Chapter 16: The Aftermath

The first rays of morning sunlight cast golden light over the field outside the dungeon.

One by one, students of Class 1A emerged — bruised, battered, dirt-covered... but alive.

At the front of the group, Luther walked in silence, carrying the unconscious and bloodied body of Instructor Varnel over his shoulder. One foot was missing. The blood loss was visible even through the tattered uniform.

The paramedic team stationed near the perimeter rushed forward with stretchers and a spell-stabilization unit.

"He needs immediate care," Luther said simply as he laid Varnel down.

The medics nodded and got to work without asking questions.

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🧍 The Survivors

Most of the students dropped to the ground near the gates — not from injury, but from exhaustion.

Aurora went straight to healing the wounded, her hands glowing faintly as she worked on a crying first-year who had broken her ankle during the retreat.

Samuel was crouched nearby, sweat dripping off his face, muttering something quietly — probably insults aimed at himself.

Valeria, still bruised, chewed the last piece of candy in her pouch while resting her enormous sword across her shoulders.

Levi stood protectively near the others, still processing the battle. His muscles ached, but he stayed standing — watching everyone, eyes sharp.

Even though no one said it out loud, they all looked toward Luther. Quietly. Naturally. He had stepped into the role without asking for it — and now they all deferred to him without question.

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🌙 Luna's Arrival

Wind stirred softly, and with it came the gentle thump of boots touching stone.

Instructor Luna Everyloon arrived, her long purple hair flowing, her gaze calm but deep.

She looked over her class — some sitting, some sprawled, some still trembling.

But all of them... alive.

She nodded once and spoke clearly, though her voice was soft:

"Today, you learned what I couldn't teach you in a classroom."

She paused, her purple eyes scanning each face.

"That even if you train, even if you prepare… some things will always be unpredictable."

A few of the students lowered their heads. Others nodded.

"But you're alive. And that means something."

Then — for just a second — her lips curved upward.

"A little smile won't hurt. You earned it."

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🧓 The Headmaster's Arrival

A magic circle flared up in the air with a low hum.

The pressure in the atmosphere shifted.

And with a pulse of golden light, Headmaster Krav Laboly materialized.

Towering. Muscular. His black uniform trimmed in gold, white hair tied neatly behind his back.

He didn't speak right away.

His eyes swept over the group with the sharpness of a general.

Then he spoke.

"Return to the academy. Heal. Eat. Rest."

He paused — then turned toward one student in particular.

"Luther."

Everyone turned.

The silver-haired boy raised an eyebrow.

"You're the class representative. Walk with me," Krav said.

Luther gave a small nod, wiping his hands on his coat.

"Yes, sir."

As they began walking toward Eden Academy, side by side, Krav added quietly — too quiet for anyone else to hear:

> "I want everything. From the beginning."

Luther's eyes narrowed ever so slightly.

> Of course you do.