The academy infirmary was unusually quiet.
Felix lay on a bed, his chest wrapped in fresh bandages.
Lucy finished applying the last layer of medicine and stepped back.
"You were lucky."
Felix forced a grin.
"So... I'm alive?"
Lucy folded her arms.
"Barely."
"If that attack had been any stronger..."
She couldn't finish the sentence.
Felix noticed her worried expression.
"Hey."
"I'm not going anywhere."
Lucy looked away, hiding the tears in her eyes.
"You'd better keep that promise."
Meanwhile...
Inside the Headmaster's office...
Bill, Arthur, Daniel, Mary, Noah, David, Lily, and Zoya gathered around a large round table.
In the center lay the ancient map.
Arthur placed four black markers on it.
"The Forgotten Kingdom has four outer gates."
"Each gate is guarded by one General."
Daniel looked at the markers.
"And Orion is the First General."
Arthur nodded.
"Yes."
"He's the weakest of the four."
The room fell silent.
Felix, who had just entered with Lucy's help, blinked.
"...Weakest?"
Arthur looked at him seriously.
"He held back."
"If he hadn't..."
"...you wouldn't have survived."
No one spoke.
For the first time, they truly understood the difference in power.
Bill broke the silence.
"We're not ready."
Arthur agreed.
"Not even close."
Daniel clenched his fists.
"So what do we do?"
Arthur pointed to a mountain range on the map.
"Before you can reach the Forgotten Kingdom..."
"You need something."
"A key?"
Arthur shook his head.
"No."
"A teacher."
Everyone looked at him.
"There is one person alive who can train all of you."
Bill's eyes widened.
"You can't mean..."
Arthur nodded.
"I do."
"He disappeared years ago."
Arthur smiled faintly.
"So did I."
Mary frowned.
"Who is this teacher?"
Arthur answered with one name.
'Finn Foster.'
The room became silent.
Daniel looked surprised.
"Mr. Foster?"
Arthur nodded.
"He wasn't just one of the strongest Ghost Killers."
"He was my master."
"And Mr. Stone's senior."
Bill slowly sat down.
"I thought he retired after the Academy War."
Arthur looked toward the window.
"He didn't retire."
"He went into hiding."
"Because he was searching..."
"...for the entrance to the Forgotten Kingdom."
David suddenly closed his eyes.
The whispers returned.
This time they were calm.
Very calm.
"They're saying..."
He opened his eyes.
"...Don't wait."
Arthur frowned.
"What do you mean?"
David's face turned pale.
"They're saying..."
"...someone else is moving."
Far away...
Deep inside the Forgotten Kingdom...
A young girl slowly opened her eyes.
Ava.
The chains binding her wrists glowed faintly.
She looked toward the ceiling.
"I can feel it..."
A smile appeared on her face.
"You're coming..."
"...Daniel."
Suddenly...
The chamber doors opened.
Orion entered quietly.
He looked at Ava for a long moment.
Then spoke.
"He refused."
Ava lowered her head.
"I knew he would."
Orion sighed.
"I gave him a chance."
"The King won't."
He turned to leave.
Before the doors closed, he paused.
"For what it's worth..."
"I hope your brother survives."
The doors shut.
Ava closed her eyes.
And whispered a prayer.
Back at the academy...
Daniel walked alone to Mr. Stone's grave.
He placed a fresh white flower beside the headstone.
"I know what I have to do now."
"I'll find Finn Foster."
"I'll get stronger."
"And then..."
He looked toward the distant mountains.
"I'll bring Ava home."
A gentle breeze rustled the leaves above him.
Daniel smiled.
It almost felt as if his master had heard him.
The next journey...
Was about to begin.
End of the Academy War Aftermath Arc.