Chapter 180: The Trial (37)
The instant Verena stepped through the glowing exit, the heavy astral hum of the labyrinth faded. In its place came the faint chatter of reunited students, the soft buzz of nervous laughter, and the distant clatter of spells and swords still echoing from far-off trials. The waiting area beyond the Trial Gates was carved into the bedrock beneath Irasios Academy itself—a grand atrium glittering with star-forged stone, the vaulted ceiling above etched with shifting constellations that gleamed like living ink.
She wasn’t alone.
Clusters of first-years were sprawled across the marble floor and benches, some slumped in exhaustion, others chattering excitedly about their trials. Teachers and proctors in embroidered navy robes observed from the edges, faces unreadable, clipboards floating beside them as they scribbled evaluations into glowing ledgers.
Verena’s gaze swept the room—and immediately landed on her.
Evelyn.
The girl stood at the far end of the hall, flanked by Sera, Isolde, and Beatrice. They looked rough around the edges, covered in grime, a few bandages here and there—but alive. And judging by the subtle shimmer of achievement notifications floating faintly above their heads, victorious.
Saphira, still coiled around Verena’s wrist, flicked her tongue. Well, look at that. Your disaster harem made it through alive.
Verena snorted under her breath, the tight knot in her chest loosening slightly. "Hilarious."
Before she could take another step toward them, a blur of pink barreled into her side.
"VERENA!!"
Vivienne latched onto her like a limpet, arms wrapped around Verena’s waist, her face buried against her shoulder.