The holding quarters were a tiered section of the academy carved into the lower levels of the eastern tower, half stone, half reinforced enchanted wood. It was meant for short-term rest and recovery—a place where participants could catch their breath before judgment fell.
Kai dropped onto the cot, his back protesting the motion. The moment his weight settled, his body finally acknowledged what his mind had ignored—he was exhausted.
Corrin flopped onto the bunk across from him, swinging one leg up with exaggerated flair. "So… we lived. Again."
Kai didn't respond.
Corrin turned his head, eyes narrowing. "You're not still hearing voices from that thing, are you?"
"No." Kai leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees. "But I can feel it. Even now."
His gaze dropped to the spear propped against the nearby wall. The weapon radiated no visible aura, but something about it was off. Like the shadows bent just a little differently around it.
The silence between them stretched.
