As the days passed in the academy, things slowly began to settle into a familiar rhythm. It almost felt as if everything had gone back to normal.
But something had changed, something that hadn't gone unnoticed.
The students who had gone on the expedition with the Underfang Guild had returned noticeably different. Stronger. Sharper. Their techniques had improved, their senses were heightened, and their overall commitment to their studies had increased tenfold. Even those who hadn't been chosen for the Cultural Exchange had picked up on the shift and responded in kind.
Principal Wilton was incredibly pleased by this transformation. In his mind, the sudden boost in motivation was thanks to the presence of the transfer students, perhaps their success had sparked something, lit a competitive fire under the others.