The Phoenix Academy

Master Eamon, Leonard, Kuro, Maria, Pavan, and Danial had agreed to meet near the academy, where a sleek, black bus stood waiting. Master Eamon was on a call, his voice low and serious, while Pavan, Maria, and Leonard were engaged in a conversation nearby. Despite the group's overall camaraderie, Maria seemed somewhat distant from Leonard, maintaining a subtle but noticeable gap between them. Kuro, meanwhile, was leaning against the bus, lost in thought.

As Danial approached Kuro, he called out, "Hello, Kuro. Earth to Kuro?"

Kuro snapped out of his thoughts and looked up, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Hey, Danial. You finally made it."

Danial scratched his head sheepishly. "Yeah, I was stuck in traffic."

Kuro nodded. "Well, come on. Everyone is waiting for us."

Before Kuro could move, Danial noticed the tension in his friend's expression. "You're afraid, aren't you?" he said softly.

Kuro froze, a stunned look crossing his face. "Is it something related to your family?" Danial as