The principal's voice rang through the charged night.
"We are leaving. Leave us with your prayers!"
The crowd erupted, their chants of "Kael! Kael! Kael!" echoing through the city streets, bouncing off buildings, shaking the air. Seraphine Voss's face twisted in obvious jealousy, her teeth clenched as her eyes followed Kael.
The principal's hands trembled slightly as he created a glowing white zone beneath everyone's feet. Yura clung to Kael's shoulders, eyes wide, heart pounding. The weight of the moment pressed down on them all—the undefeated devil waited, and the tension was almost suffocating.
Kael stood silently, green eyes cutting sharply through the dim light, his expression unwavering. Not a single word escaped him; only the aura of endless vital force radiated from his body, making the ground beneath him feel heavier.
The principal whispered, his voice barely audible over the crowd's roar,
"Throughout this world… I request teleportation to the City of Mugen."
In an instant, the world shifted. The crowd, the streets, the shouting—all vanished. They reappeared on the rooftops of the City of Mugen. The principal froze, eyes wide as he took in the sight before him: Neraxis, standing tall with his entire army of cultists behind him. Shadows stretched unnaturally from their figures, and the air seemed to vibrate with a menacing hum. Yura's hands clenched into fists, his nails biting into Kael's shoulders.
Kael's gaze never wavered. He stared directly into Neraxis's cold, dangerous eyes. His muscles coiled, ready. Every second stretched. The principal placed a hand lightly on Kael's shoulder. His whisper barely carried.
"This will make your power twice as strong… for one minute. Use it wisely."
Kael didn't respond. His focus was absolute, his aura slicing through the tension like a blade.
Neraxis grinned—a slow, menacing curve of his lips that made the hairs on everyone's neck stand on end. The principal quickly formed a barrier house, enclosing everyone safely. Neraxis's army withdrew to a cautious distance, all eyes fixed on the two titans facing each other. Yura, Toya, and every hunter present could feel the heartbeat of the world itself slow down in anticipation.
And then… Kael made his first move.