---
As the sun began to set, the trio gathered by the academy gates, reflecting on how much had changed since their first day at Astral Haven.
"Seems like we're all growing," Zen remarked, his eyes scanning the horizon. "But you,
Dabi... you've really changed. Stronger, smarter. You're not the same guy who walked through these gates in the first semester."
Dabi glanced at his friends, a faint smile on his face. "Neither are you two. We've all grown. And we'll need every bit of that growth for whatever comes next."
With that, they left the academy grounds, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them in the new semester.
---
The morning sun cast a soft glow over the academy grounds as Dabi stood at the gates, awaiting the arrival of the nobles and wealthy students.
His job today was simple yet tedious: oversee the entrance exam and ensure everything went smoothly.
