Chapter 21 - The Battle of Astralis
War did not begin with a roar.
It began...
With silence.
A single heartbeat echoed throughout the Sanctuary of Astralis.
Thump.
The Aether Heart.
It pulsed once, its seven-colored light washing over every Ability Wielder standing on the battlefield.
The glow settled gently onto their skin.
Bruises faded.
Cuts began closing.
Exhausted muscles regained strength.
Not completely.
Just enough.
Just enough to keep fighting.
Headmaster Caelum smiled weakly.
"...One last gift."
Then...
Everything exploded.
"FORWARD!"
Professor Magnus' voice thundered across the sanctuary.
The first wave of students charged.
Fire lit the battlefield.
Ice erupted from the crystal floor.
Lightning danced across the cavern.
The sound of clashing steel filled
