Leo stood in front of the academy, their fancy designs shining in the morning sun, casting pretty shadows on the cobblestone path.
Leo's carriage was unloaded by Liana and several servants. As he rolled his shoulders and stretched his body in his academy uniform, Nimbus imitated him, arching his sleek back and shaking out his dark fur to attract the attention of onlookers.
Running a hand through his red hair, he looked around the Academy, watching the students as they moved through the courtyard, their brooches flashing gold, silver, iron, and bronze.
"Isn't that Leonhardt Caulem?" With wide eyes, one of the students whispered.
"He's definitely him," a softer voice added.
"I've heard that he defeated an S-rank monster by himself."
He was the reluctant hero of the Academy because of the forest incident. He did notice another thing: a restless hum in the air, students moving quickly toward the arena building, their voices tinged with excitement.
