The cafeteria felt different after the exam.
Lighter, somehow. The oppressive tension that had been hanging over the Academy for weeks had finally lifted, replaced by something closer to relief. Students filled the tables again, their voices rising in genuine conversation rather than anxious whispers.
Altair sat with Finn, Ryka, and Svenja at their usual spot near the windows. The afternoon sun cast long golden rays across the polished wood, and for the first time in months, he felt like he could actually relax.
"I'm ordering everything," Finn declared, scanning the menu tablet with exaggerated enthusiasm. "Literally everything. I earned it."
Ryka laughed. "You're going to make yourself sick."
"Worth it." Finn tapped several items on the screen. "Three months of Master Oz's training, a survival exam from hell, and passing the academy exams? Yeah, I'm celebrating properly."
