As they neared the Academy gates, eyes began to turn.
Awakeneds.
Instructors.
Students moving out of the school gate...
One by one, people noticed Bruce, whispers spreading quietly through the crowd as recognition set in.
Those who had fought on the front lines, those who had witnessed the dragon's descent, those who had felt the crushing suppression that had saved their lives.
One by one, they bowed their heads.
"Thank you."
"If you hadn't shown up with your beast, things would've turned out really bad."
Some spoke softly. Some shouted. Some could only nod with gratitude written plainly on their faces.
Bruce didn't stop.
He acknowledged none of it directly, passing through them without ceremony. He wasn't here for praise.
He was here for one thing.
The Academy gates loomed ahead.
Somewhere inside... Lily was waiting.
Just as Bruce was about to move toward her, Gunther hesitated. He slowed his steps, his expression tightening slightly before he finally spoke.
