The Boy Who Walks Beyond The End-Chapter 60: The Quiet Between Storms

The portal's light swallowed them, and in a blink, Zen, Lyra, and Sylvia were back—standing in the wide, glowing return chamber beneath the Academy's Observation Spire.

A wave of cool air brushed over them. The stone arches pulsed with runes as teachers gathered around, murmuring and noting results. Medics rushed forward to help the injured.

Lyra yawned. "We survived. I demand snacks. And a foot massage."

Sylvia: "No one's giving you that."

Lyra: "You never know until you ask."

Zen remained quiet, scanning the crowd.

Most of the students who didn't make it had already been returned—some unconscious, others limping, bandaged, or pale with magical exhaustion. The Academy's menders and healers were already on it.

Professor Orlean stepped forward, hands behind his back, eyes sharp but calm.

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"You've all done well. For many, this was your first real encounter with mortal danger. Remember this feeling."

His gaze swept across the room.

"Most of you were pulled out when your health dropped too low or when you surrendered. That is not failure—it is learning. And you will grow."

Then, his voice firmed.

"Three teams reached the dungeon's final chamber."

All attention shifted.

"Team One: Arisella Alveron, Fiora Reins, Elvren Halcrest."

Arisella, still brushing dust off her royal-blue cloak, gave a graceful nod. Fiora folded her arms. Elvren looked mildly annoyed that his hair was out of place.

"Team Two: Zen , Lyrielle Caelivara, Sylvia Valen."

Whispers broke out in the crowd.

"Zen? That guy who was ranked tenth?"

"He's from Aetherion class, right?"

"I heard he solo'd a mutated orc last week—"

[SYSTEM]: "SPOILER: Yes. And he made it look elegant."

Zen ignored the chatter. Beside him, Lyra puffed out her chest, whispering, "Told you we'd look cool."

"Team Three: Selvin Arcos, Delan Mirros, Marina Faelora."

Selvin's trio stepped up—battered, but proud.

"And now," Orlean continued, "the results."

A silence fell.

"The team that delivered the final blow and completed the dungeon was—Team Two."

Sylvia simply nodded.

Zen stayed still.

Lyra? Lyra exploded.

"YES!" she fist-pumped the air. "That's what I'm TALKING about—wait, do we get a trophy? Please tell me there's a trophy. I want a shiny one."

[SYSTEM]: "Reward eligibility confirmed. Delivering bragging rights. Trophy: Digital Edition. Title: 'Boss Bashers.'"

Zen sighed. "System, don't make up fake titles."

[SYSTEM]: "They're not fake if they sound real."

Orlean smiled faintly, despite himself.

"As promised, your team will receive full scholarship coverage until 1 year final exams. Your names will be recorded in the Hall of Aspiration."

Some students cheered. Others just looked tired.

The rest of the day blurred into a blur of healing, reporting, and rest. The students were given a week-long recovery break. Class halls emptied, dorms quieted.

Zen stood at the outside Lunar Dorm that night, watching the moon.

Lyra joined him, two mugs of something warm in her hands. "Told the kitchen you saved the world. They gave me extra sugar."

Zen took the cup silently.

"...Thanks."

They stood side by side.

Sylvia, from her room window above, watched them for a moment, shook her head, and smirked.

"They really don't know they're in love," she muttered.

[SYSTEM]: "System Log: Level Up Pending... Romance Route Progress: 17%."