That evening, the academy had already fallen quiet.
The training grounds were nearly empty, illuminated only by rows of prana lamps that cast long shadows across the stone pathways.
Lux walked through them alone.
His expression was as calm as ever.
The defeat from earlier hadn't discouraged him.
It had taught him.
Every exchange.
Every spell.
Every mistake.
He had replayed them countless times in his mind.
The monster's overwhelming strength...
Its terrifying defense...
Its explosive bursts of speed...
He remembered everything.
That was enough.
Soon, he arrived before the dimensional gate leading to the rented pocket world.
The instructor on duty recognized him immediately.
"Back already?"
Lux nodded.
"I wasn't finished."
The instructor raised an eyebrow before smiling faintly.
"Still have enough credits?"
"I do."
After confirming his identity, Lux paid the required fee.
The portal shimmered.
Without hesitation, he stepped inside.
---
