The morning sky was darkened by a sense of foreboding. Nova Academia's training grounds had become more than just a place for sparring—it was now a preparation ground for the invasion to come. Kael and the Wielders stood in their formation, eyes trained on the horizon, while Kaede and Raizen reviewed the plans inside the war room.
"Today," Kaede said, his voice calm but steady, "we move forward. The villains are regrouping after the previous battle, and that gives us a window of opportunity."
The group nodded, each Wielder feeling the weight of their roles in the coming conflict. The energy in the air was different from before—it was more focused, more deliberate. They couldn't afford to fail.
Tetsu cracked his knuckles. "We're not waiting for them to come to us. We'll hit them before they know what's happening. If Kael's teleportation can get us in and out, we'll make it count."
Kael stepped forward, his expression determined. "I can teleport us in, but we'll need to be quick. Every time I use the Void, it takes a toll on me. I need to make sure I'm in peak condition for this."
Ryuu, ever the strategist, crossed his arms. "So, the plan is to strike when they're still disorganized. We hit them fast, hard, and then Kael teleports us out before they can mount a counterattack."
Kaede nodded, locking eyes with each of them. "Exactly. We'll hit their base of operations first, the location where they're likely regrouping. It'll be chaos for them. With Kael's Voidstep, we'll be able to strike at their key positions and disrupt their operations."
Raizen, standing off to the side, offered a rare smile. "It's a good plan, but remember, Kael... they won't be unprepared forever. The moment you open a rift, they'll be on the lookout for it."
Kael's gaze never wavered. "I'll be ready. We have no choice but to act now. The longer we wait, the more time they have to regroup."
Kaede motioned for them to begin their drills. "Then we train. We can't afford to be caught off guard. We need to be in sync when we strike."
The training sessions were grueling, as each Wielder pushed themselves to the limit. Kael's Voidstep was put to the test, with him teleporting in and out of different positions, dodging attacks, and keeping his body steady despite the strain it caused. Tetsu worked alongside him, constantly testing Kael's reaction times, while Hana and Ryuu honed their combat abilities to be ready for whatever came their way.
"Focus, Kael," Kaede called out as he observed the group. "You're not just teleporting. You're thinking ahead—where are you going next, and how will you fight once you're there?"
Kael nodded, sweat trickling down his brow. His muscles were burning from the repeated teleportations, but he pushed through. "Got it."
Tetsu smirked as he charged at Kael with a series of rapid strikes. "If you can dodge me, you'll be able to handle anything they throw at you."
Kael shifted effortlessly between dimensions, his movements becoming smoother with every step. He snapped back into reality just in time to avoid a punch from Tetsu, then immediately teleported behind him and landed a light tap on his shoulder.
"Nice one," Tetsu said, impressed.
Hana was working on her speed as well, testing her agility against the others in combat. Her blade movements were graceful yet deadly, and Ryuu was right there with her, pushing himself to be faster, stronger. They all knew what was at stake.
Hours later, the training ground fell silent as Kael, his energy drained, stood still, catching his breath. Kaede walked up to him, his expression unreadable.
"You've come a long way, Kael," Kaede said quietly, looking over the battlefield. "But remember—when we strike, we strike as one. You're not doing this alone."
Kael's eyes flashed with understanding. He didn't need to be reminded. He knew the weight of his power. And he knew the consequences of failing. If they didn't win this fight, everything they had worked for would be lost.
Raizen stepped forward as well, his eyes heavy with the burden of his experience. "The world rests on your shoulders, Kael. Not just as a Wielder, but as someone with the Last Will. This fight will be different from the others. Kurojin and his forces will try everything they can to break you, to break us."
Kael clenched his fists, the feeling of the Last Will flowing through him. "I'm ready. We all are."
Kaede gave a short nod and turned to the group. "Get some rest. Tomorrow, we move."
That night, the Wielders sat around a fire in the courtyard, quietly reflecting on their upcoming mission. The stars above them felt distant, but the weight of their purpose brought them closer.
Tetsu looked over at Kael. "What's next after this, huh? You planning to train forever?"
Kael chuckled lightly, but it was a hollow sound. "I don't think there'll be an end to it, Tetsu. We'll fight. We'll protect what matters. But it won't be the last battle."
Ryuu leaned back, gazing at the stars. "The world keeps turning, huh? I guess we don't really have a choice but to keep fighting for it."
Hana, who had been quiet up until that point, spoke softly. "We're all in this together. Every one of us. No matter what happens."
Kael's gaze met hers, and for a moment, he felt the weight of his friends' trust. This was more than just a fight for survival. It was a fight to protect everything they cared about.