The rumble of explosions in the city echoed through the academy grounds, reverberating with a grim intensity that sent Jefferson's heart racing. He stood amid the scattered ruins of his battle with Lucius, his silver eyes narrowing as he scanned the city's horizon.
Pillars of smoke rose in thick, dark clouds against the sky, marking multiple areas under attack. The earlier battle had drained him more than he cared to admit, but this was no time for rest.
"Lucius.... Just what have you done?" he muttered, frustration clouding his usually controlled expression. Lucius's last words echoed in his mind: "Mission complete." It wasn't just the academy they were after. Whatever the Shadow Guild had set in motion was escalating beyond anything Jefferson had anticipated.
