The morning enveloped Zephyrus Academy with cooler air than usual. The blue sky stretched without a cloud, as if trying to erase the traces of the chaos of the past few days. However, the tranquility was only superficial.
The academy hallways, usually bustling with student chatter, were now much quieter. Damian's footsteps could be heard clearly, accompanied by the occasional chirping of birds outside the window. He walked slowly, passing several students carrying suitcases.
At the gate, a familiar sight since the Velgrin incident returned: horse-drawn carriages stopped, and parents hurriedly disembarked, calling their children's names. Their faces were full of worry. There was a brief hug, then they climbed back into the carriage and departed.
Damian stood for a moment, watching their carriages drift away from the school.
"They're really scared," Damian said seriously.
East Balcony of the Academy
Liam was already on the balcony, lounging in a wooden chair with one leg propped up and propped up on the railing. Rin stood on the edge, gazing out at the courtyard below. Tessa was beside him, holding a cup of tea.
Elric and Lucien stood by the railing, talking quietly about what sounded like training strategies. Nero leaned against the wall, his hands in his pockets, his gaze blankly fixed on the sky.
"I didn't expect it to be this quiet," Tessa said quietly.
"If I were their parent, I'd probably do the same," Rin replied without looking up.
Damian approached and leaned against the balcony railing. "I thought things would be back to normal after what happened with Velgrin… but it's the opposite."
Liam glanced at him. "Did you sleep well?"
Damian raised an eyebrow. "If 'sleep well' means nightmares, well… I slept very well."
Lucien chuckled. "Don't be surprised. We just fought Velgrin with a mysterious army wielding monsters and dark magic. And you, Damian, and Elric, you just fought all the bandits and criminals in one city. Who wouldn't panic?"
Elric chimed in with a grin. "If they knew who was protecting the painting, they'd probably panic even more."
Damian snorted. "Elric…"
Rin turned to him. "But we're still here. Doesn't that mean we've gotten stronger?"
Liam patted Damian on the shoulder. "Yes. We survived. And we will continue to survive."
A moment of silence enveloped them. The morning breeze blew gently. Damian closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath.
After chatting for a while, they dispersed to their respective classes. Damian walked alone through the main corridor. Several classrooms he passed looked empty, their chairs neatly arranged but unused.
From the window, he saw the training grounds. Only a few students were practicing there. The sound of weapons clashing could be heard faintly, much quieter than usual.
Damian continued walking. This atmosphere felt strange to him. Zephyrus, once always full of energy, now seemed quiet.
That afternoon, Damian stood on the balcony again. The sky was beginning to change color, casting a golden glow over the courtyard. Some students were practicing lightly in the garden, while others sat on benches, chatting quietly.
Liam appeared beside him. "What are you looking at?"
"Just trying to remember what it was like before the attack," Damian replied without turning around.
Liam didn't respond. He just stood there, staring at the courtyard as well.
Damian watched the sun slowly set.
"Maybe… everything will be different from now on," Damian said quietly.