The team combat class came to an end with the echo of final steps on the sand and the scattered murmur of students leaving the coliseum. The artificial sun remained high, suspended over the transparent dome covering the entire island, emitting constant, clean light without natural variations. There was no suffocating heat or long shadows; everything maintained a controlled, almost perfect balance.
Aku descended through the stands with his usual calm. His gaze swept the combat field one last time, fixing on the marks left by confrontations. Deep footprints, areas where sand had been compacted by repeated impacts, small grooves where creatures had dragged their limbs. Everything was recorded in his mind without effort.
Bīng Xuě already waited for him below, leaning against one of the exterior columns, with a slight smile and arms crossed behind his head. Gerald arrived a few seconds later, still adjusting his glasses, staff hanging from his hand.
