healing bed beneath a crystal-infused tent. The air smelled of burning herbs and mana potions.

  Kagami pulled a chair beside the bed, exhausted.

  He didn’t pn to sleep.

  But the weight of the Sharingan’s drain, the battle, and the emotions of the day crushed him like a tidal wave.

  And so, he slept.

  ---

  Hours ter…

  A soft hand gently touched his shoulder.

  “Kagami.”

  His eyes snapped open—still heavy with fatigue. His gaze found not an enemy, but a tall figure robed in elegant golden-white silk. Her long silver-streaked hair flowed over her shoulders, and her eyes, though tired, were calm and wise.

  “Master Rivel…”

  She looked past him, to her son lying on the bed. Elias’s wounds were sealed now, his breathing steady. But it was clear he had come close to death.

  “You stayed with him?” she asked softly.

  Kagami nodded slowly. “I didn’t want him to be alone.”

  Master Rivel smiled gently, brushing a lock of hair from Elias’s forehead. “He would have done the same.”

  Kagami looked down, guilt twisting in his chest. “He did. He saved me. Fenric’s attack was aimed at me. Elias threw himself in the way.”

  Master Rivel didn’t speak at first. Then she turned to him.

  “As mentors, it is our duty to look after our students—our family. Elias chose to protect you because he sees you that way.”

  “I don’t deserve that,” Kagami muttered. “I’ve… I’ve seen comrades die before. In another life. I’ve been through wars. Lost brothers, friends… people I swore to protect. I didn’t want to feel that again. Not in this world.”

  Master Rivel watched him for a long moment, her eyes softening.

  “I understand more than you think,” she said. “But Kagami… this is your second chance, isn’t it? You don’t have to carry all of that alone. Not here.”

  Kagami said nothing.

  He just sat in silence, the guilt and weight of his past flickering in his eyes. The crimson glow that once burned bright now dimmed again—his Sharingan sealed for now, resting with him.

  Master Rivel rose and pced a hand on his head gently.

  “Rest. Elias will recover. And when you’re ready… go tell the Headmaster your story.”

  As she turned away, Kagami whispered, “Thank you.”

  She paused… then nodded with a quiet smile.

  ---