The academy bell rang out like a tired echo, signaling the end of another day.
Students shuffled out of the grand stone building in scattered groups, some discussing training plans for the upcoming competition, others still reeling from the surprise announcement.
Leo Aetherwind moved through the hallway with the same relaxed confidence he always carried. His robes swayed with each step, a subtle hum of mana flowing through his body as he walked, the air around him a degree warmer than it should've been. Lesser students moved aside automatically—not out of fear, but out of instinct.
Behind him, clinging like a stubborn shadow, was Roxanne Bladecrest.
Again.
She had both her arms wrapped around one of his, pressing her body slightly into him with a childlike innocence that belied the mischief in her eyes.
"Leo~," she cooed, leaning closer. "You ignored me the whole class. That's not fair."
Leo didn't slow down.
