As the school day concluded, Kan trudged wearily through the gates, the weight of his backpack slung over one shoulder, bearing the insignia of countless academic battles. The afternoon sun cast long shadows, and the air hung heavy with the scent of well-worn textbooks and the distant promise of rain.
"Hey, Kan! Wait up!" Emily's voice rang out, cutting through the post-school haze. She caught up with him, her own backpack adorned with patches and badges telling stories of shared adventures.
"Rough day?" she asked, a sympathetic smile playing on her lips.
Kan sighed, "You could say that. The Mana teacher unleashed a barrage of training sections today. My brain and body are still recovering."
Emily chuckled, "I feel you. Mr. Henderson's history lecture felt like a trip through ancient times... and not in a good way."
