Morning broke, but to Geal, it was the rhythm of eternity that truly woke him — the low hum of the world's will brushing against his thoughts.
He dressed simply, glasses returned to mask the golden glow of his irises, long hair bound in a lazy knot. He was no Sword Emperor today. He was a student.
A knock came at the door.
It was the maid — the same one who had witnessed his sword ritual. She stood silently, eyes downcast, but Geal could feel the tremble in her spirit. She said nothing. Just bowed, then left.
He sighed. News would spread. His anonymity would soon crack.
The academy was a monument of ancient beauty. Crystal trees lined its walkways, glowing faintly in response to passing students. Ethereal lectures played out midair, and floating islands housed elemental training zones.
Yet none of it held Geal's attention. Not truly.
Something had shifted.
In class, as he took his seat at the far back corner, he felt it.
Stares.
Some cautious. Others hostile.
And one… curious.
Across the room sat a girl — silver-haired, violet-eyed. Her aura pulsed faintly. Reincarnator.
One of the protagonists.
He looked away.
"Just a passerby," he muttered.
But fate rarely obeys whispers.
A shadow moved at his feet.
His consciousness snapped to his inner world. The darkness — the chained being — stirred.
"They've noticed," the voice murmured. "The world resists change, Geal Elish. But you… you are the change."
He clenched his fists.
This peaceful academy life — it wouldn't last.
And in the farthest edges of the Mother River, old gods stirred from slumber.
The dance had begun.