It wasn’t surprising to see Ayden, Julian, and Professor Leylani waiting for her, but spotting both seniors, Galena and Angela, was unexpected. The moment she stepped past the barrier, Ayden didn’t hesitate. He ran straight to her, wrapping his arms around her as though afraid she might disappear. His grip was tight—too tight—but Athena didn’t complain. Instead, she patted his head, a silent reassurance that she was there, safe.

“Sister, where were you? I was so worried.”

Athena patted his head affectionately. “How was your trial?”

Julian answered before Ayden could. “It was amazing. Ayden was incredible.”

Ayden quickly interjected, “Not just me! Julian was amazing too.”

A small smile tugged at the corner of Athena’s lips. She had never doubted them.

“How was your trial?” Julian asked.

Athena shrugged. “Like any other.”

Professor Leylani blinked. Then gasped. “Like any other?” His usual composure cracked as he rubbed his temple, as if fighting a migraine. “Athena, do you even realize what you just did?”

Four pairs of eyes locked onto her, their confusion shifting into disbelief.

Leylani exhaled sharply. “You just passed a boss-level trial. Alone.”

Four pairs of eyes widened in shock.

“What?” Ayden’s voice trembled, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. “Sister, was your trial that dangerous?”

Athena glanced at her little brother clinging to her like he did when they were children. “It was tough, but as you can see, I passed. I’m fine.”

She then turned to Galena and Angela, stepping forward and placing her right hand over her left chest in a respectful bow.

“Thank you, seniors, for accompanying me and for providing me with those swords. Without them, I wouldn’t have made it.”

Galena flushed slightly. “It was our duty to provide weapons to our juniors.”

Angela simply nodded in approval.

Galena hesitated before speaking. “I have so many questions, but I promised to meet my professor in a few minutes. Let’s meet again soon. I want to hear all about your experience.”

Angela, who had been silently observing, finally spoke. “I have classes too. See you later.”

Galena rolled her eyes at Angela before turning to Professor Leylani and bowing. He acknowledged her with a nod, and both seniors disappeared.

Clearing his throat, the professor turned back to Athena. “How are you feeling? Any discomfort? You haven’t received medical attention yet. Let me take you to the healers.”

Before Athena could respond, Julian narrowed his eyes, studying her. “Wait… you changed your clothes. And you look completely fine. How?”

Athena let out a long sigh. “It’s a long story.”

Ayden, always observant, pointed to her wrist. “Does it have anything to do with that bracelet?”

Athena chuckled. “Maybe.”

Stolen story; please report.

Professor Leylani regarded her for a moment before speaking. “Meet me at the principal’s office after lunch. We have a lot to discuss.”

Athena nodded in agreement.

“And don’t use any skills on academy grounds without permission.” He gave one last stern look before disappearing.

Ayden tilted his head, confused. “Why would the professor warn us not to use skills? It’s not like we’re going to war… we’re just going to eat.”

The three of them began walking toward the canteen, exchanging their trial experiences. Athena gave a brief summary of hers, though leaving out certain details.

When she finished, Ayden pouted. “My sister had to survive all alone.”

Athena grimaced. “Not exactly. I had people who took care of me.”

Ayden blinked. “Who?”

Athena hesitated, considering whether to tell them about Cleo and the others. In the end, she decided to keep it vague.

“Let’s just say… there was someone.”

Julian narrowed his eyes, suspicious. “Who?”

Athena stopped walking and met their gazes. “They weren’t human. Some kind of mechanical beings.”

Ayden’s curiosity flared. “What kind of beings?”

Athena took a deep breath. “Beings without life… but who exist without air or water.”

Ayden’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Wow! Can I meet them?”

Athena chuckled. “I don’t know if they can leave the Alpha dorm, but if you want to see them, work hard and join me there.”

Determination flickered in both Ayden and Julian’s eyes. They had a new goal—to grow stronger, to reach Alpha, and to stand by Athena’s side.

As they talked, they reached the canteen that Galena had shown Athena earlier. It was packed with students—both new and old. Carefully navigating through the crowd, they made their way to the food station, only to be met with a long line.

It took some time before they finally reached the front.

The air shifted the moment they walked in. An elvish girl, draped in fine silk and arrogance, strolled forward, her silver hair catching the light like polished metal. Behind her, a pack of male followers trailed, their postures stiff with entitlement. She and her entourage walked straight toward them.

Ayden, who had just scanned his token, was chatting happily with the lady in charge of the food station while she and her assistants arranged his meal on a tray. After receiving his food, he stepped aside to wait for Athena and Julian.

Each token had its privileges, determining the allocated meals for its holder. Just as Athena was about to scan hers, the elvish girl and her group reached her. The girl, arrogant and clearly used to being the center of attention, attempted to shove Athena aside.

To her shock, Athena didn’t even budge.

Annoyed, Athena turned to look at her. The girl scowled, then turned to her followers and commanded arrogantly, “Move this wench out of my way.”

One of the guys scoffed. “Who does she think she is? Just because she wears pants, does she think she can be a man too?”

The others laughed, clearly enjoying themselves.

Julian’s fury flared. Without missing a beat, he spoke loudly, “Nowadays, some guys think flocking around a girl makes them look impressive. What idiots.”

The lady behind the counter snorted in amusement.

The elvish girl’s face turned red with rage. “How dare you lowly beings talk to me that way? Do you even know who I am? I am the young lady of the elvish merchant family!”

Athena sighed internally, already annoyed. ‘Come on, I am not in the mood for this.’

Still, she kept her tone polite. “Miss, please keep the line. We’ve been waiting just like everyone else. It’s common sense to follow the queue.”

The girl scoffed. “That may be common sense for the likes of you. You look like you’re from a noble family, but you clearly lack class. A noble should be elegant.”

Athena pursed her lips—a clear warning sign. Both Ayden and Julian exchanged glances. They knew from experience that whenever she did that, nothing good followed.

This time, Athena didn’t bother hiding her irritation. "Ah… I see. You must have skipped orientation," Athena said, her tone dripping with amusement. "Let me educate you. At Hunter’s Academy, strength is everything. Not your name, not your money—just you. So if you think you can push others around with your wealth, I suggest you find another playground."

Humiliated, the elvish girl’s face turned even redder. Without another word, she spun on her heel and stormed off, taking a seat at an empty table, still fuming.

She gestured for one of her goons to come closer and whispered something into his ear before smirking in their direction.

After collecting their food, Athena, Ayden, and Julian found an empty table and sat down, thinking the confrontation was over.

But it wasn’t.

Not yet.