The walk back to the dorms was quiet at first.
The sun had risen properly now, casting long, sharp shadows across the Academy's training fields. Mana lights flickered off as daylight took their place. In the distance, standard rank classes were gathering for their own drills. The murmur of hundreds of students spread across the grounds like morning mist.
Lucian walked a few paces ahead, hands in his pockets, coat fluttering lightly with each step. Evelyn walked beside him, clutching her satchel to her chest. Her eyes were distant, still reeling from what had happened during her turn. Reia walked quietly behind them, eyes down, thinking about her performance and what needed refining. Vyn moved in silence at the rear, head lowered under her long hair like she was walking alone.
Then, of course, there was Silas.
He strode in the middle of the group with wide steps, arms swinging, grinning like a kid who had just beaten a video game boss.
