Twilight Academy buzzed.
Students poured into the main plaza as news spread: Class D had survived the Realm of Echoes longer than any expected—and came out stronger.
"They lasted four hours inside?" one disciple gasped.
"With only one outer talisman each," another added. "Impossible!"
In the central hall, projections of the Realm's trials floated like ghosts in jade mist. Elites and elders alike watched as Ling Yue conjured spirit fire, Jian Mo shattered a beast of shame, and Xun Fei fired arrow after radiant arrow with unerring precision.
"Rejected nobles?" scoffed Elder Bai, frowning. "How?"
Behind him, several elite class teachers wore sour expressions.
"They cheated," one muttered. "That janitor—he used some hidden trick."
But Elder Mu remained silent, his eyes fixed on the glowing image of Han Li standing calm amidst chaos, broom in hand, as the Realm twisted around him like a frightened child.
"He's not just a janitor," Elder Mu whispered.
—
Meanwhile, in Class D's training hall, students returned to roaring applause from the sect's lower disciples—commoners and fallen clansmen who now held hope in their eyes.
Jian Mo collapsed into a seat. "We didn't die… that's a win."
Ling Yue smirked. "We did more than survive. The Realm listened."
"Master knew it would," Xun Fei said. "That's why he wasn't afraid."
Han Li stood at the door, arms crossed, watching quietly.
These children were no longer just misfits.
Now, they were symbols.
But far above the academy, within the Hall of Eyes, ancient formations pulsed. A cloaked elder spoke softly to the shadows.
"Monitor Class D. Especially… him."
Outside the clouds parted.
And something… watched.