The students dragged their feet back into the palace courtyard, their uniforms stained with dirt, blood, and sweat. Their expressions were pale, eyes wide with the lingering terror of the dungeon. They had thought it would be a test, a proving ground where they could flaunt their newfound powers. Instead, it had been a nightmare.
The knights at the gate quickly moved in to receive them. One of them frowned as his gaze swept the group. He raised a hand.
"Hold. Count them."
Another knight began tallying the students one by one, his lips moving silently. After the final head was counted, his face stiffened.
"…Sir. One is missing."
The words hit the courtyard like a stone in water.
"What?"
"Missing? Who—?"
"Check again!"
The list was quickly pulled out and compared against the students present. Faces were checked, names called. Then, the truth was undeniable.
"It's Oliver. The F-Class."
A heavy silence descended.
At first there was disbelief, then noise all at once.
