Chapter 52 - 8.4 : After the Long Night
The morning after a long, exhausting night, the skies above Makazhar were bright but slightly humid. Today wasn’t a regular school day. In fact, it was a rather annoying one for Al.
He arrived at school early—an unusual thing for him. Not because he was excited, but because it was senior yearbook photo day. The kind of formal portraits people claimed would be cherished for a lifetime... though to Al, it meant nothing.
The school yard was already bustling. Students dressed neatly, some standing in front of hand mirrors, others fixing each other’s hair.
From within the crowd, two familiar figures made their way toward Al.
Rina—the tomboy—stood casually with her hands in her pockets. Beside her walked Dila, who had recently gone on a fake date with Al. At this moment, Al looked like some rich boy flanked by two beautiful, popular girls.
"You’re early today," Rina said with a smirk, patting Al on the shoulder.
"What’s the deal with coming early?" Dila squinted, curious.
Al didn’t answer. His eyes scanned the area, searching for two people he had questions about—Rudi and Jogo.
Not far away, under the shade of a large tree, Rudi, Jogo, and two of Rudi’s lackeys stood quietly, far from the crowd. Both Rudi and Jogo looked pale and drained, as if they hadn’t slept all night. Al knew exactly why.
But that wasn’t what caught his attention.
Their auras—they were different. Stable, yet empty... like vacant vessels waiting to be filled. It was especially odd for Jogo, who was a martial artist, usually radiating an explosive, lively energy. Now? Completely hollow. Although, outside their bodies, there were faint traces of helos—weak and unstable, like thin smoke from dying embers.
Al squinted, activating his spiritual vision.