Chapter 81: The Spoils of War
The Grand Hall of the Academy's central spire was usually reserved for noble banquets.
Tonight, it served as a makeshift triage and command center.
In a quiet, roped-off section near the back, the first-year Special Class stood in a loose semicircle.
They were covered in dried mud, soot, and monster blood.
Some leaned heavily on their weapons.
Others just stared blankly at the marble floor as the adrenaline finally left their bruised bodies.
Headmaster Vane walked slowly down the line.
His stern, weathered face softened into a rare expression of profound, overwhelming relief as he checked them off his mental roster.
Aegon Logcheville.
Reina Frost.
Estella Everdawn.
Draven Mordis.
Lyra Voltaire.
Lucien Vaelmont.
Nyx Vespera.
Bram Stoneheart.
Cole Rust.
Natalie Tokks.
"Ten," Headmaster Vane said. His voice carried a heavy, emotional weight.
"Ten of you marched into an apocalyptic siege... and ten of you came back."
