Doesn't he miss me?!

By the time the sun rises, the witches are already gathered at the training grounds, pushing through their drills.

The sound of movement fills the air, sharp, controlled breaths, the rustle of fabric as bodies shift, and the occasional crackle of magic surging through tense hands.

Rika stands at the front, her sharp gaze scanning the group as she gives instructions.

Her voice carries more urgency than usual, snapping like a whip with every command. Max moves between the trainees, correcting their stances, pushing them harder than normal.

Ace, Jun, and Elira watch from a distance. Today Jun is not himself. He might be a Joker but every time something serious comes up, he doesn't play around.

So unlike the day before, there is no playful distraction from Jun, no attempt to slip into training just to entertain himself. His arms are crossed, his expression uncharacteristically quiet.

The weight of the unanswered letters presses down on them all.