The week leading up to mid-term exams turned the academy into a pressure cooker.
Hallways buzzed with frantic whispers, study groups huddled in every corner, and the library was packed tighter than a Flux core reactor.
Zen was losing it.
He paced the library study room like a caged animal, textbooks scattered across the long table, notes crumpled in his fists. The room was one of the private ones they'd booked—walls lined with energy-dampening panels, windows overlooking the courtyard.
"WE'RE DOOMED!" he wailed, throwing his hands up. "Advanced Energy Theory? Astral Flux Dynamics? Vein Synchronization Calculus?! I haven't studied SHIT! I'm gonna fail! I'll be stuck at Tri Vein forever—no breakthroughs, no advancing! I'll be kicked out! Sent to a normal school! NO ASTRAL SUITS! NO TRAINING CAMP!"
He collapsed face-first onto the table, muffled screaming into his folded arms.
Rein sat calmly across from him, reviewing his notes with a steady hand. His new Dual Vein badge glinted under the library lights. He glanced up, amused.
"Zen. Breathe. We've got three days left."
"THREE DAYS?!" Zen shot upright, hair wild. "That's NOTHING! That's a blink! I need three MONTHS! No—three YEARS!"
Stella, seated beside Rein with her own textbook open, didn't even look up. She turned a page calmly, highlighter in hand.
"You've been saying that for two weeks," she said dryly. "And you still haven't opened Chapter 12."
Zen pointed at her accusingly. "TRAITOR! How are you so calm?! You're living with the legend now—Dual Vein boyfriend privileges? Secret study sessions?!"
Stella's cheeks pinked slightly, but she kept her cool. "We studied. Together. Like normal people."
Rein coughed, hiding a smile behind his notebook.
Zen narrowed his eyes. "Suspicious. Very suspicious."
He flopped back into his chair, groaning. "Meanwhile, I spent last weekend trying to teach my little sister basic flares. She set the garden on fire. Again."
Rein closed his book, leaning back. "You'll be fine. You always pull through last minute."
"Last minute is my brand!" Zen declared, then immediately panicked again. "But what if this time it's not enough?! What if Chaos shows up and eats my brain during the exam?!"
Stella finally looked up, deadpan. "Chaos isn't coming for your brain. It's too empty."
Zen gasped dramatically. "BETRAYAL FROM THE GODDESS-IN-LAW!"
Rein laughed—real, light, the sound echoing softly in the study room.
Stella smiled too, reaching over to ruffle Zen's hair. "Come on. Sit properly. We'll quiz you. You know more than you think."
Zen eyed them suspiciously, then scooted his chair closer like a defeated puppy.
"Fine," he muttered. "But if I fail, I'm blaming your couple of energy for distracting me."
Rein and Stella exchanged a glance—warm, steady.
They were ready.
Not just for the exams.
For whatever lines fate drew next.
The final bell of the day rang out like a mercy—sharp and freeing, cutting through the tension of afternoon classes.
Students spilled into the hallways, bags slung over their shoulders, chatter rising as the pressure of another exam-prep day lifted just a fraction.
Rein, Stella, and Zen met at their lockers, the usual spot.
Zen slammed his shut dramatically. "Survived another day! But tomorrow's mock practicals—energy control under timed pressure. I'm toast!"
Stella closed hers neatly, books tucked under her arm. "You'll be fine. You always say that."
"Always say it because it's ALWAYS true!" Zen wailed, slumping against the lockers. "I need help. Real help. Not this 'you'll pull through' nonsense."
Rein adjusted his bag, a small smile playing on his lips. The day had been good—whispers quieter, a few nods of respect for his badge. He felt… steadier.
"Hey," he said, turning to Zen. "Come over to my place tonight. We'll study together. Stella's already there, obviously."
Zen's eyes lit up like flares. "Your place? The love nest? Bro, you're inviting me into the sacred grounds?"
Stella rolled her eyes. "It's an apartment, Zen. Not a temple."
"But it's where the magic happens!" Zen grinned, dodging Stella's playful swat. "I mean, study magic! Obviously!"
Rein chuckled. "Yeah. Bring your notes. We'll quiz you until you stop panicking."
Zen pumped a fist. "Deal! Emergency study session at Rein's! I'm saved!"
They headed out together—three figures cutting through the gates, the setting sun painting the sky in soft oranges.
Exams loomed.
But tonight…
They'd face it as a team.
The lines of fate felt a little less heavy.
For now.
The library study room had turned into a war zone of textbooks and empty coffee cups by late afternoon.
Zen finally sat still—sort of—scribbling frantic notes while Rein and Stella quizzed him on Vein Synchronization formulas.
Stella flipped through Zen's notebook, highlighter in hand, her expression shifting from focused to deadpan.
She held up a page covered in doodles: exploding stars, stick-figure Zen flexing Tri Vein muscles, and in the margins—tiny hearts with "Z + V?" scribbled repeatedly.
Stella's eyebrow arched. "Zen. What is this?"
Zen froze mid-note. "Uh… study aids? Visual learning?"
