Chapter 21: A Night Off
The second Noel stepped inside, he stopped.
Music pulsed through the floors—sharp, quick beats that made the whole room feel alive. Lights danced across the stone walls, splashing blues, reds, and purples from mana crystals hanging overhead. Laughter echoed over the rhythm, the smell of spiced alcohol and grilled meat wrapping around the crowd like a second skin.
There were students everywhere.
Hundreds, by the look of it. Some crowded around the bar. Some shouting over the tables. Some already half-drunk and dancing near the edges of the room.
And none of them—none—wore the stiff academy uniforms.
Shirts, loose jackets, dresses, leather boots. Like they'd all stepped out of a different world.
For a second, Noel just stood there, blinking like an idiot.
Next to him, Roberto let out a low whistle.
"Man, this place is packed," he said, clapping Noel on the shoulder. "Come on, drinks first."
They pushed through the crowd and found a gap at the bar.
The bartender—a tall woman with two nose rings and mana tattoos glowing faintly on her arms—slammed two shot glasses down in front of them without even asking.