Cheers

Once the results were announced, the 5,000 or so who had passed were dismissed, while those who had failed were kept behind. The Alchemy God wanted them to stay to discuss something, though no one else was privy to the matter.

Everyone went on their way, heading toward the teleportation formation to leave the secret realm.

"Brother Dawnblade!" a voice called as Alex was walking. He turned around and saw the orange-haired Leafheart making her way toward him.

"Sister Leafheart?" Alex said. "Greetings."

The woman paused, glancing not only at Alex but at the people around him as well. Aethersage and Killersky had performed decently in the competition, and she remembered them. She lowered her head slightly in greeting.

"C-can I talk to you guys for a minute?" she asked.

Alex shrugged. "Sure. How can we help you?"

"How did you guys do it?" 

"I'm sorry?" Alex responded.