They emerged from the Sanctum's entrance into night's cool embrace. The Academy's courtyard lay quiet beneath a sky littered with stars. A lone guard by the stone arch nodded curtly as they passed, acknowledging their new status. The tall banners hung still—no wind to stir them—and in that hush, their footsteps sounded more confident than ever.
Levara inhaled deeply, as if breathing in freedom. "Strange to think," she said softly, "we went down there as cadets and came up Summoners."
Arrix ran a thumb over the metal band on his wrist, marveling at the faint runic pattern etched there. "We have our mission," he whispered, excitement and worry intermingling. "But we should rest first, right?"
Danek Torren didn't answer immediately. He scanned the silent courtyard, hands loose at his sides. After a moment, he simply nodded. His way of agreeing.
Krans del Leon paused near a lantern post. Warm light painted half his face in gold. He looked at each of them, voice carrying quiet assurance. "We can depart at first light. The eastward roads are long, and we'll need provisions. Let's sleep a few hours, gather what we need."
A door creaked nearby, drawing their attention. Master Jerrik stepped out from the Academy's eastern hall, arms folded over his broad chest. The veteran instructor's gaze slid over their new signet bands, his stern features softening by a fraction. "So you did it," he said, tone gruff but not unkind. "I shouldn't be surprised."
Levara raised an eyebrow. "You knew we could?"
Jerrik shrugged. "I expected you to survive, not thrive. But you four did more than that." He stepped closer, voice dropping. "Your first assignment… the frontier's no place for fools. You must be careful. Not all creatures out there will yield to polite Summons."
Arrix swallowed, straightening under Jerrik's scrutiny. Danek stood tall, silent. Levara rested a hand on her hip. Krans inclined his head respectfully. "We understand, Master," he said. "We'll bring credit to the Academy."
Jerrik grunted. "I hope so." He reached into his coat and produced a small pouch. "Take this. Dried mana-infused herbs. Useful if you need to replenish energy in a pinch." He tossed it to Levara, who caught it deftly, surprise in her eyes.
"Thank you," she said, softer now.
A night-bird cried somewhere beyond the walls, and the scent of dew on grass drifted in. Jerrik studied them one last time, then turned on his heel. "Don't waste time preening," he called over his shoulder. "Dawn waits for no one."
As he vanished into the dim hallway, Arrix let out a breath he hadn't known he was holding. Danek gave a slight shrug—Jerrik's approval, or as close as the old master could manage, was a prize in itself.
Krans rested a hand lightly on Arrix's shoulder. "We're not the same team that stepped into that Sanctum," he said. "Now, we rest."
They crossed the courtyard to the modest dormitory wing they still had claim to for one more night. Inside, the lamplight was low, and halls stretched quiet. Other cadets slept unaware that four among them had risen in rank.
Their room held simple bunks, a narrow window, and a chest for each. They lit a single lamp, its glow painting their faces in soft amber. Levara stretched and leaned against the wall. Danek sat on a bunk, arms resting on his knees, staring at the floor with focused calm. Arrix hovered by the window, peering at the moon.
Krans stood near the lamp, slipping off his coat and folding it neatly. The signet band caught the light, reminding them all of the pledge made beneath ancient stone and elemental trials.
Levara cleared her throat. "Tomorrow, we set off east. That means food, water, maybe hiring a porter or two. Horses, unless we summon mounts constantly, but that's draining." She spoke as if thinking aloud.
Danek nodded. "Horses," he said quietly, surprising them by actually voicing agreement.
Arrix smiled, heartened by Danek's rare speech. "Yes, and perhaps a map from the Academy's archive. I want to know what villages lie between here and the frontier."
Krans inclined his head. "Good ideas. At dawn, Arrix and I will fetch horses from the stables. Levara, you handle supplies. Danek, see if you can find a decent map and any rumor from the guards." Everyone nodded, a comfortable rhythm settling in.
The lantern flame danced. Outside, crickets sang softly in the Academy's gardens.
Arrix broke a silence, voice hushed. "I'm still amazed. A week ago, I doubted I'd even pass the trials. Now look at us."
Levara's eyes sparkled. "Get used to it, Velhar. We're Summoners. The Empire trusts us to keep its lands safe. We belong to something bigger now."
Danek's mouth curved slightly at the corner, a near-smile. "We do," he confirmed simply.
Krans watched them, chest warming with quiet pride. This was a team forged in elemental storms and subtle perils. They would face new dangers beyond the Academy's walls—bandits, monsters, political tangles—but they carried this new bond like armor.
He lowered the lamp's wick, dimming the room. "Rest," he murmured. "We have a journey to begin soon. Every hour of sleep counts."
No one argued. They settled, boots off, lying on the simple bunks. The night pressed close, gentle and kind now that the trials were behind them. Outside the window, the moon watched over the Academy's towers.
In that hush, before dreams claimed them, each Summoner held their own private thoughts: Arrix, determined to prove his worth again; Levara, eager to meet fresh challenges; Danek, content in silent resolve; and Krans del Leon, certain that together they could shape the future they had been entrusted to protect.
The lamp's glow softened, then winked out. Under the moon's eye, they slept as newly ranked Summoners, the first step of a greater path already under their feet.