Rein glanced over from the small kitchenette corner of the apartment (they'd moved the study session home after the library closed), flipping burgers on the stove. The scent of sizzling meat and onions filled the air.
Stella turned the page toward Zen, pointing at the hearts. "You clearly made these after Valkyrie texted you last week. 'Z + V forever' with little flames around it? Really?"
Zen's face went beet red. "I—uh—that's motivational art! For… energy flares!"
Stella smirked, flipping another page—more doodles, this time Valkyrie with exaggerated goddess wings.
"You're hopeless," she said, tossing the notebook back. "Focus on calculus, not your crush doodles."
Zen clutched the book to his chest dramatically. "Betrayal! You're supposed to support my artistic expression!"
Rein laughed from the kitchen, sliding burgers onto buns. "Dinner's ready. Maybe food will help you focus."
Zen perked up instantly. "Food! Yes! Burgers are brain fuel!"
He bolted to the table, grabbing a plate.
Stella shook her head, smiling as she joined them. "You're ridiculous."
"But you love me," Zen grinned, mouth already full.
Rein set a plate in front of Stella, their fingers brushing—a quiet spark.
"Yeah," Rein said softly. "We do."
The evening stretched on—burgers eaten, notes reviewed, laughter cutting through the exam stress.
For a moment, the lines of fate felt light.
Easy.
Theirs to draw.
Exam day arrived like a storm cloud—gray, heavy, unavoidable.
The academy halls thrummed with nervous energy: students clutching notes, whispering last-minute formulas, Vein lines flickering faintly as auras flared from stress.
Rein, Stella, and Zen walked to the exam hall together—Advanced Energy Theory first, the big one.
Rein's Dual Vein badge caught the light, drawing fewer stares now. He felt steady—prepared, thanks to the late-night crams.
Stella walked close, her hand brushing his. "You've got this."
Zen, however, was a walking disaster.
He bounced on his toes, hoodie half-zipped, hair more chaotic than usual.
"Guys," he whispered dramatically, clutching his pencil like a weapon. "This is it. The end. If I blank, just bury me under the tree in the courtyard. Write on my grave: 'Here lies Zen—died of calculus.'"
Stella sighed. "Zen. You quizzed perfectly last night."
"Last night was a fluke! Illusion! Chaos magic trick!" He spun in a circle, nearly bumping into a passing student. "What if the questions are in ancient Astral runes?! What if they ask for Vein Synchronization in four dimensions?!"
Rein chuckled. "Then you'll ace it like always."
Zen froze, eyes wide. "Don't jinx me, bro! That's reverse psychology from the universe!"
They reached the exam hall doors—massive, sealed with energy barriers that scanned badges on entry.
Zen took a deep breath, then another—hyperventilating slightly.
"Okay. Okay. I can do this. Tri Vein energy! Hype mode!"
He struck a pose—fists clenched, aura flaring silver-blue wildly. A few nearby students jumped.
"Zen!" Stella hissed, grabbing his arm. "Control it! You'll set off the barriers!"
The flare died down instantly. Zen deflated.
"Right. Right. Low profile. Stealth mode."
He whispered to himself as they lined up: "You got this. You're the hype king. Formulas are friends. Calculus loves you…"
Rein and Stella exchanged amused glances.
The doors opened. Students filed in—seats assigned, anti-cheat wards glowing.
Zen plopped into his desk, still muttering.
As the proctor began instructions, Zen leaned back to Rein (two seats away).
"Pst! Bro! If I fail, avenge me!"
Rein shook his head, smiling. "You won't."
The papers were distributed.
Zen stared at the first page—like it was written in alien script.
His eyes bulged.
Then—he grinned maniacally.
"LET'S GOOOOO!" he whispered fiercely, pencil flying.
The exam began.
Zen being Zen—chaos contained, but barely.
Rein focused, aura steady.
Stella is calm, precise.
The lines of fate shifted with every answer.
One question at a time.
The exam hall was silent save for the scratch of pencils and the occasional cough.
Proctors paced the aisles, eyes sharp. Anti-cheat wards hummed faintly, suppressing auras to prevent "assistance."
Rein worked steadily—formulas flowing, Dual Vein control making complex energy calculations feel almost intuitive.
Stella beside him, precise and calm, highlighter notes paying off.
Zen—three rows ahead—was a whirlwind contained.
He scribbled furiously, muttering under his breath, hair falling into his eyes.
Halfway through, he paused—staring at a particularly nasty Vein Synchronization problem.
His eyes widened.
Then—a manic grin spread across his face.
Zen's pencil flew—pages flipping, answers pouring out.
He finished the last question with a triumphant (but silent) fist pump.
Time remaining: 45 minutes.
Most students were still on section three.
Zen leaned back, stretching dramatically—then remembered where he was and froze mid-stretch.
He glanced at the proctor (who raised an eyebrow), then at the clock.
Boredom hit fast.
He started doodling in the margins—tiny exploding stars, stick-figure himself flexing.
Then he turned, catching Rein's eye two rows back.
