A line of carriages rolled to a stop near the terminal just outside the academy gates.
From them stepped the returning second- and third-year students, weary from weeks of field missions but proud to be back.
They had braved dangerous assignments, monster hunts, and harsh wilderness conditions—and they were ready to bask in the recognition they deserved.
Unfortunately for them, the academy gates looked more like a festival ground than a dignified homecoming.
Dozens of news reporters from Elaris City and beyond had crowded the entrance.
Microcrystals for recording floated above the throng, their lenses glinting in the sun.
Reporters held glowing notepads, some even climbing onto benches to get a better view.
"Look at that crowd," whispered a second-year archer.
"They must have heard of our mission to the Emberfang Wastes."
"They're here for us, obviously," said another, a swordsman, Kayle Virehart.
