It had been a week since the continuous ascensions, and it was time for the disciple evaluations. With excitement and anticipation, disciples streamed to the courtyard. The new disciples moved with nervousness and anxiety, while the older ones moved as if they already knew what was going to happen.
Among them was the ragtag, yet powerful group of Bahamut consisting of Sel, Ren, Exildra, Lily, Alana, Apollonia, Rakia, and Gabi.
The flow of bodies toward the courtyard felt like a tide. Restless and unpredictable, charged with something just beneath the surface. Whispers followed them wherever they passed, some subtle, some not.
"That's them…"
"All of them… together…"
"They're actually grouping up?"
"Isn't that overkill?"
Bahamut walked at the front, hands tucked loosely into his pockets, blindfold in place, his steps steady and unhurried. Beside him, Sel moved with his usual quiet indifference, eyes half-lidded as if nothing around him mattered.
Behind them was chaos.