Zen mouthed exaggeratedly: "DONE! LEGEND!"
Rein stifled a laugh, shaking his head.
Stella noticed, rolling her eyes but smiling.
Zen, unable to sit still, started "quietly" tapping his pencil—rhythm like a hype beat.
The proctor cleared his throat.
Zen froze again.
He spent the remaining time staring at the ceiling, counting tiles, then dramatically checking his answers five times—each time with a satisfied nod.
When the proctor finally called time, Zen shot up first, handing in his paper with a bow.
Outside the hall, he waited like a bouncy explosion.
As Rein and Stella emerged, Zen pounced.
"I FINISHED FIRST! ME! THE GUY WHO FORGOT CHAPTER 12 EXISTED!"
He grabbed Rein in a headlock-hug. "I'M A GENIUS! NO—WE'RE GENIUSES! STUDY SQUAD FOREVER!"
Stella laughed. "You probably doodled half the answers."
"Details!" Zen released Rein, spinning. "Next exam? Bring it! I'm unstoppable!"
Rein smiled, rubbing his neck. "Good job, Zen."
Zen struck a pose. "Thank the hype king!"
The day continued—exams one after another.
But with Zen's chaos leading the charge…
They felt ready.
Lines of fate bending in their favor.
One test at a time.
Results day dawned bright and merciless—the kind of clear sky that made waiting feel endless.
The academy courtyard was packed; students clustered around the massive holographic boards projecting scores. Names scrolled in glowing text, ranks shifting in real time. Cheers and groans echoed everywhere.
Rein, Stella, and Zen stood together near the front, hearts pounding.
Zen bounced on his toes. "This is it. Life or death. Breakthrough or bust."
Stella squeezed Rein's hand. "We did well. All of us."
Rein nodded, but nerves twisted in his gut. Dual Vein or not—numbers didn't lie.
The board refreshed.
Advanced Energy Theory results loaded first.
Names flashed.
Stella Yukishiro – 95/100
Top 5%.
Zen Kirisawa – 93/100
Solid mid-high, strong practical bonus.
Rein Seethoshi – 97/100
Top 3%.
The crowd murmured—eyes turning to them.
Zen stared at the board for three full seconds.
Then exploded.
"93?! ME?! 93?! I PASSED! NO—I ACED! I'M A GENIUS! A LIVING LEGEND!"
He jumped—literally—pumping fists in the air.
"TAKE THAT, CALCULUS! TAKE THAT, DOUBTERS! ZEN KIRISAWA—93 POINTS OF PURE HYPE!"
He grabbed Rein and Stella in a wild group hug, spinning them.
"97, bro?! 97?! You're a monster! And Stella—95! We're the top squad!"
Students around them clapped—some laughing at Zen's chaos, others genuinely impressed.
Rein laughed, relief flooding him. "We did it."
Stella smiled widely, kissing Rein's cheek quickly. "Told you."
Zen released them, still yelling. "CELEBRATION! ICE CREAM! NO—PARTY! TRAINING CAMP HERE WE COME!"
A teacher nearby chuckled. "Kirisawa—volume."
Zen saluted. "Yes, sir! But 93 points, sir!"
The board updated the overall ranks.
The trio held top spots in their year—Flux Division secured, breakthroughs confirmed.
Lines of fate aligned.
For now.
Exams over.
Holidays—and training—next.
Zen's chaos led the charge out of the gates.
"TO VICTORY!"
Rein and Stella followed, hands intertwined.
Laughing.
Ready.
The afternoon sun hung low, casting long shadows across the courtyard as the final classes wrapped up. Students milled about, buzzing with post-exam relief—some celebrating, others already dreading the next term.
Then, the hallway speaker crackled to life, voice echoing clearly.
"Mr. Seethoshi, Mr. Kirisawa, and Ms. Yukishiro—please report to Principal Wilson's office. He's expecting you three."
Heads turned. Whispers followed.
Zen pumped a fist. "OH, COOL! THE OLD MAN'S CALLING US FOR CAMP DETAILS!"
Stella sighed, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "Chill. It's probably something else."
Rein smiled faintly, adjusting his Dual Vein badge. "Well… let's go find out."
They walked the familiar halls together, a cool breeze slipping through open windows and brushing their faces—carrying the faint scent of the training fields outside.
KNOCK KNOCK.
"Come in," Wilson's warm voice called.
The trio entered—Rein and Stella politely, Zen bursting through like he owned the place.
"Good afternoon, Principal Wilson," Rein and Stella said in unison.
"YO! What's up, old man?" Zen grinned, flopping into a chair without waiting.
Wilson chuckled, rising from his desk. "Good afternoon, you three. Take a seat."
Stella remained standing, curiosity winning out. "Principal Wilson… why have you called us here?"
Wilson's eyes twinkled with that familiar mentor warmth. "Well, first—I want you to call Valkyrie, my child."
Stella blinked. "Oh… okay?"
She pulled out her phone, dialing quickly. Valkyrie picked up on the second ring.
