Chapter 38: The Aftermath of the Outing
The return to the Academy was almost surreal.
After a grueling week in the wild, surrounded by danger at every turn, the towering walls of the Grand Academy felt like an illusion—too safe, too distant from the struggle they had endured. The shift was abrupt, and as the students emerged from the enchanted gateway that transported them back, exhaustion settled over them like a heavy cloak.
The hall was filled with noise—some relieved, some strained. Professors and instructors moved swiftly, assessing their students. Healers were already tending to wounds, their magic glowing faintly as they stabilized those who had pushed themselves too far.
Elyreina barely paid attention to any of it. She stood beside Lyrian, who remained motionless, his breathing shallow. Even after a week, he had yet to wake. Though the Academy's healers had assured her he was stable, unease gnawed at her. He should have regained consciousness by now. Her grip on her arms tightened.
"Still no change?"
She turned slightly to see Reynard approaching, his usually sharp expression softened by fatigue. His uniform was torn in several places, remnants of battle and hardship evident on his form.
"No," she murmured. "But they said he's not in any immediate danger."
Reynard exhaled. "That's something, at least."
But even he didn't sound entirely convinced.
The Academy's first official outing had been a test of survival, teamwork, and adaptability. And while some had thrived, others had barely scraped through. Near the far end of the hall, a group of students slumped against the walls, their exhaustion evident. Their uniforms were tattered, some still stained with dried blood. One student, a boy with auburn hair, sat with his head in his hands, his breathing shaky. His group had encountered a beast far beyond their capabilities, and they had barely managed to flee with their lives. Even now, the memory of its piercing gaze haunted him.
Not far from him, a silver-haired girl with a missing gauntlet flexed her fingers, wincing. Her dominant arm had been broken during an ambush, and though the Academy's healers had set the bone, it would take days before she could wield her weapon again. For some, the outing had been a battle for survival more than a learning experience.
"Dammit, I was this close to getting more crystals."
A frustrated voice cut through the air. Elyreina turned to see Zarek Stormcrest, his jaw clenched as he adjusted his armor. Despite his irritation, he looked better than most—no doubt due to his skill and experience. Even so, his frustration was clear. He had expected to dominate, to be the best. Instead, the outing had humbled him.
He caught her staring and smirked. "What? Didn't think I'd make it back?"
Elyreina rolled her eyes. "No. I just thought you'd be sulking more."
"Tch. I don't sulk," he muttered before crossing his arms. "Just didn't expect the ranking to be this close."
Ranking. Right. That was the next step.
By the time most students had received medical attention, the initial chaos had settled into a low murmur of conversation. Whispers of who had performed the best and who had gathered the most crystals filled the space. The official ranking would be announced soon.
Elyreina's gaze flickered to Lyrian one last time before exhaling. Whatever happened next, one thing was clear—this outing had changed everyone.