"Everyone, pay attention," Rhaldrin's voice carried through the chamber—firm but even, the tone of someone used to handling students. "We've covered everything we needed. Stay close, and keep your notes sealed. We're heading back."

The group of twenty shifted into motion. The last wisps of mana still shimmered faintly across the stone, like veins fading beneath translucent skin.

Trafalgar stood near the rear, adjusting the cuff of his sleeve until it hid the faint mark along his arm. The fabric was slightly damp, but it blended easily with the humidity of the ruins.

Zafira slowed her pace beside him, her expression soft but worried. "You sure you're okay, Trafalgar? You look… a bit pale."

He didn't even pause. "Got dizzy for a moment earlier," he said casually. "Washed my face and wiped it with the sleeve. Guess it shows."

Zafira's eyes lingered on him—there was something warmer behind her usual calm tone. "As long as you're fine."

"I am," he replied quietly, without meeting her gaze.

A few steps ahead, Barth was scribbling furiously in his notebook, whispering to himself about symbol clusters and mana currents. Cynthia sighed, glancing over her shoulder. "Barth, at least wait until we're outside. You'll walk into a wall."

"I just don't want to forget anything, I need to have everything written down."

Xavier smirked, hands in his pockets. "If he crashes, I'm not helping him up."

"Less noise," Rhaldrin said without looking back. "And eyes forward. We're not in a playground."

The group continued. At the exit, the Myrrhvale guard stood watch—tall. His gaze swept across the students as they passed, but when Trafalgar approached, it lingered just a moment too long.

Trafalgar met the look with calm indifference and walked on, his steps unhurried. 'Seriously? You've got something against me now? I didn't even do anything down there… well, not that he knows, hehe.'

Trafalgar's eyes narrowed slightly. 'Does he not realize I'm from one of the Eight Great Families? What's his problem?'

They exited the ruins' outer chamber and stepped into a wide passage that sloped gently beneath the sea. The air was cooler here, faintly humid, carrying the scent of brine. A translucent tunnel of reinforced mana-glass stretched ahead, veins of pale blue light running through its walls. Beyond the barrier, the dark ocean pressed silently — vast, endless, alive.

Rhaldrin led the way, checking the mana readings on his slate. "Keep your pace steady," he said, his tone calm but authoritative. "We need to reach the main building for the headcount once all the groups return, so don't get distracted on the way."

The group of twenty followed in pairs, their footsteps echoing softly against the glass floor. Barth trailed behind Cynthia, still scribbling half-formed runes into his notebook. "If we could replicate this back at the academy—"

"Barth," Cynthia interrupted, her tone edged with exhaustion, "focus on walking before you trip into the sea."

Xavier stifled a laugh, his scarf shifting as he looked sideways. "She's right. You'd be the first scholar to drown in a closed tunnel."

Rhaldrin's gaze flicked back briefly. "Less noise, please."

The line fell silent again, though Zafira drifted closer to Trafalgar. Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Are you still sure you're all right?"

"I told you," he murmured. "You want to check yourself?"

Zafira tilted her head slightly, her expression softening. "Yes… it'll make me feel better."

Trafalgar blinked, caught off guard by her tone. They'd known each other since childhood, but even now he wasn't sure he could trust her completely — not when she, too, belonged to one of the Eight Great Families. Still, the seriousness in her eyes made him pause.

He exhaled quietly. "Fine… but when we're back."

Zafira gave a small, satisfied nod, falling silent as they continued through the glowing tunnel, their reflections moving side by side in the glass.

The group exited the mana-glass tunnel and stepped into the wide dome that connected the ruins to the outskirts of Lirantis. The air was cooler here, carrying the metallic tang of condensed mana and the faint hum of the barrier that separated them from the ocean beyond.

Dozens of other students were already gathered, most looking drained but exhilarated.

Professor Rhaldrin stood near the center platform, small and composed, his grey fur bristling slightly as he adjusted his scholar's robes.

"Everyone, stay within the marked zone," he announced, his sharp voice cutting clean through the noise. "We'll wait here until all groups have returned. Once the headcount is complete, you will be free to go. Do not wander off."

A few students nodded, though most were too tired to answer properly.

Xavier slumped onto a nearby bench, running a hand through his crimson hair. "Finally. If I have to stare at one more glowing wall, I'm throwing myself into the ocean."

Cynthia crossed her arms, unimpressed. "You complain too much for someone who didn't take a single note."

Barth, sitting beside them, barely looked up from his journal. "The mana flow readings alone could fill three chapters… this is incredible," he murmured, scribbling furiously.

Trafalgar smirked faintly. "You sound like you're writing a love letter to those runes."

Barth flushed lightly. "I-I just don't want to forget any details!"

The faint sound of the barrier's pulse echoed through the dome as the professors began dismissing the students one group at a time. Once the headcount was complete, Rhaldrin gave a final nod of approval. "You're all free to go. Don't cause any problems."

The crowd began to disperse, boots clicking against polished coral as students chatted quietly about the ruins.

Xavier stretched his arms above his head. "Finally. I'm taking a bath and then passing out for a week."

Barth chuckled nervously, hugging his journal close. "You can't… remember, we're leaving tomorrow night."

Xavier waved a hand without looking back. "I know, Barth—I was joking, joking. Come on, let's go before the line for the showers starts."

Trafalgar stood still for a moment, gaze fixed on the faint shimmer of mana above them. "You two go ahead. I've got something to check."

Xavier arched a brow. "At this hour?"

"Won't take long," Trafalgar replied simply.

Barth nodded, though curiosity flickered in his yellow eyes. "O-okay… we'll save your spot."

As the two disappeared down the hallway, Trafalgar turned toward the side passage leading deeper into the dome.

"Going somewhere, Lord Trafalgar du Morgain?"

The voice came from behind him—smooth, familiar. Zafira.

He stopped, glancing back at her. She stood a few paces away, her violet hair catching the faint blue light, expression unreadable.

Trafalgar sighed quietly. "Just needed a walk. That's all."

"Then I'll come with you," she said, her tone calm but firm.

Trafalgar hesitated for a moment before exhaling quietly. He had promised earlier that she could check if he was fine, and Zafira clearly hadn't forgotten. Refusing now would only make her suspicious.

"Suit yourself." he said at last, his voice low.

Zafira smiled faintly, stepping up beside him as they walked down the quiet corridor together, the faint shimmer of the dome reflecting in her eyes.

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