Night settled over the city again, but this time, none of them were at ease.
They gathered in silence, the earlier training still fresh in their minds. The tension between them had shifted—not gone, but refined into something more focused.
Purpose.
It was Lucien who broke the silence.
"Voss Calder killed my brother."
The words were simple. Flat. But they carried a weight that silenced everything else.
Jovian looked at him sharply.
Lucien's expression didn't change. "Not directly. But his actions… led to it."
Alaric exhaled quietly. "…Same."
Iggy glanced away briefly, his usual sharp attitude dimming slightly. "He destroyed my family's business. Left us with nothing."
Jovian listened, the pieces falling into place.
This wasn't coincidence.
This was design.
"…He's been shaping things," Jovian said slowly. "Long before we met."
Alaric nodded. "And now we're all here."
Lucien's gaze darkened slightly. "Which means we're next."
Silence followed.
Then Jovian stepped forward.
"No," he said firmly. "That means we stop him."
Vital Mirage appeared beside him, its glow steady and unwavering.
One by one, the others responded.
Golden Cavalier stood tall.
Phantom Ember flickered with rising heat.
Midnight Sontana slipped into motion like a living shadow.
For the first time, there was no hesitation.
No doubt.
Just shared intent.
Far above them, hidden in darkness, a figure watched.
Voss Calder.
His expression remained unreadable as he observed the four Stand users below. Behind him, something stirred—something darker, heavier, its presence barely contained.
"…They're progressing," he murmured.
A faint smile crossed his face.
"Good."
The shadows around him deepened.
"Let them."
Below, Jovian clenched his fist, unaware of the eyes upon him.
But not unaware of what was coming.
The real battle…
Hadn't even begun.