The ruined chamber still shimmered with lingering embers from the Vault Tyrant's death. The red-hot glow had faded into soft golden dust drifting in the air like stars falling in reverse.
Zen sat on a chunk of broken stone, his sword across his lap. He wasn't tired, not physically. But there was a strange stillness in him, like his body was waiting for the next strike… even though it was over.
Lyra plopped down beside him, her cloak half-scorched, hair messy but still somehow perfect.
"You looked cool back there," she said, nudging him with her elbow.
Zen didn't respond.
She tilted her head. "Don't tell me you're actually thinking about a lunch date… I was just joking back then. Don't overthink it," she said softly
Zen sighed softly.
"I was just… remembering the first time I held a sword."
Lyra's expression softened.
"You've come far, Zen."
He looked at her, really looked, then quickly looked away as a warmth crept into his cheeks.
[SYSTEM]: "ALERT: FLIRT DETECTED. Initiate DEFENSIVE BLUSH."
Lyra chuckled and leaned back on her hands, gazing up at the cavern ceiling as if it were a sky.
Sylvia was on the far side of the room, leaning against the wall, slowly using a chunk of frost to cool her wrist.
"Thanks for the barrier," she called across the room.
Lyra waved a hand lazily. "Yeah, yeah. Next time I want a dramatic entrance, I'm just gonna throw ice cubes at the boss."
Sylvia smirked. "That sounds like your level of strategy."
Zen said, "She held it off long enough to save us."
Lyra turned to him, slightly surprised.
"You're really giving me credit today, huh?"
Zen nodded once.
"Maybe because you're—"
She suddenly leaned in, inches from his face. "Careful. Finish that sentence, and I will make fun of you for the rest of your life."
His mouth stayed shut.
[SYSTEM]: "Smart choice. She's cute, but she's a threat."
Sylvia muttered, "Should I leave you two alone?"
Zen: "No."
Lyra: "Depends."
Sylvia stood and walked over, patting both of them on the head. "You're adorable. Let's not die before graduation, alright?"
Zen blinked. "You never do that."
Sylvia shrugged. "One-time pass. Don't expect it again."
The cavern began to pulse faintly with blue light—the signal that the teachers had activated the retrieval portal.
"Guess that's our ride," Lyra said, stretching. "Kind of sad, actually."
Zen stood, glancing around the now-silent dungeon.
"It's only the beginning."
Lyra grinned. "Wow. That sounded super cool and mysterious. Say that again but slower."
Zen started walking.
Lyra chased after him with a laugh.
[SYSTEM]: "Group mood: wholesome. Energy: 8/10. Romance tension: dangerously adorable."