"Hey, big sis," Stella said. "Principal Wilson wants you to meet us at the school's Astral Suit making facility."
A pause—Valkyrie's calm voice on the other end.
"WHAT?! WE'RE GOING THERE?!" Zen exploded, nearly falling out of his chair.
Wilson laughed—a rich, genuine sound. "Yes, my child. Calm yourself."
He leaned back, pride in his gaze.
"You all did exceptionally well on your exams. Top ranks. Breakthroughs earned. You deserve this."
Zen's eyes went wide as saucers. "SWEET! CUSTOM ASTRAL SUITS?! BEFORE CAMP?!"
"Thank you, Principal Wilson," Rein said softly, gratitude warming his voice.
Stella hung up, smiling. "Valkyrie's on her way."
Wilson stood, coat swaying. "Well then—let's get going. School's over for the day."
He led them out, the group following with growing excitement.
The facility awaited—gleaming workshops, energy forges humming.
New suits.
New strength.
The lines of fate are pulling them forward.
Toward the master's place.
Toward whatever waited beyond.
The group followed Wilson across campus, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows over the paths. The Astral Suit facility loomed ahead—a sleek, fortified building with humming energy barriers and reinforced glass windows glowing faintly from the forges inside.
Zen was practically vibrating. "Custom suits! Before camp! This is the best day ever—after the 93 points, obviously!"
Stella walked beside Rein, her hand brushing his. "You excited?"
Rein nodded, a quiet smile on his face. "Yeah. Feels… earned."
Wilson glanced back, eyes warm. "It is."
They reached the entrance just as a familiar figure approached from the side path—Valkyrie, coat flowing slightly in the breeze, white-pink hair catching the light.
She nodded to Wilson, then to the group. "Got the message."
Stella stepped forward, hugging her sister quickly. "Thanks for coming."
Valkyrie's expression softened—just a fraction. "Wouldn't miss it."
Zen waved dramatically. "Goddess! You're here for suits too?!"
Valkyrie raised an eyebrow. "I have mine already. But Wilson asked me to join—for guidance."
Zen's grin faltered into flustered red. "G-guidance? Cool! Super cool!"
Wilson chuckled, scanning his badge at the door. The heavy panels slid open with a low hum, revealing the facility's interior—vast workshops, holographic design stations, and forges pulsing with contained Astral energy.
Technicians in white coats looked up, nodding respectfully to Wilson.
"Welcome," he said to the group. "This is where your new suits begin."
The air hummed with power—excitement building.
Custom Astral suits.
Tailored protection.
The next step.
Before the master's place.
Before the real lines of fate were drawn.
The Astral Suit facility's entrance hall was a sleek space of humming energy—polished floors reflected the soft blue glow of containment fields, walls were lined with holographic displays showing suit prototypes in motion, and the faint ozone scent of active Astral fields filled the air.
Wilson led the way, badge granting instant access. Technicians in crisp white coats nodded respectfully as they passed.
Valkyrie walked at the back, calm as ever, while Zen bounced with barely contained excitement.
"Custom suits! This is next level! Do we get capes? Jet boots? Laser eyes?!"
Stella rolled her eyes. "It's protective gear, Zen. Not a superhero comic."
Rein smiled quietly, hand brushing Stella's. The anticipation felt good—earned.
A woman approached from the main workshop corridor—tall, confident, mid-twenties, with sharp red hair tied in a high ponytail and a fitted technician coat that hugged her curves. Her name tag read: Marin Tanaka – Lead Suit Engineer.
Her green eyes lit up as they landed on Rein—lingering a beat too long, a playful smile curving her lips.
"Well, well," Marin said, voice smooth and teasing as she stopped in front of the group. "Principal Wilson… and the famous Rein Seethoshi. Dual Vein breakthrough, Chaotic energy user… I've been dying to meet you."
She stepped closer to Rein—closer than necessary—extending a hand but letting her fingers brush his arm as they shook. Her touch lingered, eyes tracing him appreciatively.
"Impressive," she murmured, smile turning flirty. "Very impressive. I've read your files. Can't wait to… test your limits."
Stella's grip on Rein's hand tightened instantly, her blue eyes narrowing. A flicker of jealousy sparked—subtle, but there.
Rein flushed, pulling his hand back politely. "Uh… good afternoon, Ms. Tanaka."
"Call me Marin," she said with a wink. "We're going to be very… close during this process."
Wilson cleared his throat lightly, amused. "Marin will be handling your fittings and initial power calibration."
Zen whistled low. "Damn, bro. You're popular."
Valkyrie's eyebrow arched, glancing at Stella with faint concern.
Marin laughed, finally acknowledging the group. "Right—welcome, everyone. Follow me. We'll start with standard power tests to calibrate the suits."
She led them deeper into the facility—past forging chambers where Astral energy swirled in contained orbs.
First stop: a large testing chamber with reinforced walls and scanning arrays.
"Step up one by one," Marin said, gesturing to the central platform. "Basic aura flare—full power, hold for ten seconds."
