After leaving the mission hall, Kai moved with quiet steps through the academy's sprawling walkways.
A few students milled around, chatting or preparing for their own tasks, but Kai paid them no mind.
As he approached the academy gates, he passed by the line of student carriages, sleek, parked under a long iron-roofed archway.
They shimmered with enchantments and bore the academy's crest on their sides, waiting to be rented.
He didn't even spare them a glance.
Instead, Kai walked straight to the outer checkpoint.
Once past the gate, he stepped onto the open dirt road that branched into the outer forest paths beyond the academy grounds.
Then, in a low voice, he spoke.
"Vex."
A pale-white magic circle shimmered into existence beside him with a soft whoomp, pulsing gently.
With a melodic purr, the Phantom Lynx emerged from the light.
