The sun was beginning its descent, casting long shadows over the academy grounds as students filtered back to their dormitories, their conversations hushed with awe and disbelief. Leo and Tristen walked side by side, the weight of their victory still fresh in the air.
"I can't believe it," Tristen muttered, shaking his head. "We actually beat an A-rank monster... together."
Leo gave a small shrug, his expression unreadable. "It was a decent fight. But we've got a lot more to prove."
Tristen laughed, though there was a nervous edge to it. "Yeah, I guess. Still, I didn't expect Alden to back down like that. You really had him kneeling."
Leo glanced at his friend, his lips curling into a small smile. "Alden made his bet. He had to lose."
