The ship sliced through calm seas, golden sunlight dancing on the waves as the island slowly disappeared behind them. After the chaos of the exam, the journey back to the Academy felt almost too peaceful.
Kaguro leaned against the railing, watching the water pass below. Ezren was sprawled on a nearby bench like he had melted into it, his arm draped dramatically over his face.
"I swear," Ezren mumbled, "if we get attacked by sea monsters now, I'm just jumping overboard and letting nature take its course."
"You'd probably float," Kagetsu said, passing him a water bottle.
"I contain too much handsomeness to drown," he replied, sipping dramatically.
Enjin stood silently nearby, eyes on the horizon, tense, like he was waiting for something. Or maybe just thinking.
Then they heard the soft click of shoes against the polished deck.
Someone was approaching.
The group turned as a beautiful elf girl stepped into view, her black hair shimmering in the sunlight. Her robes were elegant but practical.
She walked straight up to them, her eyes locking on Enjin.
"Long time no see," she said, a soft smile tugging at her lips.
Enjin blinked, just slightly. "Aeloria?!"
Kaguro and Kagetsu exchanged a look.
Ava turned her gaze toward them, giving a polite, but unmistakably awkward, nod. "Hi."
Kagetsu nodded slowly. Kaguro gave a half-wave, unsure whether he should be greeting her or preparing to leave
Ezren, from his bench, muttered under his breath, "Lucky bastard."
Kaguro's eyes twitched.
Aeloria's attention returned to Enjin. "You look like hell."
He shrugged. "You should see the other guys."
"I heard," she said, smiling wider this time. "You always had a thing for dramatic exits."
"Only when it works."
The silence after that stretched just a bit too long. Kagetsu cleared his throat.
"Well, this isn't weird at all," He whispered to Kaguro, who was still trying to figure out if this was a past-friend or past-friend kind of situation.
Eventually, Aeloria said, "I'll see you at the evaluation," and walked off down the deck,
Ezren waited until she was out of earshot. "Okay. So who is she, and how do I get one?"
"Don't," Enjin said flatly.
"Noted," Ezren replied. "Still. You've got a mysterious beautiful elf girl showing up on boats. I get vines, wyverns, and bruised ribs. The universe plays favorites."
Arrival at the Academy
By late afternoon, the massive ship docked at the Academy's harbor, sails glowing faintly with magic as they folded in. Students disembarked one by one, some limping, some beaming, all exhausted.
The group walked slowly up the stone path toward the towering white walls of the Academy. Its spires rose high above, casting long shadows over the courtyard. The last time they'd walked this path, the exam hadn't even begun.
Now, they felt heavier. Wiser. And maybe just a bit more dangerous.
A bell rang across the campus grounds as students were ushered into the main building. Signs directed everyone toward the auditorium.
Inside, the grand hall was already half-filled. Hundreds of students took their seats in a wide, semi-circular formation around a raised stage. Crystal chandeliers glowed above them, and magic runes drifted lazily in the air, displaying the Academy's crest: a sword crossed with a staff.
Kaguro, Kagetsu, Enjin, and Ezren found seats near the center. Ezren immediately slumped in his chair.
Enjin stayed silent, eyes on the stage. Aeloria had entered moments earlier and was seated two rows ahead. She hadn't turned around.
A low hum of anticipation filled the room. Whispers, shuffling feet, nervous breathing.
Then the lights dimmed, and the massive rune-circle behind the stage flared to life.
A hush fell over the room.