The grasslands received them again in silence.
One after another, the candidates returned to the point where the second assessment had begun. The distance between them closed, but the atmosphere did not ease. Their steps were heavier now–not from fatigue alone, but from the understanding that the assessment was no longer testing survival, but efficiency.
Kiaria arrived first.
His hands were empty.
He stood slightly apart from the rest, posture relaxed, gaze steady, as if the return itself required no acknowledgment. There was no disappointment in his expression, nor satisfaction–only patience.
Aizrel emerged soon after.
She carried both a sword and a shield, their presence unmistakable. The weapons resonated faintly, responding to her grip as though confirming ownership. She did not look around immediately, instead securing them before stepping forward.
Ru and Yi followed together.
