Thorne, Kaelor, and Sylra made their way back to their respective academies, each moving with purpose under Lucas's command. Thorne, the clone of the once mighty elder, was the first to arrive at the Celestial Academy.
As Thorne reached the grand entrance of the Celestial Academy, he staggered forward, his body swaying with each painful step. Blood stained his robes, and his face was pale, drained of its usual commanding presence. The disciples nearby froze in place, their eyes wide with disbelief.
"Elder Thorne!" one disciple gasped, rushing forward but stopping short, too stunned to know what to do. "He's... he's seriously injured!"
Murmurs rippled through the crowd as more and more disciples gathered. They exchanged glances, their confusion turning to fear. "How can this be?" another whispered. "Elder Thorne is one of the strongest in the academy!"
"I've never seen him like this…" someone else muttered, disbelief thick in their tone.
