Second Cirlce Part 1

The soft hum of the teleportation gate faded as the group reappeared in the academy's main courtyard. The shift from the humid, blood-soaked jungle to the crisp evening air of the academy grounds was almost jarring. A few students from other classes lingered nearby, casting curious glances at the returning group, but Riven barely paid them any attention.

His clothes, still stained with dried mana beast blood, clung to his skin, a stark contrast to the cleaner appearances of Lucenya, Jerrik, and Valis. It only made their earlier reactions to his sheer mana core haul more amusing.

Lucenya exhaled heavily, stretching her arms above her head. "I feel like I could sleep for an entire day after that."

"You could," Jerrik agreed, rolling his shoulders. "But you'd be wasting an opportunity. Selling those cores could get you some solid gear upgrades."

Valis, still quiet from his loss, walked a little ahead of them, his shoulders tense.