Early dawn.

The academy members were climbing the snowy mountain, each step crunching through the thick white snow, their breath visible in the chilly air.

“...”

Trailing behind them, Ruin silently carried the supplies, his breathing ragged.

“Haah... Haah...”

Malik glanced back at Ruin, who was panting heavily, and gave a silent nod.

‘His eyes have changed.’

The empty gaze that had once marked Ruin as aimless now glimmered with resolve. He looked like someone ready to pull his weight, with a newfound fire in his eyes.

Malik allowed himself a small smile as he observed Ruin’s expression, finally looking …