Chapter 26: The reward system (Part 1)
When the professors crossed the threshold of the base, the crowd instinctively stirred. Among the tired, tense faces, the first signs of relief appeared—some people straightened up, someone clapped quietly, and a few students peeking from behind the mattresses looked hopefully at the bags the two men carried.
Grzywacz and Kosman stopped just inside the entrance. They wore worn jackets and makeshift armor, and their dust-covered, exhausted faces retained a certain stern calm. A canvas sack filled with cans hung from Grzywacz’s shoulder, while two loaves of bread stuck out from Kosman’s backpack.
Layra approached them quickly. "I’m glad you’re back," she said with relief. "Put the food in storage and join us. We need to call a meeting."
Grzywacz raised an eyebrow. "Did something happen?"
Kosman sighed quietly, as if already guessing what he was about to hear. "Ternwald stirred things up again, didn’t he?" he asked with a note of tired amusement.
Layra nodded. "That too. But we have something far more important to discuss. I’ll explain everything at the meeting."
The professors exchanged a brief glance, then silently headed down the hallway to store the supplies. Meanwhile, Layra, Sareth, Nira, Brann, and Adam moved to one of the smaller, empty dorm rooms—a modest space with peeling walls, a few chairs, and crates arranged in a semicircle.
When Grzywacz and Kosman entered, their eyes immediately scanned the room. When they didn’t see Kael, their expressions darkened for a moment.
"Where..." Kosman began, but Layra cut in quickly.
"Kael is okay. He fainted from exhaustion. He’s being taken care of and is resting now."
The men exhaled softly and nodded. Only then did their gaze settle on the unfamiliar face—Adam.