The final morning of the field training arrived quietly. The sky remained a clear, cloudless blue, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the forest, as if whispering the farewell of nature itself.
The remaining students who had survived the journey got up to gather their belongings and formed lines, heading toward the final checkpoint as instructed. Despite the exhaustion embedded deep within their bodies, their faces showed no despair. Instead, a quiet pride lingered in their expressions—they had made it.
Kairos and Fiona walked silently in the middle of the formation. Since the incident in the forest the day before, neither had said a word.
Along the way, birdsong was the only sound to break the silence. Kairos glanced sideways at Fiona. In her eyes, he sensed something—thoughts, worries, or perhaps questions that had yet to be asked.
"Is something wrong?" he asked softly, walking beside her.
Fiona hesitated for a moment, debating whether to speak. Finally, she decided to voice her thoughts.
"I was just wondering..."
She spoke hesitantly.
"You're really strong. But I feel like... maybe you could do even more than you're already doing."
Kairos raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Hm? Why do you think that?"
Fiona averted her gaze.
"I heard rumors—about how talented you were as a child. Your strength, your skills... They made it sound like you had no limits."
Kairos gave a small smile but didn't reply immediately.
"But now..."
Fiona continued.
"You're still incredibly strong, of course. I just feel like... you look more tired than you should when using your powers."
She paused before adding softly,
"Or maybe I'm just overthinking it."
Kairos let out a quiet chuckle.
"I'm not as overpowered as those rumors say."
"I'm just... doing the best I can in my own way."
Fiona turned to look at him, her eyes still carrying a hint of doubt.
"Maybe I really am just overthinking," she said quickly when he met her gaze.
Kairos nodded lightly. Though he smiled, a subtle shadow lingered in his eyes, as if he too was hiding something.
After reaching the final checkpoint, the students rested briefly. But then, to everyone's surprise, the instructors who had arrived later suddenly announced that everyone should pack up and prepare to return immediately. No detailed explanation was given—only a brief instruction that they would be returning through the teleportation gate stationed at the checkpoint.
Many students were puzzled. Originally, they were expected to hunt monsters all the way to the final destination and complete the journey on foot. But starting from the second checkpoint that day, the instructors had grouped everyone together and led them directly without any combat missions.
Even though light conversations still drifted among small friend groups, everyone could feel the tension in the teachers' demeanor.
By evening, they returned to the academy. The students were instructed to rest in their dorms. The results of the training would be officially announced the following day.
The next morning, in Aurelios Academy's grand assembly hall, a low hum of student chatter filled the air. The doors to the front of the stage swung open, and the headmaster along with the evaluation committee stepped forward to take their places.
"On behalf of Aurelios Academy, I offer congratulations to all of you who have completed the field training," the headmaster declared with a firm voice.
"Though unforeseen events forced us to end the training earlier than scheduled, the data we collected is sufficient for evaluation."
The hall fell silent.
"The student who received the highest score for this session is..."
A pause.
"Kairos Arkellis."
Applause erupted across the hall. Kairos stood up slowly. Many eyes turned toward him in admiration. Fiona clapped softly, a faint smile of pride on her lips.
The headmaster continued,
"This student not only maintained composure during high-stress situations but also assisted his peers during a crisis and led them to safety. As such, we have awarded him bonus points for his performance."
Once the announcement ended and students began leaving the hall, Fiona quietly walked beside Kairos.
"Congratulations."
"Thanks."
She smiled slightly as she congratulated him.
Meanwhile, in another corner, a teacher quietly called Kyan's group in for a private meeting. There was no public scolding or humiliation, just a calm order to report to the faculty room by evening.
Kyan had remained uncharacteristically silent since the forest incident, as though he had come to terms with his actions.
A few days later, the academy organized a full-day relaxation event in the school garden. It was meant to relieve stress and allow students to unwind.
Some students chose to lounge in the central garden, others simply rested or walked around chatting.
Fiona sat under a large tree with her two friends, Melina and Irene. The girls chatted casually like any group of teenagers.
"Hey, Fiona, you were there when Kairos fought the rank-S monster, right~?"
"That must have been amazing to see! He's our age but so strong!"
Melina gushed about Kairos's prowess. Fiona laughed softly. She understood well—for a first-year student to defeat a rank-S monster was indeed extraordinary.
Yet in the back of her mind, something still bothered her.
His power...
If she remembered correctly, in the previous timeline, Kairos had even greater strength. He didn't tire so easily.
He had once fought high-level enemies without flinching. But now, he seemed winded after using techniques that should have been easy for him.
Was it because she altered the timeline? Had he lost the urgency to push himself?
She didn't know...
Shaking her head gently, she murmured to herself. Despite her thoughts, she couldn't figure it out. Eventually, she gave up and decided she might just be overthinking again.
"Maybe he's just not going all out yet... He could probably grow even more."