Zen went first—Tri Vein lines blazing silver-blue, aura strong and chaotic. "BOOM! How's that?!"
Marin nodded, impressed. "Solid. Suit will enhance stability."
Stella next—clean, precise flare. "Efficient. Good control."
Valkyrie—though she already had a suit—demonstrated for reference: Quad Vein power rolling out like a wave, controlled and fierce.
Then Rein.
Marin's smile returned, eyes locked on him. "Your turn, Rein. Don't hold back."
He stepped onto the platform, aura igniting—blue Dual Vein lines bright and steady.
The scanners hummed, readings climbing.
But then—a faint red flicker in his shadow.
Marin's eyes widened. "Chaotic trace… fascinating."
Stella crossed her arms, glare sharpening.
Wilson watched closely.
Marin turned to Rein, voice lowering. "For you… We have a special room. Sealed. To observe and calibrate the Chaotic side safely."
She leaned in slightly. "I'll be monitoring personally. Just you and me."
Stella stepped forward. "I'll be there too."
Marin blinked, smile faltering for a split second. "Of course… if Principal Wilson allows."
Wilson nodded. "All of you may observe. Safety first."
Zen grinned. "Ooh, drama!"
The group moved to the special chamber—heavy doors sealing behind them.
Chaotic power awaited testing.
Lines of fate pulling tighter.
The group made their way to the sealed chamber, the corridor narrowing as the facility's hum grew deeper—reinforced doors lining the walls like vaults.
Stella held Rein's hand harder than usual—fingers digging in, almost possessive.
"Ow," Rein whispered, glancing at her with a small wince. "Hey… what's wrong?"
Stella's blue eyes flicked ahead to Marin's swaying ponytail, her voice low and edged. "Keep your distance from her."
Rein blinked, then chuckled softly, squeezing her hand back. "Okay. I will. Plus… she's like five years older."
Stella huffed, cheeks tinting pink. "And Valkyrie's seven years older than Zen. And I get the feeling she likes him."
"Really?" Rein asked, genuinely surprised, glancing back at Valkyrie—who walked calmly, expression unreadable as ever.
"Really," Stella insisted. "I mean… look at her."
Rein did—subtly. Valkyrie looked… normal. Composed, fierce, but nothing obvious.
"She looks normal," he said.
Stella groaned quietly. "Agh. Never mind. Boys are hopeless."
Zen, walking ahead with Wilson, overheard and snickered. "What are we whispering about back there? Suit secrets?"
"None of your business," Stella shot back.
Valkyrie's lips twitched—almost a smile.
They reached the chamber: a massive circular room with thick, transparent alloy walls, energy dampeners glowing faintly along the seams.
"Here we are," Marin said, gesturing to the entry pad. Her green eyes locked on Rein again. "Rein, step inside."
He did—the door hissing open, then sealing behind him with a heavy thud. The chamber felt colder, isolated—scanners whirring to life around him.
Outside, the group gathered at the observation window—Wilson at the controls, Marin beside him.
"Okay, Rein," Wilson said through the intercom, voice calm. "Since you're dealing with Chaotic energy, try to use 15% of your power. We need to see if the chamber can hold up."
Rein's eyes widened inside the sealed space. "Huh? What do you mean by 'hold up'?"
Marin leaned into the mic, her tone light but teasing. "Well… we don't want the chamber to collapse on you and crush you, right? Hehe."
Rein swallowed, aura flickering nervously. "Okay…"
He focused—drawing on his Dual Vein first, blue lines steady… then letting a controlled thread of red Chaotic energy seep in.
The chamber hummed.
Scanners spiked.
Outside, readings climbed.
Stella's grip on the railing tightened.
Lines of fate tested—not just the chamber.
But him.
Inside the sealed chamber, Rein stood at the center—scanners whirring, dampening fields straining against the building pressure.
Marin's voice came through the intercom, excitement barely contained. "Okay, Rein—the chamber can handle it. You can go full out."
Rein exhaled, nodding. "Okay… as you say."
He let go.
Dual Vein aura flared first—bright blue lines racing across his skin, strong and controlled.
Then the red crept in—Chaotic energy threading through, twisting his shadow.
One eye glowed vivid blue.
The other burned crimson.
Measurements spiked off the charts—alarms beeping softly before auto-suppressing.
Outside the glass, Marin's playful demeanor vanished. Her green eyes widened, fascination overtaking everything. The scientist in her took over completely.
"Principal Wilson—look at this," she said, voice sharp with shock, pointing at the holographic readouts.
Wilson leaned in, eyes narrowing—then widening. "Oh my god…"
Stella pressed closer to the glass, heart pounding. "What? What's wrong?"
Wilson turned to the group, voice steady but laced with awe. "Nothing's wrong, my child. We're just… blown away right now."
Zen whistled low. Valkyrie's arms crossed tighter.
Marin spoke into the intercom. "Okay, Rein—please stop for a few minutes."
Rein powered down, aura fading. He leaned forward slightly, catching his breath. "Okay… what's wrong?"
