After the sudden appearance of the Jkarga, chaos spread rapidly across the area. The teams, teachers, and Parka users moved without delay, following emergency plans they had trained for many times before. Civilians were guided away from danger, while barriers of Parka energy were formed to slow the monsters' advance. The atmosphere was heavy, filled with tension and urgency.
Kazuki stood among the Parka users, his breathing steady but his mind racing. This was not a training exercise. Every movement mattered, and every mistake could cost lives. Still, deep inside, he felt a strange confidence. The long years of training had prepared him for moments like this.
When the evacuation was complete, the order to attack was given. The Parka users rushed forward, spreading across the battlefield. Each one chose a target, focusing on efficiency and speed. Kazuki charged toward a lower-rank Jkarga, reading its movements carefully. At first, it seemed manageable, but within seconds, more Jkarga appeared, surrounding him from all sides.
The pressure closed in. Kazuki dodged as best as he could, but the enemies were relentless. Just as he felt himself being overwhelmed, Mitsu appeared beside him. Without words, they moved together. Their teamwork felt natural, as if they had fought side by side for years. In a matter of moments, the Jkarga around them fell one by one.
The battle continued intensely across the area. Explosions of Parka energy echoed, and the ground shook with every clash. After nearly thirty minutes of nonstop fighting, silence finally returned. All remaining Jkarga had been eliminated. What remained was destruction and exhaustion.
Because of the damage, the school announced a ten-day postponement of the exams. Many students felt relief, while others used the time to reflect on how close they had come to real danger.
Kazuki, Mitsu, and Mio chose not to waste the opportunity. They headed to a quiet forest clearing to train together. There, away from distractions, they focused on refining their abilities. They practiced controlling their Parka, adjusting their timing, and understanding each other's movements better. As the sun set, fatigue caught up to them, and they decided to camp for the night.
Sitting by the fire after dinner, the mood softened. The intense battle earlier felt distant, replaced by calm and quiet. Mio spoke about her past, her voice steady but heavy with emotion. She talked about responsibility, strength, and how hardship had shaped her. Mitsu added his playful comments, lightening the mood, and even Mio allowed herself a small smile.
When Kazuki shared his story, there was silence. The fire crackled as he spoke about loss, discipline, and the years spent training far from everything familiar. His words were simple, but honest.
As Mitsu prepared to tell his own story, a strange sound interrupted them. The fire flickered. The forest seemed to hold its breath. Kazuki felt Parka surge within him, reacting before his mind could. Whatever was out there, it was not random. It was watching, waiting.