The group of third-year senior students and their accompanying teachers finally approached the Ruin's entrance.
Zane and his team paused their golf game and calmly stepped forward, blocking the path.
A tall senior named Sunder glared at them.
"Why are you still standing there? Move aside and go inside already!"
Asphalt stepped forward with a smug grin. "This gate? It was opened by my friend Zane here—using a precious family heirloom. Since you didn't open it, you'll need to make a donation to pass. Otherwise…"
"Otherwise what?" Sunder sneered.
"Otherwise," Asphalt said, voice cool and unshaken, "no one's getting through."
A senior girl, Supriya, stepped up with a sweet smile. "Kids, do you even know who we are? We're your seniors—third-years from the Academy. And these are your esteemed teachers. We're here to safeguard you freshers during this trial."
She folded her arms with a faux-kind smile. "Let us through now, and trust me—we'll remember your good deeds in the future."
