Chapter 26: Cracks Beneath the Surface
Elira and Mia stepped down from the stage, walking slowly toward where Zara stood waiting.
As they reached her, Mia immediately collapsed onto the ground with a groan, flopping onto her back like a starfish.
"Ahhh... I need to rest. My mana’s all over the place..." she muttered, her voice tired and wobbly.
Elira, walking just behind her, was also panting lightly. Though her breath was uneven, she kept her expression composed, barely showing any sign of exhaustion.
Zara looked at both of them with an amused smile. "You two really went all out. huh"
Mia made a proud face and huffed, puffing out her chest despite lying flat on the floor.
"I was totally going easy on Elira. Tch."
Hearing that, Elira raised an eyebrow and looked down at her with a smug grin. "Oh really? Then why are you the one collapsed on the ground, looking like you just ran ten marathons? Look at me—barely even tired. I went easy on you."
"Huh?! What did you just say?!" Mia shot up halfway, glaring in mock outrage.