Wilson exchanged a glance with Marin, then spoke calmly. "Listen to me carefully, Rein. Try to combine your Astral Energy and Chaotic Energy in your body."
Rein's eyes widened. "What? How the hell am I supposed to do that?"
"Try, my child," Wilson encouraged, voice firm but gentle. "Focus. Feel them… merge them."
Rein swallowed. "Okay… as you say."
He closed his eyes.
Focused.
Blue and red threads swirled inside him—clashing at first, resisting… then weaving together.
A new aura erupted—deep purple, rich and volatile, surrounding him like a living storm.
Purple lines manifested—encircling his arms, glowing with an ancient intensity. They formed patterns like medieval gauntlets, intricate and armored, pulsing with hybrid power.
His hoodie lifted, floating as if in zero gravity.
His eyes snapped open—both glowing that deep, Chaos-tinged purple.
Rein stared at his arms in amazement, flexing his fingers as the purple gauntlet-lines shimmered.
"Oh… my… god," Wilson breathed, hand on the glass.
The readouts screamed—power levels unprecedented, stable yet wild.
But then—the toll hit.
Rein staggered, the purple aura flickering violently before collapsing inward. He dropped to his knees—breathing heavy, sweat pouring down his face, body trembling from the strain.
"REIN!" Stella shouted, hand slamming the glass.
"I'm fine," he gasped, waving weakly. "I swear…"
Marin stared at the data, voice hushed with excitement. "His body can mix Astral and Chaotic energy… but it takes a huge toll on him."
She turned, eyes alight. "We can absolutely make a suit that minimizes the strain—and integrates the mix directly into the design. Holy shit…"
Zen burst out laughing—loud, uncontrollable, doubling over.
"Bro just invented PURPLE VEIN! With glowing medieval gloves?! Legend status unlocked!"
Rein managed a tired smile from the floor.
Stella exhaled in relief, glaring at Zen but smiling too.
Wilson's voice was soft, proud.
"The lines of fate just shifted."
The suit wouldn't just protect.
It would awaken something new.
The chamber door hissed open, releasing a wave of cool, recycled air.
"Okay, Rein—you can step out now," Marin said, her playful tone creeping back as she watched him emerge, still catching his breath.
The old Marin—the flirty one—was returning slowly.
"So?" Rein asked, wiping sweat from his brow, voice a little hoarse.
Marin stepped closer, eyes sparkling. "Well… you can mix Astral and Chaotic energy in your body. But it takes a heavy toll."
She smiled wider. "Good job, bud."
Without warning, she pulled him into a quick hug—arms around his shoulders, body pressing just a bit too close.
"Oh—uh, thank you?" Rein stammered, arms hanging awkwardly at his sides, not hugging back.
"Mmm," Stella cleared her throat loudly enough for the whole room to hear, arms crossed, blue eyes fixed on Marin.
Zen burst out laughing. "BRO, THAT WAS SICK AS HELL!"
Valkyrie nodded, rare approval in her voice. "Really… that was amazing."
Stella walked straight over to Rein, cupping his face and kissing him firmly—possessive, reassuring.
"Yeah," she murmured against his lips. "That was hella cool."
NOOO, HE HAS A GIRLFRIEND, Marin thought, smile faltering for a split second.
Wilson noticed, a small chuckle escaping him.
"Your turn will come too, Marin," he said quietly, amused.
"Yeah… okay," Marin replied, already shifting gears. "Moving on to your suit designs."
That was fast, Stella thought, a satisfied smirk tugging at her lips.
As they walked to the design station, Marin's enthusiasm returned full force—this was her favorite part.
"Oh, and we have a few samples ready if you like one," she explained, gesturing to holographic displays flickering with prototypes. "We can enhance it to match your abilities perfectly."
She turned to the group. "And if any of you have your own designs, hand them over."
Stella hesitated, cheeks tinting red, then pulled a folded sheet from her bag.
"Here," she said shyly, passing it to Marin.
Marin unfolded it, eyes widening. "Ooo, this is very nice. You made this all yourself?"
"Yes, I did," Stella admitted, glancing away.
"HERE—TAKE MINE TOO!" Zen thrust his forward like a trophy.
Marin scanned it, lips curving. "Hmm… this looks like Assassin's Creed—Altaïr, right?"
"YES! ABSOLUTELY!" Zen beamed. "But no hand blade."
Marin tilted her head. "Huh… but you'll still need a physical weapon."
"What? Why?" Rein asked, confused.
"You're Dual Vein," Marin explained. "You can't manifest Astral weapons yet."
"Oh, right… I totally forgot." Rein paused. "But wait—I'm a hybrid Chaos user too."
"You can't rely on that completely," Marin said seriously. "Your limits… all of yours. And in case of injuries—if you can't channel Astral energy for a blade, a physical fallback saves lives."
Right… in case of injuries, Rein thought, a flashback hitting hard—Zen bleeding out from Chaos's stab, life fading.
He swallowed.
Zen perked up. "Hmm… well then, what about nano-tech? You have that, right?"
Marin nodded. "We do—but it's expensive."
