The salty breeze carried the scent of the ocean as Velren stepped onto the beach, sinking his boots slightly into the damp sand. After what felt like an eternity navigating through the forest, they had finally arrived.
Ahead of them, the academy's magic airship still remained docked, its grand structure casting a long shadow over the shore. Students, both uninjured and those bearing wounds from the exam's trials, were scattered around, some receiving treatment from academy staff while others sat in groups, their voices filling the air with chatter.
The moment Solenne stepped forward, a group of students immediately surrounded her, overlapping their worried voices
"Princess, are you alright?"
"We were worried when we didn't see you return!"
"Did something happen out there?"
Velren exhaled, watching the crowd form around her. As expected of someone of her status. Then, turning to Mikhail, whom he had been supporting all this time, he sighed.
