The day after the exams felt like stepping out of a storm. The tension that had gripped the academy for weeks had finally eased, replaced by a collective weariness as students stumbled out of the exam halls. Some were triumphant, others resigned, and a few, like Leon, just felt drained.
In the dormitory common room, the study group had gathered to debrief—or, more accurately, to recover. Mikel lounged on the couch, tossing a rubber ball lazily into the air. Fiona sat at the table, organizing her notes with a precision that suggested she was already thinking about the next challenge. Talin, as usual, was sprawled out in a chair, looking like he hadn't slept in days.
Leon sat quietly, his hands wrapped around a mug of lukewarm tea. He stared into the cup, his thoughts far away.
"You've been brooding since yesterday," Mikel said, tossing the ball in Leon's direction. It bounced harmlessly off Leon's shoulder, snapping him out of his reverie.
"Huh?" Leon blinked, looking up.
"He's saying you need to lighten up," Talin said, yawning. "The exams are over. No point worrying about it now."
"That's easy for you to say," Leon muttered. "I completely blanked on half the questions."
"Half?" Mikel said, grinning. "That's more than I expected! Congrats, Leon. You're moving up in the world."
Fiona shot him a glare. "Stop being an idiot, Mikel." She turned to Leon, her expression softening. "You did your best, right? That's all anyone can ask for."
Leon nodded, though the knot of anxiety in his chest refused to loosen.
"Okay, enough moping," Mikel said suddenly, clapping his hands together. "We need a break. A proper one."
"What are you talking about?" Fiona asked, narrowing her eyes.
"A trip," Mikel said, his grin widening. "Some fresh air, a little adventure—it's exactly what we need."
Talin perked up. "I like the sound of that."
Fiona sighed. "We just finished exams, and you want to go wandering off into the wilderness?"
"Exactly," Mikel replied. "What's the worst that could happen?"
"That's a dangerous question," Rurik said, raising an eyebrow.
"Come on," Mikel said, turning to Lyra. "You're with me, right?"
Lyra considered him for a moment, then nodded. "It could be good for everyone."
"See? Lyra agrees. That means it's a great idea," Mikel said, beaming.
Fiona groaned but didn't argue further.
The next morning, the group set out for a nearby forested area, a short distance from the academy grounds. The path wound through rolling hills and dense groves of trees, the air crisp and cool.
Leon trudged along near the back, his shoulders slumped. His face was a picture of misery, his lips pulled into a pout that made him look far younger than his years.
"Cheer up, Leon," Mikel called over his shoulder. "You look like someone stole your last piece of bread."
"I'm going to fail," Leon muttered, his voice tinged with despair. "I'll get kicked out of the academy, and then I'll—"
"Relax," Talin said, cutting him off. "Nobody's getting kicked out. Worst-case scenario, you get a bad grade and have to make it up later."
"That's not the worst-case scenario," Leon mumbled.
Lyra glanced back at him, her golden eyes calm. "You're worrying too much."
"I can't help it," Leon said, his voice cracking. "You didn't see how bad I was. I looked at some of those questions, and my brain just... stopped."
His exaggerated frown and wide-eyed panic were unintentionally comical, and the rest of the group couldn't help but laugh. Even Lyra's lips twitched into a faint smile.
"You're hopeless," Fiona said, shaking her head. "But you're not alone. We're all here to help you, remember?"
Leon blinked, surprised by her words. He nodded slowly, a faint blush coloring his cheeks.
By midday, the group reached a clearing by a small stream. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled patterns on the ground. It was the perfect spot to rest, and the group quickly set up a makeshift camp.
Talin stretched out on the grass, his hands behind his head. "This is the life. No exams, no professors, just peace and quiet."
"Don't get too comfortable," Fiona said, unpacking a small bundle of food. "We still have to head back before nightfall."
Mikel crouched by the stream, splashing water onto his face. "Come on, Fiona. Live a little. This is our chance to unwind."
As the others relaxed, Leon found himself wandering toward the edge of the clearing. He stared at the water, his reflection rippling with every gust of wind.
"You're still thinking about the exams," Lyra said, appearing beside him.
Leon started, then sighed. "I can't help it. Everyone else seems so sure of themselves. And then there's me."
Lyra tilted her head slightly, her golden eyes studying him. "You're not as bad as you think you are."
Leon looked at her, surprised. "Really?"
She nodded. "You're improving. Even if it doesn't feel like it."
Her words settled over him like a warm blanket, and for the first time all day, he felt a flicker of hope.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the group gathered around a small campfire. The crackling flames cast dancing shadows across their faces, and for a moment, all the stress and worry melted away.
Mikel pulled out a small flute and began playing a jaunty tune, much to everyone's surprise.
"Since when do you play?" Talin asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Since always," Mikel said, grinning. "I'm full of hidden talents."
"Full of something, anyway," Fiona muttered, earning a laugh from the group.
Leon smiled faintly, the warmth of the fire and the sound of his friends' laughter easing the knot of anxiety in his chest.
For now, at least, he could forget about the exams—and the looming uncertainty of what lay ahead.