Chapter 22 – The End of the Trial & Return to the Academy

The first rays of dawn had barely touched the forest canopy when the magic bell rang in the distance, signaling the start of the final day of the field exam. The forest air felt lighter than the night before, yet the hearts of the students remained heavy. They all knew that in just a few hours, their results would be decided—whether they were worthy of continuing, or if their journey would end here.

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### Traces of Battle

Zareen’s team trudged slowly toward the meeting point. Their faces were worn and pale with exhaustion, their clothes torn and smeared with dirt and monster blood. And yet, there was a quiet strength in their eyes—something that hadn’t been there before.

Riva, usually the chattiest of the group, walked beside Zareen in uncharacteristic silence before finally speaking softly. “I didn’t think I’d make it this far. If it wasn’t for you guys…” she hesitated, glancing at Zareen, “…especially you, Reen, I would have given up yesterday.”

Daren snorted, though there was no mockery in his tone this time. “Don’t be soft. We survived because of all of us—not just one person.”

Mei smiled gently. “True… but without someone to guide us, we would have panicked.”

Yoran, as stoic as ever, simply added, “Zareen gave direction. We followed. That’s the key.”

Zareen felt his cheeks warm. He wanted to deny it, but in the end he only managed a small, awkward smile. “Thanks… but we all fought together.”

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### Voices in the Trees

Before they reached the meeting point, they passed through a small hilly area. Suddenly, they heard shouting from beyond the trees.

“Don’t run! Fight them head-on, you cowards!”

That was Gino’s voice.

Zareen’s team quickly crouched and peered through the foliage. Gino’s team was locked in a battle with two monsters at once. Some of his teammates were already down, others were barely holding their ground, while Gino charged forward alone, his blazing red magic sword cutting through the air.

“He’s fighting two at once? Is he crazy?” Riva whispered in disbelief.

Zareen studied the scene carefully. Gino’s attacks were powerful, each strike exploding with fire, but the rest of his team looked frustrated, as if reduced to mere spectators.

“Should we help them?” Mei asked hesitantly.

Zareen shook his head. “No. He can handle it. This is his test too.”

Sure enough, after a fierce exchange, Gino finally struck both monsters down, their bodies dissolving into black mist. He was breathing heavily, sweat dripping down his face, but a triumphant grin spread across his lips.

As if sensing Zareen’s gaze, Gino turned his head. Their eyes met through the trees. Neither spoke, but both gave a short nod. A silent acknowledgment: **you fought hard too.**

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### The Meeting Point

A small clearing in the heart of the forest served as the final gathering spot. Several teams had already arrived—some intact, others missing members.

When Zareen’s team stepped into the clearing, they were met with somber faces. Some students were quietly crying; others sat staring blankly at the ground.

Instructor Ardian stood in the center, his expression grim. “Congratulations. You have all reached the final point. But… not everyone has returned.”

The clearing fell silent. Zareen could hear someone stifling a sob nearby.

“This is the reality you must face,” Ardian continued. “The outside world shows no mercy. You have seen it with your own eyes—one moment of carelessness, and a life is lost. You have also witnessed how negative aura can take a person and turn them into a monster.”

Zareen’s mind flashed back to the previous night, to the moment Arvel’s teammate had transformed into a physical monster. He clenched his fist, forcing himself to stand firm.

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### Recognition

After all teams had arrived, the instructors began inspecting them one by one. Despite their injuries, Zareen’s team received positive remarks: they had endured the ordeal without losing a single member.

Out of nowhere, Riva spoke up. “It’s all thanks to Zareen. He’s the one who kept us together.”

Daren nodded. “Yeah. Without him, we’d have fallen apart halfway through.”

Mei chimed in, smiling softly. “He was the one who kept us calm.”

Yoran, as blunt as ever, simply said, “Our leader.”

Zareen froze, his face turning red. “H-hey, don’t exaggerate! I just—”

Ardian placed a hand firmly on Zareen’s shoulder, silencing him. “That’s not exaggeration. You have shown the qualities of a leader, Zareen. Remember, a leader isn’t always the strongest. A leader is the one who helps others stand.”

Zareen lowered his head, his chest tight with a mixture of pride and fear.

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### The Journey Back

The students were finally guided back toward the academy. The journey felt calmer this time, though fatigue still weighed heavy on their limbs.

When they passed through the academy gates, the great bell tolled again. The instructors greeted them with mixed expressions—relieved for those who had returned, mournful for those who had not.

Headmaster Helvar stood waiting, his silver staff planted firmly in the ground. “You have faced your first trial beyond the walls. Some of you survived. Some did not. Let this be your lesson. Never forget the faces of those who were lost, for they are the reminder that magic is not a game.”

The students bowed their heads. Some openly wept. Others simply stood in silence.

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### Night in the Dormitory

After the debriefing, the students were dismissed to their dormitories.

Zareen collapsed onto his bed, every muscle aching. He stared up at the ceiling, breathing heavily.

“So… we made it back,” he whispered to himself.

Moments later, the door creaked open. Gino stepped in, his face smeared with dirt and scratches, but his grin still as cocky as ever.

“Hmph. So you made it back too, Zareen.”

Zareen turned his head and gave him a faint smile. “Of course. I’m not about to lose to you.”

Gino chuckled. “Good. A worthy rival shouldn’t die too soon.”

They locked eyes for a moment before both let out a small laugh. The rivalry was still there, but now it was tempered by a new sense of respect.

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### Bonds Forged

In the next room, Riva, Mei, Daren, and Yoran were also resting. Their voices were soft but full of warmth despite their exhaustion.

“We’re lucky to have Zareen,” Riva murmured, lying down.

“He doesn’t even realize he’s become our leader,” Mei added with a small smile.

“What matters is that from now on, we stick together. No matter what,” Daren said firmly.

Yoran closed his eyes, nodding silently in agreement.

That night, though their bodies were battered, their hearts were bound closer than ever. They were no longer just a randomly assigned group of students—they had become true comrades-in-arms.

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### Closing of the Arc

Outside the window, the moon cast its pale light over the academy’s tower. Zareen drifted off to sleep with a faint smile, though nightmares of monsters still haunted him.

The first trial was over. But deep down, Zareen knew this was only the beginning. The world beyond awaited them—with even greater dangers. And the bonds forged here—both with Gino and with his team—would be the foundation that shaped his future.