"Oh, no need to bring price into this, Marin," Wilson interjected smoothly. "I'll personally cover their expenses."
He looked at Rein. "Especially you."
They approached the main design site—holographic tables glowing, fabric samples shimmering with embedded energy threads.
"Well," Marin said, collecting the designs. "I'll send these two to the lab… wait, two?"
She turned to Rein. "Rein—where's yours?"
Zen spun dramatically. "Yeah! Where's yours, bro?"
Rein rubbed his neck sheepishly. "I… never designed one. I never thought I'd actually get a suit."
"Oh…" Marin said softly. "Well, don't worry—we have plenty of samples here to choose from."
She gestured to the displays.
"I HAVE A QUESTION!" Zen shouted, hand shooting up like in class.
"Yeah?" Marin asked, amused.
"CAN THE SUIT CHANGE THE COLOR OF ASTRAL ENERGY?!"
"Yes, it can," Marin replied. "Your natural is silver-blue, right?"
"YES! Can you make it this color?" Zen grabbed a strand of his yellow hair.
"Yeah, we can."
"OOO—AND RED?!"
"No," Marin said firmly.
"That color's reserved for Chaos energy. If we made Astral red, the media—and enemies—might confuse it for pure Chaos. Too risky."
"Oh…" Zen deflated slightly. "Hmm… then light or medium orange?"
"Yeah, that could work," Marin agreed.
"SWEET!"
Marin turned back to the group. "And Rein—feel free to browse the samples while I'm gone with your friends for their specs. Principal Wilson will stay with you."
She led Zen, Stella, and Valkyrie toward the fitting labs.
The doors closed behind them.
Rein stood with Wilson, holographic suits rotating slowly around him.
New power.
New suit.
New beginning.
Lines of fate are weaving tighter.
The design station hummed softly in the facility's main workshop—holographic projectors casting rotating suit prototypes into the air, each one shimmering with embedded Astral threads. Colors shifted, materials flexed virtually, stats scrolling alongside: durability ratings, energy amplification, Vein compatibility.
Rein stood before the display, scrolling through samples with a swipe of his hand. The room was quieter now—the others off in fitting labs, leaving just him and Wilson.
Wilson watched from beside him, arms crossed, expression thoughtful.
"Take your time, my child," he said gently. "The suit isn't just armor. It's an extension of you—of your power, your will."
Rein nodded, eyes scanning. Most were sleek, modern—high-tech plates, glowing seams, tactical edges. Functional. Safe.
But none felt… right.
He swiped again.
Then paused.
One prototype caught his eye—dark, regal, almost ancient in style—black and purple tones dominated, with shadowy accents that seemed to absorb light. A long coat-like cape flowed from the shoulders, edged in medieval gauntlet patterns that glowed faintly. Instead of a full helmet, a sleek mask covered the upper face, leaving the mouth free—mysterious, intimidating.
It reminded him of something from a story he'd read—powerful, commanding, like a monarch of shadows.
"This one," Rein said quietly, zooming in. "It… feels familiar."
Wilson leaned closer, eyes widening slightly.
The old man went speechless for a long moment, staring at the hologram as if seeing a ghost.
"Principal Wilson?" Rein asked, turning. "What's wrong?"
Wilson exhaled slowly, a faint smile tugging at his lips—mixed with nostalgia, pride, and something deeper.
"That suit, my child…" he said softly. "It was mine. Long ago."
Rein's eyes widened. "Yours?"
Wilson nodded, reaching out to rotate the hologram. "My old design—from the war days. Shadow Monarch form, they called it back then. Black and purple, medieval gauntlets for channeling raw energy… mask for anonymity in the field."
He paused, voice thick. "I thought it was archived. Forgotten."
Rein stared at the display, the purple gauntlets mirroring the ones that had formed on his arms during the test.
"It suits you," Wilson said, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "Better than it ever did me. Take it. Enhance it with your hybrid power."
Rein swallowed, nodding. "I will."
The lines of fate aligned.
Old and new are weaving together.
The suit wasn't just chosen.
It was destined.
Marin returned from the fitting labs, data slate in hand, Zen and Stella trailing behind her—both buzzing with excitement. Valkyrie followed at a measured pace, her expression calm but eyes sharp with interest.
Wilson and Rein approached from the sample display, the chosen prototype still rotating in hologram form—dark, regal, purple accents glowing faintly.
"Perfect timing," Marin said, glancing at the group. "We've got preliminary specs for Zen and Stella. Valkyrie's reference data updated, too."
Zen pumped a fist. "My orange energy flares are gonna look SICK!"
Stella smiled shyly, glancing at Rein. "Mine's… coming along."
Wilson gestured to the main fitting chamber—a larger room with full-body scanners, adjustable platforms, and holographic overlays for real-time simulation.
"Shall we?" he said. "Let's see how they fit."
They filed in—mirrored walls reflecting multiple angles, soft lights illuminating the platforms.
Marin directed them one by one.
Zen first—eager as ever. He stepped onto the platform, arms out.
