Chapter 178
The squad assigned to quell the beastly portal break strode back into the academy's grand entrance, faces bruised but bright with triumph.
Their robes were singed in places and smeared with ash, yet the minor wounds barely registered—after all, claiming victory and earning the star they'd fought so hard for was reward enough.
Massive double doors of oak and iron creaked open before them. Beyond lay the marble‑floored foyer, banners bearing Lunaria's crest fluttering overhead.
At the far end, Captain Amir and Instructor Von stood side by side, their smiles warm lanterns in the cool hallway.
"Welcome, brave mages!" Amir's voice rang out, echoing off the vaulted ceiling. His eyes shone with pride as the squad filed forward. "We watched every moment of your battle—the way you cut through those beasts was nothing short of phenomenal."
