{Days After – The Day Of the Clash}
Yura stood beside the principal under the night sky, the city lights flickering far below. The principal asked, voice heavy with concern, "Yura… what do you think about Kael?"
Yura's gaze followed the stars before he spoke, calm but sincere. "He's my teacher. Sarcastic, joyful, caring… he's been like a father to me. He taught me to be strong. And, well… he's the strongest."
The principal nodded slowly, then turned to Toura Oni. Her scarred eye glinted in the dim light. "He's an idiot. Cocky. Egoistical."
Kozuki Toya's reply was measured. "He's always there for us, backing us up, fighting… even when no one notices."
Seraphine Voss scoffed lightly, folding her arms. "He's not the only hunter. We've sacrificed comrades, lives… yet he acts as if he's untouchable. So cocky."
Finally, Ren Takeda's voice rang steady. "Extraordinary. Unrankable. That explains everything."
Kael Draven stood ahead, broad shoulders tense, green eyes pulsing with vital force. The calm before the storm clung to him like armor. For the first time, he looked completely serious, radiating the weight of responsibility.
Yura suddenly slapped him playfully on the chest. "Sir Kael!"
Kael's expression broke into a wide grin. "Yura! Today's the day. We'll win."
Yura chuckled softly. "There's no one who can defeat you anyway."
They stepped outside Hunter High, greeted by dozens of cheering voices echoing through the streets:
"Kael! Kael! Kael!"
A lone voice rose above the crowd: "Kael will win!"
The principal approached, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "In some cities, people are already celebrating your victory. You have to win… don't let them down."
Yura gripped Kael's shoulders firmly. "Counting on you, teacher."
Kael nodded, eyes glinting in the night. The future of humanity, the Vital Society, and the hopes of countless lives rested on his shoulders. The day of the clash had finally arrived.