As Jill joined the two brothers and Torgal, Clive led the way toward the distant structure where the intense battle had unfolded moments ago.
"Brother, that battle we witnessed earlier... Would you liken it to the clashes between Eikons back home?" Joshua's curiosity sparked conversation, while Jill took in their surroundings with a mix of awe and shock.
"I'd say so, yes. But those fighters were swift and agile, unlike any Eikons of Valisthea," Clive replied, observing Jill's fascination. "Their auras were suffused with aether; had they unleashed such power back home, people would've mistaken it as an aetherflood."
"Then we should remain vigilant. Ultima's actions are unknown to us—whether we're in a new world or his ploy to hinder our ambitions, we'll prevail. We will defeat him, brother." Joshua said as Jill approached Clive, hugging him from behind.
"And I'm relieved you're safe…When Origin shattered I though-"
"We'll talk about it later, Jill." Clive responded tenderly, squeezing her hands before they approached the school grounds. Drawing his sword once more, Clive inspected the gates.
"This architecture looks quite familiar." He noted, Joshua nodding in agreement as they moved forward.
"Indeed. It reminds me of an academy in Rosalith," Joshua remarked, his thoughts interrupted by a gentle voice from within the school grounds.
"What's this?" The figure approached them gracefully, catching Clive's attention as she drew closer. His gaze involuntarily wandered, noting a distinct characteristic. Her brea-
"What's with that girl's chests and why is she moving in such a manner?" Jill's unspoken question mirrored Clive's observations as the figure reached the gates.
"Lost, are you?" The figure's playful tone resonated. "You don't seem like allies of the White Dragon, although your attire is quite unique."
"Dragon? Could he be referring to Bahamut?" Joshua speculated as Jill stepped forward, clearing her throat, her eyes glancing towards' the girl's chest.
"Forgive us, we're a bit disoriented. We were hoping to ask for directions or, to be direct, understand the world we're in," Jill explained.
"The world?" The figure's surprise was evident. "You're at Kuoh Academy—"
Suddenly, a loud cry pierced the air, figures emerging from the bushes, their armor reminiscent of Vali's. Clive readied his sword, but before the attackers could strike, a surge of yellow lightning descended, obliterating them instantly.
"Lightning... Ramuh?" Clive gasped, turning to see the girl from the opposite side of the gate, laughing as she raised her hands.
"Ramuh? Issei has given me many names and that would be the first time I've heard of Ramuh but that's not my name. Its Akeno." she introduced herself with a smile.