The crowd was still roaring behind them when the exit door sealed shut. The hallway lights flickered as Class Zero walked through, their footsteps soft against the polished floor.
Lucian didn't say anything.
Neither did the others.
The battle was over, but the weight of it lingered in their skin, in the slight ache behind their eyes, in the low buzz of mana still slowly settling down.
They turned the corner toward the dorm wing, and that's when they saw them.
Waiting.
Blocking the way forward.
No cheers here. No applause.
Just presence.
Dozens of them. Men and women dressed in black, white, chrome, and silk. No uniforms, but you could tell. Suits made for money. Robes tied with old magic. Some wore blades. Some didn't need to.
Lucian stopped.
Vyn did too. Her eyes narrowed.
Evelyn clicked her tongue. "Here we go."
Reia looked down, jaw tight. Silas didn't even blink.
The corridor was silent.
Then one man stepped forward.
