Graduation

~ One Month Later ~

New Avalon City had returned to life.

The scars of the Drakenar invasion were still etched into the streets, but the city had recovered.

The barriers had been reinforced, the government had reassured the populace, and life continued forward as if nothing had happened.

There were still small protests—groups demanding more transparency, better defense, and accountability for the breach.

But overall, the fear had dulled.

It was human nature.

Time moved forward.

And people forgot.

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In a vast hall within Grand Arc High, buzzing laughter and cheers filled the surroundings with the flashing of cameras.

Rows of students in graduation gowns lined the stage, waiting for their names to be called.

Parents, siblings, and relatives filled the audience with some wiping proud tears and others clutching bouquets of flowers.