Chapter 86: Absence of Existence
Light struggled to break through a sky bruised with ash and omen-colored clouds. The air outside Astaria Academy was heavy — not with rain, but with waiting. As if the world itself was holding its breath.
We stood at the main gates — silent.
The Divinia Class.
Headmistress Aragona.
Helios, restrained by two spell-guards, hands cuffed in glowing mana-binders.
Behind us, hundreds of refugees lined the courtyard balconies, watching with hollow eyes, clutching their loved ones. Some whispered prayers. Others clung to hope so thin it looked ready to tear.
A little girl tugged at Santina’s cloak.
“Will you come back?”
Santina knelt, brushing a strand of hair behind the girl’s ear.
“We’ll try,” she answered honestly.
Ruby didn’t wait for sentiment. She
