About an hour later—
"Here."
Robin tossed the final metal tablet toward the last of the seven students. He stretched his neck with a tired crack, his expression showing the wear of the long session.
"Now… you've all had your chance. The rest is entirely in your hands."
His voice carried a weight it didn't have before — something final, something absolute.
"My recommendation? Leave these grounds. Leave the comfort of this Academy.
Go somewhere that will hurt.
Someplace that will test what you've learned — not in theory, but in blood.
Find a place with beasts, pirates… or war.
And do not join another Student War for at least fifty years. Not a day earlier. Is that clear?"
"Understood. Thank you, Professor Robin!!"
All seven stood at once, and without intending to… they lowered their heads.
They didn't even realize what they'd done until the moment had passed — until they were straightening their backs again.
