Aku emerged from the red portal with a slight glow that still clung to his contours.
The air was denser, warmer, and the atmosphere change made him adjust his posture for an instant, as if evaluating the environment.
Before him stood Professor Tadeo Jhons, arms crossed, monocle reflecting the artificial light and his hat slightly tilted to one side. His eyes seemed to measure Aku from head to toe as a gesture of approval began forming on his wrinkled face.
"Good... very good," Tadeo said with a dry tone, but loaded with respect. "You've managed to complete the Labyrinth in three hours and twelve minutes. Considering the trap complexity and path variability, that's faster than any previous first-year student record."
Aku barely nodded, without changing his expression. He had traveled a calculated path, measured each obstacle, anticipated the traps, and constantly adjusted his steps, without haste.
