The path back to the inn was dimly lit with a few lanterns along the way.

The walk back was eerily quiet. Few students spoke perhaps because their fates would be decided in the next few days.

Professor Imara cheerfully walked ahead of the rest. She noticed the tension finally setting in.

“Maybe I should cheer them up.” She thought.

She then remembered Mach’s words. “Interact with the students as little as possible.” Causing her to sigh.

Abell and Gaius walked side by side in awkward silence.

“He seems pretty heated. Did he really get upset over what I said?” He thought while looking at him.

“So did you find a partner?” He asked.

Gaius responded with a slight nod.

“Oh okay. I found a strong partner too. If the first trial is a fight, I know we could beat you.” Abell said.

“Interesting we’ll see about that.”

Without a word, Gaius suddenly walked ahead, leaving Abell behind

Abell looked around seemingly no one was in a mood to talk. Tank and Lance were a bit way ahead silently walking. The odd fellow walking with his eyes closed from before continued his silence and the others followed suit.

“Everyone’s feeling the tension." He thought.

The group finally arrived at the inn’s entrance. The atmosphere was intense, but Imara began talking, breaking the silence.

“As you all know, tomorrow is an important day. I suggest getting a good night’s sleep.” She began.

“Tomorrow the first trial will be held bright and early.”

Before she could continue a student interjected.

“Um, excuse me Ms. Feldt, will you be telling us the details of the first trial?” A shy boy commented.

Imara‘s gaze was soft but direct. “I am sorry, but the details of the trials won’t be shared until the moment they began.”

“That’s dumb.” Someone said.

“Yea talk about unfair, how are we supposed to prepare.” Another student said.

“Would you cry babies shut up.” A voice said.

Abell looked in the direction the voice came from. A figure stood up, It was Neris, the cocky boy from before.

“Not telling us the trial beforehand is obviously part of the test.” He shrugged.

Lance interjected, “Yes, please everyone calm down this is something aspiring luminaries should be okay with.”

“Enough,” Imara’s voice was calm but firm. “We at the academy know what we’re doing, and if you can’t handle uncertainty, you won’t last as a Luminary.”

“We at the academy know what we’re doing, so please do not worry.” She reassured.

“Before you head in, please write the name of your selected partner.” She asked.

All the students began writing the names of their partners.

“With that being said. Please everyone use the last moments of the night wisely. There is a bathhouse near the if needed and a few snacks in every bedroom.”

“Please do your best tomorrow.”

As the students headed in, Imara watched them with optimism.

Girl’s Inn Point of View

The girls entered their separate inn, the dim lights of the lantern flashing against the old wooden walls raised some concerns. Some went directly to their rooms, while some wandered around the main hall.

“I mean what are they thinking? Lodging us in a place like this.” A noble girl scoffed.

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“Seriously, this place is hardly up to standard right Nona?” Another girl said.

Nona surveyed the room, the rough flooring and the faded furnishing. “Yes, this inn fails in all aspects.” Her tone dejected.

Masako walked past the group of girls, ignoring their complaints. She had a towel and soap bar in hand.

“Oh? And here I thought nobility only bathed in the finest springs. Must be tough, adjusting to the life of commoners.”

“Tch. Give it a rest, Julissa. You’re acting like she even cares about your opinion.” The girl rolled her eyes and turned away, clearly done with the conversation.

“Ugh excuse me.” Julissa looked at Nona for reassurance.

Nona watched as Masako headed to the bathhouse. Completely ignoring Julissa.

Girl’s Bathhouse

Masako stepped into the steamy bathhouse where warm water and herbal aromas permeated the air. The stone walls received the gentle light from lanterns which produced extended shadows.

There were three other girls inside. Serin Vale stood at the bath's far end with her arms on the edge while she watched the water. While Masako found her presence wasn’t loud, she couldn’t overlook her after joining forces with Neris Proxy.

The two girls who Masako had not yet met were seated closer together while they whispered softly to each other.

Finally, one of the girls broke the silence.

“Tomorrow’s trial... I wonder what it will be. She said tracing her fingers on her skin.

“It doesn't matter.” The other girl said bluntly, “As long as I’ve got my sword, we’ll be fine.” she said making a swinging motion.

Serin adjusted her glasses and scoffed at her. “Everyone says that until the realize the situation their in.”

The confident girl looked at Serin,

“You sound as if you got a plan.” She said.

