As they approached the towering city walls of Avrion, Ray unsummoned Noir. The walls were far too high for her to scale. Leaving the city had been easier, as they could leap from rooftop to rooftop, making the height difference negligible, but returning required a different approach.
Even though it was late, Avrion remained bustling with merchants and cargo coming in and out at all hours. Ray needed only to wait for the right opportunity. As the gates opened to allow a caravan through, he slipped past the guards unnoticed, blending effortlessly into the shadows.
Back at the academy, Ray returned to his dormitory, silently slipping into bed without making a sound.
The next morning, his roommates quickly noticed his late return, though they were used to him disappearing without explanation. However, what surprised them were the two gauntlets he had brought back.
"Where did you get those?" Gary asked, eyeing the weapons curiously.
