When Lucien and Marie reappeared in the arena, the Astral Chains around their ankles unraveled into drifting lights.
The moment those lights faded, a wave of cheers, gasps, and rushing footsteps surged toward them.
The first to reach them was the Verdant Veil contingent.
Their cloaks fluttered as they surrounded the pair. Their usual discipline cracked under sheer excitement.
"Brother Wolf! Sister Wolf!"
"You two were incredible out there!"
"That key trick—by all heavens, what kind of brilliance is that?!"
Half the group practically crashed into them, grabbing Lucien's shoulders, hugging Marie, and pounding their backs like shameless proud relatives.
Their eyes weren't the same as before.
Before, Lucien and Marie were just talented juniors.
Now… they were looking at them like future legends.
Someone in the back yelled.
"We KNEW you two were special—BUT NOT LIKE THIS!!"
"IF YOU LEAVE THE VERDANT VEIL WE WILL CRY, YOU UNDERSTAND?! CRY!"
