The moment Nyra returned to the academy, the atmosphere changed.
She didn't speak. Didn't smile. Didn't rest.
She just walked past everyone—barefoot, bloody, and wrapped in torn cloth from the wastelands.
And everyone stepped aside.
Caelia stared. She felt it instantly.
Nyra wasn't the same girl who'd walked into that portal a week ago.
Her aura had changed. Not divine. Not demonic.
Predatory
Like something that had tasted god-flesh and wanted more.
That same morning, the academy announced:
Combat Exam: Tier Clash Trial — Survival Type
Nyra wasn't supposed to be part of it. But her name appeared anyway.
No one claimed responsibility.
First Match: Nyra vs. Grel Ravos
A Tier B glyph-user with fire manipulation and a titanium hammer. He smirked. "Unranked trash. This won't take long."
Nyra didn't answer.
The match began.
He lunged. She stepped into the swing and shattered his jaw with her elbow.
Before he even screamed, she kicked him so hard his ribs cracked against the wall.
He didn't get up.
Second Match: Nyra vs. Illine + Varn (Dual Team.
Two glyph twins. One with energy knives. One with speed glyphs.
They moved in sync.
Nyra let them come. Dodged the first. Let the second stab her shoulder.
Then she grabbed both by the hair and smashed their faces together.
The instructors stood silently.
By the fourth match, students refused to enter the ring.
Caelia watched from the shadows.
She'd never seen fear spread like a virus before.
At midnight, Nyra stood on the rooftop again.
Lucifer appeared behind her.
"You're doing well."
"I want more."
He smiled.
"You will get more."
He waved his hand—the sky cracked open.
A celestial gateway.
"Tomorrow," he said, "you fight someone who remembers what Hell feels like."
Nyra didn't blink.
"I'll make them remember me."