The successful defense of the lakeside village became the talk of Lake Selis. When Arlen and his team returned to Azure Wave Academy, they were greeted with cheers and applause from fellow students and instructors alike. The academy held a special graduation ceremony in their honor, presenting Arlen and his team with medals for valor and certificates recognizing their exceptional leadership and teamwork under fire.
During the ceremony, the headmaster praised Arlen before the gathered crowd: "Your courage, discipline, and ingenuity have set a new standard for what it means to be a student of Azure Wave. You have protected the innocent and embodied the ideals of both the sword and the spell."
Word of Arlen's deeds quickly reached the Adventurer's Guild. When he checked in, the guildmaster personally congratulated him and processed his rank increase. Arlen's new badge gleamed with silver inlay, signifying his advancement and granting him access to higher-level quests and privileges.
With graduation and a guild promotion secured, Arlen felt a surge of pride and anticipation. He used his remaining days in Lake Selis to rest, gather supplies, and review everything he had learned. The map in his mind pulsed with the call of the Luminous Depths labyrinth—a challenge that would demand all his skills, magic, and leadership.
As he prepared to set out for the labyrinth, Arlen steeled himself for the coming trials, ready to take the next step on his journey as a Shadow Seeker.