Floating bridges arched between towering spires. Training fields pulsed with sigils that glowed and breathed. Airships drifted overhead, their hulls etched with the crests of the five banners.

And on the central dais, framed by the banners of the Knights, Dragons, Roses, Bards, and Shadows, stood a woman whose presence silenced the crowd before she even spoke.

Then—a pulse.

It came from nowhere and everywhere at once. A tremor in the air, a flicker in the light. The sky darkened for a single heartbeat.

High above, a shape moved through the clouds. A silhouette. Winged. Ancient.

And then it was gone.

Most students didn't notice. A few did. Faculty members exchanged glances, their faces tightening.

Sugoi's eyes narrowed, just for a moment. Then she turned back to the crowd, her composure unbroken.

But something had already begun.