Back at Emberlight, students gathered in a spiral amphitheater.
Nyori stood at the center.
"I'm issuing an open duel," she said.
"To anyone claiming loyalty to Liss Hoshino."
The headmistress blinked.
"Why?"
"To test her legend. If her legacy falls this easily, it deserves to fall."
A boy stepped forward.
Slim. Quiet.
"I'm from the House of Memory." "I fought beside her."
"Then fight me," Nyori said.
Their blades clashed. Magic flared.
Nyori didn't win. But neither did he.
And when they fell, panting, laughing—
She whispered:
"Maybe… maybe I want to meet her after all."