The silence at the edge of the Black Demon Forest was extremely loud.
The two delegations stood staunchly across from one another. The Humans, standing proudly even after the continuous battles they faced throughout the forest, and the Elves, who looked pristine as though untouched by the world's cruelty.
The students from Zephyr Academy shifted uneasily. Some straightened spines defensively, others folded their arms, attempting to mimic indifference. But no one missed the way the Elves' eyes traveled across them, not with respect, but rather with judgment.
Whispers rippled through the Elven students. Smooth voices, but edged with scorn towards the various students,
"Humans… their mana signatures are so rough and unrefined,"
"They reek of smoke and blood. Typical."
"Let's just hope these Humans won't cause much trouble."
"…No discipline in their march. They stumble into the clearing like peasants."
