The room was dim, lit only by a faint glow from the mana lamp mounted on the wall. There was no sun to filter through windows here—only stone above and the ever-present hum of Tharvaldur's underground city.

Noel stirred awake, his body heavy but rested. For a moment, he lay still, listening to the muffled bustle of dwarves and students moving about outside. Then his eyes drifted to the chair beside the small table in the corner.

Empty.

That was where Noir always slept, curled up in her small form. The sight of the vacant chair cut sharper than he expected. He lingered there, staring at it, before finally dragging a hand through his hair with a quiet sigh.

Shaking the heaviness off, Noel rose. He crossed to the washroom, stripping away his fatigue beneath a cold shower. Water cascaded down, rinsing away the sweat and blood-stained echoes of battle. By the time he stepped out and toweled dry, his mind was clearer.

He dressed, fastening the Imperial Academy uniform piece by piece. Revenant Fang found its place at his waist, the cursed blade a familiar weight.

But today was different. As he fastened the last strap, Noel paused. He could feel it—mana coursing stronger, thicker, heavier through his veins. The change from Adept to Ascendant wasn't subtle. His reserves had doubled.

He clenched a fist, arcs of power humming beneath his skin. 'Dark Sun would be faster now… stronger. Maybe twice as destructive.' The thought should have been comforting, but instead it only reminded him of how much further he still had to climb.

The system's silent reminder echoed in the back of his mind: 'Next mission: 14 days.'

A knock sounded at the door just as Noel tightened the last strap of his uniform. He glanced at the chair once more before moving to open it.

Elyra stood there, her long black hair loose over her shoulders instead of bound in her usual braid. Her gray eyes fixed on him immediately, direct as ever, and her lips curved into the faintest smirk.

"You're finally awake," she said. "Took you long enough."

Noel leaned against the doorframe, eyeing her hair. "Your braid's missing."

Her smirk widened. "You noticed. What, don't like it?"

"It's… strange not seeing you with it."

"Strange can be good," she teased, flicking a strand back over her shoulder. "Besides, I thought a change might wake you up faster than the dwarves knocking at your door."

Noel shook his head, though a small smile tugged at his lips. 'Even now, she's always teasing.'

Elyra tilted her head, her expression softening for a moment. "Everyone's waiting downstairs. Daemar's already outside with Rauk. Are you ready?"

"As ready as I can be," Noel answered, adjusting Revenant Fang at his waist. 'Ready for the journey… ready for what comes in fourteen days.'

She studied him briefly, as if searching his face for cracks, then gave a short nod. "Good. Let's go then. Don't make me drag you out in front of everyone."

Noel stepped out, closing the door behind him. "Wouldn't dream of it."

Elyra gave him a sidelong look, her loose hair swaying as they walked side by side down the hall.

'It really does look different,' Noel thought, glancing at her. 'But it suits her too.'

Outside the hotel, the forty students of the Imperial Academy of Valor were already gathered, their luggage stacked neatly to the side. The air buzzed with low chatter until Daemar raised a hand for silence. Rauk stood beside him, arms crossed, his stern presence enough to quiet even the louder voices.

Elyra and Noel stepped into the crowd, drawing glances from their peers. Some whispered, others straightened their backs. Noel ignored it, standing still with his hands at his sides.

Daemar's violet eyes swept over the students. "First, I want to congratulate all of you. You've endured much during this tournament—far more than you expected when you arrived. And yet, you persevered."

His gaze lingered briefly on Noel and Selene. "Special praise must be given to our finalists. Both fought with excellence and earned us the highest honor."

Cheers erupted across the group. Students clapped, some even whistled. Selene gave a curt nod from her place near the edge, her expression unchanged. Noel stayed still, his jaw tightening. 'I don't feel like celebrating… not after what happened to Nicolas.'

Daemar lifted his hand again, quieting the noise. "The Imperial Academy of Valor has claimed first place. Be proud. You've brought glory home."

The students cheered louder, voices echoing through the stone streets.

The noise softened as Daemar continued, his tone steady. "There are changes ahead. Nicolas von Aldros will remain here in Tharvaldur for recovery. A new Headmaster must be chosen."

The crowd tensed, whispers starting. Daemar straightened his shoulders. "I spoke with Nicolas last night. Together, we decided I will assume the role of the Headmaster of the Imperial Academy of Valor."

The cheers this time were thunderous, students lifting their voices in celebration.

Noel exhaled quietly. 'I'm glad it's Daemar…'

The cheers slowly faded, though the air still buzzed with excitement. Daemar let them enjoy it for a moment before raising his voice again.

"There is one more thing," he said, his tone carrying across the group. "The voyage home will not just be a return—it will also be a celebration. A feast has been prepared aboard the ship for all of you. And once you arrive in Valor, you'll have three full months of vacation before the next semester begins."

The students broke into shouts, laughter, and applause. Some threw their arms around each other, already talking about what they'd do with the time.

Daemar's gaze shifted toward the crowd. "For this, you should thank Elyra von Estermont. She has covered all the costs."

All eyes turned to Elyra, who stood with her arms crossed, her long black hair loose around her shoulders. A faint smirk curved her lips as several students clapped and called her name in gratitude.

Noel leaned closer, speaking under the noise. "You've paid for all of this?"

Elyra tilted her head, her gray eyes glinting with amusement. "Let's just say I had some good negotiations with Noriel."

Noel narrowed his eyes, half amused, half exasperated. 'Of course she did. Leave it to Elyra to turn a business deal into a gift for an entire academy.'

She shrugged lightly, unconcerned. "Besides, someone had to lighten the mood. You don't want everyone going home with nothing but grief, do you?"

Noel's lips twitched into the smallest of smiles. "That's true."

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