Merlin took a long, slow breath.
The battles were done.
But something about that final simulation…
It was wrong. Different. Not part of the original novel.
And not part of the academy's usual structure.
A chill ran up his spine.
'Someone modified the system…'
The simulated chamber vanished completely, dissolving into light that gradually reformed into the wide, polished marble floor of the academy's main testing hall.
The abrupt shift from battle-tension silence to open space and bright lamps left everyone slightly dazed. Students were slumped over or panting, each slowly realizing the fight was over.
Merlin found himself standing in the center of his group, still catching his breath as adrenaline faded. Elara steadied herself beside him, brushing dust from her uniform but otherwise composed. Nathan plopped down into a sitting position, coughing out a laugh that sounded half-alive, half-traumatized.
