Chương 76: Night in the Capital

The second day of tests ended as the sun was already low on the horizon. The candidates left the academy in small groups, many in silence, others speaking quietly about what they had faced in the illusions. The air was colder now, and the wind coming from the forest carried the scent of damp earth and dry leaves. The family gathered at the academy's main gate. Lysithea was waiting for them, with a worried expression that only softened when she saw that everyone was in one piece — even if visibly exhausted.

— How was it? — she asked, hugging each of them one by one. No one answered right away. Astrid simply shrugged. Rina slowly wagged her tail. Marina stayed silent. Sylvara looked at the ground. Lirien and Kuroe exchanged a quick glance, but also said nothing. It was Joker who broke the silence, with a tired smile: — It was… long. Harley added, resting her head on his shoulder: — It was heavy. But we handled it. Lysithea observed them all for a moment, then sighed and spoke in a softer voice: — You're exhausted.

And there's still tomorrow. — She paused briefly. — How about we go out for a bit? Just take a walk around the capital. Eat something that isn't academy food. Breathe a little. Their eyes lit up slightly. Even though they were tired, the idea of going out together sounded good. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Elara, who was nearby, approached and smiled: — I can go with you. Mirella and Graciela also want to take a walk. Let's all go.

Half an hour later, the nine of them (Lysithea + the eight children) plus Elara, Mirella, and Graciela were walking through the streets of the capital. The sky was already dark, but magical lanterns illuminated the streets with a soft, golden light. The air smelled of street food, spices, and the faint perfume of flowers that still resisted the autumn. They stopped first at a square where there were food stalls. Marina and Rina were the first to get excited, pulling the others to try different things.

Rina tried a sweet that released colorful sparks on her tongue and almost choked from laughing. Marina preferred something lighter — a warm herb soup that released steam in the shape of small animals when stirred. Astrid ate three portions of roasted meat without saying a word, only grunting in satisfaction from time to time. Sylvara and Lirien shared a sweet bread filled with fruit that glowed faintly in the dark. Kuroe tried a bit of everything, but spent more time observing the people around her.

Joker and Harley, as always, stayed a little apart from the group, but still together. They bought two black lollipops that turned their tongues dark for a few minutes and spent the time making faces at each other. Lysithea walked in the middle of everyone, with Elara on one side and Mirella on the other. Graciela stayed a little farther back, grumbling about the prices, but clearly enjoying the company. At one point, they stopped on a stone bridge that crossed a narrow river.

The city lights reflected on the water like tiny stars. The wind was colder now, and Lysithea opened her arms, calling everyone closer. — Come here. No one questioned it. The nine of them approached and joined in a group hug in the middle of the bridge. Elara, Mirella, and Graciela also stepped in, forming a larger circle around them. For a few minutes, no one said anything. They simply stood there, hugging, feeling each other's warmth against the cold night wind.

Lysithea was the first to speak, her voice low: — I know these tests are being difficult. I know tomorrow is the last day. But no matter what happens… I'm proud of you. Very proud. Harley, whose face was hidden in Joker's shoulder, murmured: — We're proud of you too, mom. Joker added, almost in a whisper: — Thank you for being here. Lysithea tightened the hug even more, unable to answer with words. Elara, who was right behind, spoke quietly: — Tomorrow is the last day. After that… we start for real.

Mirella nodded: — Whatever comes, we face it together. Graciela grumbled, but her voice was emotional: — And I'll cook like crazy once we pass. You're all going to need decent food after all this. The hug lasted a few more minutes. No one was in a hurry to let go. When they finally separated, the mood was lighter. They went back to walking through the streets, now talking more quietly and laughing at small things. Joker and Harley went back to making faces at each other with the black lollipops.

Rina and Marina argued about which sweet was the best. Astrid carried a bag with more food to take back to the dormitory. Lysithea walked in the middle of everyone, with a tired but genuine smile on her face. The second day of tests had ended. And for the first time in two days, they felt a little lighter. End of Chapter 76