By the time dusk draped Nexus Academy in shadows, the dormitory halls were graveyards of groans.
Some students soaked in ice baths, others sprawled on the cool floors, clutching their ribs or massaging torn muscles.
The once-proud nobles cursed under their breath, their voices hoarse with exhaustion. Even the Monster Trio had withdrawn silently; Adrain as calm as always, Selene disappearing like a phantom, Valek vanishing behind his door with a storm cloud of rage around him.
The scholarship survivors sat scattered across their corridor, their bond forged even tighter by fatigue.
Mira leaned against the wall, tower draped over her neck, still breathing hard.
"Warm up, he said," she muttered, throwing her towel onto the floor. "I swear, that man's lungs are powered by demonic spite".
