The sky above the harbor district glowed a dull orange-red in the firelight, and thick smoke billowed in from the island's interior.
The Babylon Knights in white mechanical armor and the NEO Marines in black naval uniforms had established a temporary position here.
Following Binz's message, Ain, Grus, and Hibari had arrived early to wait at the dock where the Rocky Port was berthed.
Before long, they saw a streak of fire fly through the sky toward the Rose. Then Zephyr and Kuzan descended from the air using Geppo.
"Instructor Zephyr, are you all right? How are things with Instructor Sephi?"
Ain hurried over to Zephyr and asked.
Grus pressed down the brim of his cap beside her, too conflicted to speak.
Hibari looked up at the sky, watching the firelight enter the Rose.
After landing, Zephyr looked at Ain. He knew this last disciple of his very well. Her voice sounded steady, but she was worried underneath.
"Sephiroth is fine."
Zephyr adjusted his sunglasses, muttering inwardly, Shiki and the others are the ones in trouble.
"Is he... I see."
Under Zephyr's gaze, Ain glanced slightly away, realizing that her instructor had seen through her.
"Well, well, now isn't the time for that, Instructor Zephyr."
Kuzan rubbed his chin.
Then, under everyone's puzzled gazes, he walked to the shore and lowered one hand into the seawater.
"-Ice Age."
Cold erupted from his hand, spreading in both directions along the coastline. The sea froze, extending from the harbor to the waters surrounding Hachinosu.
"Senior... Kuzan?"
Hibari froze, her hands loosely cupped before her chest, her innocent, wide blue eyes full of confusion.
Grus breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that Kuzan's ice had skirted the Rocky Port, leaving an unfrozen shipping lane.
"Could this... be because of the 'sacrifices'?"