The crowd slowly began to move.
No one gave direct orders, but everyone understood where to go. The robed figures stepped aside, and the new students followed the wide stone paths deeper into the academy.
Kael walked with the others, his eyes moving across the surroundings.
Everything felt different here.
The buildings were clean and well-structured. The paths were wide, and students moved calmly, as if nothing unusual had happened. Some wore long robes, others light armor, but all of them looked composed.
Very different from the group that had just arrived.
Aren glanced around and shook his head slightly. "Feels like we don't belong here yet."
Lyra walked beside him, her expression calm. "We just got here."
Draven walked slightly behind them, silent as always. His eyes moved across the academy, observing everything carefully.
They continued forward until they reached a large stone building. It stood wide and tall, with several entrances and students moving in and out.
"This should be the dormitory," Lyra said.
Before they could move further, a voice came from behind.
"Lyra."
She stopped.
Kael turned immediately.
A young man walked toward them through the crowd. His steps were steady, his posture straight. His dark brown hair was slightly rough from the trial, and his sharp blue eyes were focused.
Kael recognized him.
Leon.
Lyra looked at him. "Leon."
Aren frowned slightly. "Wait… you know him?"
"My brother," Lyra replied.
Aren blinked. "Oh."
Draven's gaze shifted briefly toward Leon, studying him, but he said nothing.
Leon stopped in front of them and looked at Lyra first.
"You're alright," he said.
"I am," Lyra replied.
Leon nodded once.
"We got separated when the trial started," he said. "The teleportation scattered everyone."
Lyra nodded. "Same here."
"I was alone at first," Leon continued. "Later, I joined another group and made it through."
Aren folded his arms. "So you survived with a different team."
Leon gave a small nod. "Yes."
Draven spoke calmly, "…You don't look like someone who struggled."
Leon met his gaze. "I managed."
The moment passed.
"New students, over here."
They turned.
A young man stood near the entrance, wearing a clean academy uniform. His short brown hair was neat, and his light blue eyes were calm and focused.
"Follow me," he said.
They entered the building.
Inside, everything was clean and quiet.
They were led to a long desk.
"You will receive your room assignments here."
Cards were handed out.
Kael looked at his.
Room 3–17.
Aren checked his. "Same."
Draven glanced at his. "…Same section."
Leon nodded. "Same floor."
Lyra checked hers quietly.
Then—
"Male and female dormitories are separate."
Lyra looked at them. "…We split here."
Aren nodded. "Yeah."
Leon stepped beside her. "I'll walk with you."
Lyra gave a small nod. "See you later."
Kael nodded.
Draven stayed silent.
They watched them leave.
Then turned.
"Looks like we're neighbors."
Kael looked.
A boy stood nearby. His black hair was slightly messy, and his dark green eyes were relaxed but sharp.
"Room 3–18," he said.
Aren smirked. "Close enough."
"Ethan," the boy said.
They exchanged names briefly.
Then moved on.
The hallway was quiet.
When they reached their room, Aren opened the door.
Inside were four beds.
And someone was already there.
A boy sat near the window, looking outside. He turned when they entered.
His light brown hair fell slightly over his forehead, and his gray eyes were calm, almost distant.
He didn't stand.
Just watched.
"…Room 3–17?" Aren asked.
The boy nodded once. "Yes."
Aren stepped inside. "Good. That makes four."
The boy's gaze moved across them briefly. "Rylan."
"Kael."
"Aren."
Draven said nothing.
Rylan didn't seem bothered.
Kael stepped inside and looked around.
Simple room.
Clean.
Complete.
Ethan stopped at the door.
"This is yours," he said. "I'm next door."
Aren nodded. "Yeah."
Ethan gave a small smile and left.
The door closed.
Silence.
Aren dropped onto a bed. "Yeah… I needed this."
Draven leaned against the wall. "Don't get comfortable."
Rylan said nothing, turning his gaze back toward the window.
Kael sat down slowly.
For the first time—
There was no immediate danger.
But that didn't mean it was over.
This is just the beginning.