Chapter 32: HUNT FOR THE LEOPARD
PREVIOUSLY-
The air shimmered as Imperial Princess Seraphyne stepped through the archway, regal and cold. Behind him followed the Imperial Prince Lucan, Renold and Miriel.
Leon took a breath, then glanced back at his party, steadying his nerves.
"Let's go."
Together, the boys stepped forward toward the portal's glow.
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As the boys approached the portal's shimmering edge, a firm hand shot out, halting them in their tracks.
They turned sharply to the side. A tall upperclassman stood before them, dressed in the sharp green-trimmed uniform. His expression was unreadable, but there was a crispness to his bearing that made them straighten instinctively.
"Please deposit all valuables, weapons, and artifacts here," he said, gesturing toward four wooden compartments suspended in the air. They hovered with a faint hum, each softly glowing with arcane runes etched into their surfaces.
The group exchanged glances before complying. One by one, they stepped forward and placed their belongings inside—belts unbuckled, sheaths removed, trinkets gently set down. The boxes closed with soft clicks, sealing their contents with a shimmer of light.
"ID," the upperclassman said curtly, lifting his notepad without looking up.