The sun was now high in the sky, its golden rays pouring down on the academy grounds as the final exam concluded. The students gathered back in the wide training field where they had started. Some stood confidently with smug grins, others fidgeted with nervous hands. Murmurs spread as they waited for the announcement of the results.
Zen stood quietly, arms folded, but there was a slight furrow in his brows. He looked at Lyra with a hint of irritation, his gaze sharp enough to make her blink in confusion.
"Why are you giving me that angry look?" Lyra asked, raising an eyebrow.
Zen looked away for a second, then leaned in and spoke lowly, "You knew healing magic… and you never healed me when I was hurt, huh."
Lyra's eyes widened, then narrowed teasingly. "You dummy. Tell me—where are you even hurt, Mister?"
Zen blinked. "Huh… they're already healed."
Lyra crossed her arms and tilted her head. "Already healed? That fast? You mean the wound you got hit by that kidnapper's magic?"
Zen paused. That was true. He remembered the sharp pain, the burns—but they were gone the next day.
"I healed you while you were sleeping," Lyra said softly. "My healing isn't strong… it only works well when someone's resting with a clear mind. But you, Zen… your head's always full of tension. If I told you, you'd have stayed awake worrying when I'd show up to heal you, wouldn't you? So, I didn't say anything. I just did it… like a secret mission."
Zen turned to her slowly, eyes softening. A gentle smile tugged at his lips. "...You're too kind for your own good. Thank you, Lyra. Really."
She grinned and nudged his arm. "You better remember this favor forever, dummy."
---
Final Results Announcement
A bell rang out through the field, and the instructor from earlier—Professor Aldros—floated down from the air once again, a list unrolling magically beside him.
"The results are in," he declared. "These are the Top Ten Students based on performance, skill, intellect, and overall evaluation."
Top 10 Examinees:
1. Caius Ferenthal – 96 points
2. Lyrielle Caelivara (Lyra) – 94 points
3. Selvin Arcos – 91 points
4. Delan Mirros – 89 points
5. Kaelith Dorne – 88 points
6. Marina Faelora – 86 points
7. Tessan Vrey – 85 points
8. Jareth Quill – 83 points
9. Yulin Reignhart – 82 points
10. Zen – 81 points
"In addition," Professor Aldros continued, "thirty more students have passed the exam and will receive entry into Eboncrest Arcanist's Academy. Congratulations to all of you."
Cheers erupted. Some hugged their friends. Others sighed in relief. Lyra blinked and looked up at the scoreboard again.
"I got… second?" she whispered. "That means… I got a 50% scholarship!"
She spun toward Zen with a wide smile, but her expression faltered a bit as she saw his calm face, touched with a hint of disappointment.
"Hey… why the long face, mister tenth place? That's still impressive, you know?"
Zen sighed, crossing his arms. "No scholarship. I'll have to pay full fees."
Lyra gave him a playful nudge. "Come on, don't be like that. We'll figure something out for your monthly expenses. Maybe you can work part-time. Or—hey—maybe I'll become a famous healer and pay for your food!"
Zen raised an eyebrow, amused. "You'd do that?"
"Of course!" she said proudly. "You're my favorite sword-wielding dummy. So don't stress. You made it in. That's all that matters."
Zen let out a soft chuckle. "...Thanks, Lyra."
She gave him a proud smile. "You better keep thanking me forever."