Serin looked at her, unbothered. “Because I do.”

A brief silence followed. The first girl, the one who seemed uncertain, sank deeper into the water.

Masako finally spoke. “What do you think the trial will test?”

Serin glanced at her, her expression unreadable. “Survival, probably.”

The nervous girl stiffened. “You mean… like fighting?”

Masako shook her head. “Fighting isn’t the only way to survive.”

Serin nodded slightly. “Exactly.”

The confident girl scoffed. “Well, I hope there’s combat. I didn’t come here to run and hide.”

Serin raised an eyebrow. “And what if you’re forced to?”

The girl’s smirk faltered, but she quickly recovered. “Then I’ll fight my way out. Simple.”

Masako didn’t respond. Instead, she studied their reactions, mentally categorizing them. The bold one was overconfident. The quiet one was afraid. Serin, however… was calculating.

Eventually, Serin stood up, grabbing a towel. “There’s no point in guessing. We’ll find out soon enough.”

She glanced at Masako briefly before exiting the bathhouse.

The other two girls followed shortly after, the conversation leaving behind an uneasy weight.

Masako remained for a moment longer, letting the steam rise around her.

She had a feeling Serin was right.

After some time passed, Masako rised up from her spot ready to exit the bathhouse. However, she felt another presence enter.

Nona. Walked in the bathhouse, however with a softer expression.

She gazed at Masako.

She met Masako’s gaze, lingering just a second too long before stepping past her.

Instead of heading for the main bath, she moved toward the steam room.

For a moment, Masako debated whether to leave or say something. But in the end, she simply watched as Nona disappeared into the mist.

The door shut behind her.

Boy’s Inn Pov

The boys have already settled in for the night. With the majority of them opting to reside in their rooms and retiring early. With a couple of small group of talking in the main hall.

Abell listened to the main conversation intently.

“Do you think they’ll have us fight right off the bat?” Tank asked, his arms crossed as he leaned against a wooden pillar.

“I hope so.” Neris stretched out lazily on the floor, grinning. “I’m itching for some action.”

“There’s a lot more people here than I expected.”

“Yeah.” Tank nodded. “This year’s exam is the biggest one in years. Exactly 104 people were picked.”

A small pause followed.

“Whoa—104?” Neris sat up, blinking. “That means more fun… more fights.” His grin widened.

Abell let the number sink in. 104 students.

“I wonder how it was for Genevieve.” He couldn't help but smile.

Abell began to walk to his room, before being stopped by the odd fellow from before.

Abell had noticed him earlier, standing off to the side like a shadow, silent, watching. Now, up close, his bronze skin caught the dim lantern light.

He began to speak.

“I am Izego.”

Abell raised his brow. “Hi... I’m Abell.” He said.

“Be careful interacting with the Wisteria girl.” He said wasting no time

“You mean Masako?”

Before he could finish, Izego turned and walked away. No further explanation. No glance back.

Abell watched him go, exhaling sharply.

“Well… that was interesting.” He sighed to himself. “Stay away from Masako?”

Shaking his head, he finally made his way toward his room.

Abell pushed open the door to his shared quarters, running a hand through his hair. Just as he stepped inside, he noticed Gaius, already sitting on the edge of his bed, casually sharpening his blade.

The rhythmic scrape of metal against stone filled the quiet space

Abell leaned against the doorframe, watching for a moment before speaking.

You look really relaxed for someone who might get kicked out tomorrow,” Abell said.

Gaius didn’t look up. “And you look eager for something you’re not ready for.”

“Who says I’m not.” Abell said

Gaius finally met his gaze, eyes cold. “You’re not.”

A brief silence passed between them, heavy with unspoken challenges.

Abell crossed his arms. “Guess we’ll see about that tomorrow.”

“We will.” Gaius said.

Abell held his stare for a second longer before shaking his head with a small grin.

“Try not to lose too early,” he said over his shoulder as he climbed into bed.

Gaius didn’t answer. But the way his sharpening slowed just slightly told Abell he’d struck a nerve.

The inn was quieter now, with only the occasional murmurs from the hallway.

Abell lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling.

“Biggest exam in years.” He thought.

His fingers curled around Genevieve’s hilt, the metal cool against his palm.

“I won’t fail, I can’t.”

He shut his eyes, exhaling deeply.

Slowly, sleep took hold.