A basic prototype materialized around him—sleek black base with orange accents, hood optional, lightweight armor plating that shifted with his movements.
"Mobility boost," Marin explained, adjusting via her slate. "Energy channeling amplified 30%. Orange tint on flares confirmed."
Zen flared his aura—silver-blue shifting to vibrant medium orange, crackling like fire.
"HELL YEAH!" he shouted, posing. "I look like a walking explosion!"
Stella next—her design overlaying: elegant yet practical, silver-blue tones with flowing accents for speed, reinforced for precision strikes.
It hugged her figure perfectly—protective but flexible.
Stella tested a quick flare—energy sharp, controlled.
"Feels… light," she said, smiling. "Thank you."
Marin nodded professionally. "Your design was excellent base. We enhanced the core stability."
Valkyrie declined a new one—"Mine's sufficient"—but observed quietly.
Then Rein.
Wilson stepped forward. "Use this one."
He transferred the archived design to Marin's slate.
Marin's eyes widened as it loaded—the Shadow Monarch form: dark coat-cape, purple medieval gauntlets manifesting as energy conduits, sleek mask covering upper face, black-purple palette with shadowy flow.
She stared. "This… this is archived legendary. Wilson's old war suit."
The platform is activated.
The prototype formed around Rein—materializing piece by piece. Coat flowing, gauntlets glowing faintly purple, mask settling over his eyes.
He flexed—purple hybrid aura flickering briefly, the suit responding instantly, amplifying without strain.
It fit like it was made for him.
Because, in a way, it was.
Zen whistled. "Bro… you look like a king of darkness. BADASS!"
Stella's eyes sparkled. "It's perfect."
Valkyrie nodded approval. "Intimidating. Effective."
Marin adjusted final calibrations. "Hybrid integration ready. Toll reduction estimated at 70%. You'll control the purple without collapsing."
Wilson placed a hand on Rein's shoulder, voice soft.
"My old shadow… passed to new light."
Rein looked at his reflection—masked, powerful, ready.
"Thank you."
The suits were set.
Training camp awaited.
Lines of fate—armored now.
Ready to be forged.
The fitting chamber hummed with the final calibrations—holographic overlays flickering as the suits locked in their designs. Rein's Shadow Monarch prototype rotated slowly on his platform, purple gauntlets glowing faintly. Stella's elegant silver-blue suit shimmered beside him, and Zen's orange-accented mobility build crackled with simulated energy.
Marin stepped back, data slate in hand, surveying the group with professional pride.
"One last option before we finalize," she said, tapping a new menu on the central display. "Suit interface—standard UI or integrated AI companion?"
She turned to them. "Standard is clean, reliable—holographic HUD, voice commands, no personality. AI is more advanced: adaptive learning, real-time tactical support, and even conversation. It'll grow with you."
Stella crossed her arms immediately. "No AI for me. I don't need something talking in my head during a fight."
Rein nodded in agreement. "Same. Standard UI. Keeps it simple."
Marin shrugged, smiling. "Fair enough. Focus over flair."
Then she looked at Zen.
Zen's eyes lit up like flares.
"AI?! HELL YES! GIVE ME THE AI! FULL PERSONALITY! SASSY MODE ACTIVATED!"
He bounced on the platform. "I want it to roast me! Call me an idiot when I mess up! Be my hype man! Bro mode!"
Marin laughed. "We can customize. Voice, personality—anything."
"Make it a girl voice! No—guy! Wait—both! Surprise me!"
Wilson chuckled from the side. Valkyrie raised an eyebrow, amused.
Stella sighed. "You're going to regret this."
"Nah!" Zen grinned. "It'll be like having a second me—in my suit! Double chaos!"
Rein shook his head, smiling. "Good luck with that."
Marin inputted the choices—standard for Rein and Stella, full AI for Zen.
"Done. Final fabrication starts tomorrow. You'll have them before camp departure."
Zen struck a pose. "My AI bro and I are gonna be unstoppable!"
Marin cleared her throat, moving on. "One more thing—since none of your designs include helmets, you'll need Astral Retina implants."
She tapped her slate, projecting a holographic image: tiny, transparent lenses floating in the air.
"They're like contact lenses—but with a full integrated system. HUD overlay directly on your vision, threat detection, energy scans, comms… everything the helmet would provide, without the bulk."
Zen leaned in, eyes wide. "Invisible tech eyes?! SICK!"
Stella tilted her head. "No side effects?"
"Minimal," Marin assured. "Quick insertion, adapts in hours. You'll forget they're there."
Rein nodded slowly. "Sounds… useful."
Wilson smiled. "Standard for advanced operatives. You'll adjust quickly."
Valkyrie spoke up. "I have them already."
Zen pumped a fist. "Eye upgrades! We're cyborgs now!"
Marin chuckled. "Close enough. We'll schedule the procedure tomorrow—painless, five minutes each."
The group exchanged glances—excitement mixed with nerves.
Suits locked.
AI chosen.
Retina upgrades incoming.
The lines of fate sharpened.
Ready for the master's forge.