Lightning splits the sky overhead, giving me a momentary glimpse of the legacy defenders. Two groups. The larger of the two is at the northern entrance to the quarry. It’s the easiest way in. The most likely point of attack.

But a smaller group of three stands directly in front of the dais, guarding it in case anyone is brave or stupid enough to attempt to climb down the sheer cliff face. I’ll face the three, then. I notice Kienna at their head, a tall air affinity with a reputation for viciousness. Her wind wolf prowls the grounds, lurking with predatory intent.

I don't have time to hesitate or think of a better way. Every second this goes on is another chance for more windborne to be summoned.

I kick one leg over the cliff face and begin climbing down, stone and mud slick against my fingers. I squeeze tight, digging my toes into anything I can find for purchase as I descend at a reckless pace. Once I’m ten feet from the bottom, I let go, landing with a splash in the mud, forearms burning from exertion.

"Hollow," Kienna calls when she spots me, voice carrying over the storm. "We were wondering if anyone would make it this far." Her eyes narrow. "Where's the rest of your team?"

"Get the fuck out of my way or get ready to fight,” I call, drawing my sword as I take long strides toward the group of three.

She laughs, the sound brittle against the thunder. "Alone? Against the three of us?" She gestures to her companions—an earth, and a water—all legacies, all more well-trained and powerful than any students I’ve faced yet. But compared to the windborne, they’re nothing.

"Last chance." I climb the steps toward the dias, feeling Pyrin's heat intensify beside me. "Step aside, or I go through you."

"The arrogance of a fire," Kienna sneers. "Come then, if you're in such a hurry to die."

I don't wait for her to finish. I launch forward, channeling fire essence into my blade until it glows white-hot. Rain hisses into steam as it touches the metal.

The first legacy—the water—barely has time to raise his weapon before my sword cleaves through his guard. He crumples as his stasis token flares blue.

Kienna's eyes widen slightly, recalculating. She signals to the earth and they move to flank me, Kienna on one side and the earth on the other.

Under normal circumstances, I might appreciate their coordination and calm performance under pressure. But with Nessa's life hanging in the balance, I see only obstacles to be removed.

The earth legacy strikes first, summoning a spike of stone from the ground beneath my feet. I sidestep, only to meet Kienna's blade as it arcs toward my throat. I parry, the impact sending ripples of pain through my already overtaxed muscles.