The airship finally descended from the skies, its battered exterior a quiet testimony to the chaos that unfolded mid-flight. As it hovered gently above the academy's landing platform, Obsidian Crest came into view—tall blackstone towers, cascading waterfalls of mana-infused light, and banners fluttering in the wind bearing the academy's obsidian emblem.
Zane stretched his arms as the ramp lowered, trying to ignore how sore his shoulders were from carrying Sera's ridiculously heavy luggage.
"I could've levitated it," she teased, walking beside him with a cheeky grin.
"You could've," Zane muttered. "But nooo, you wanted me to grow muscles."
Nyx snickered in his head. Admit it, you enjoy being her pack mule. Very chivalrous.
"Shut it," Zane grumbled, but a small smile tugged at his lips.
They were greeted by Professor Elara and a few senior instructors. Some students from the academy who hadn't gone on the trip gathered at the edges, eager to hear stories about the tournament, the dungeon, and the airborne battle.
"Glad you're all in one piece," Professor Elara said, eyeing the scuffed boots and torn sleeves of a few students. Her eyes lingered briefly on Zane. "We'll be reviewing the incident and conducting a debrief tomorrow. Rest for now."
As students dispersed, Lucia Whitecrest passed by with a smug tilt to her head. "Try not to almost crash the next airship you ride, peasant," she whispered to Zane.
Sera flipped her off with a smile that was far too sweet.
Zane just rolled his eyes.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the academy in warm amber glow, Zane paused outside the dorms, taking it all in. The trials weren't over. Something told him this was just the beginning.
Which direction would you like to continue wiwith