"It's over!"
Ian looked ahead.
Ironthorn Wizard Academy had changed beyond recognition.
The gray-green forest that had once stretched for dozens of kilometers was now a ragged patchwork, and towering Wizard Towers lay collapsed on the ground.
Captured Wizards from Ironthorn Wizard Academy were herded in groups onto the Airship.
"Let's go, Ian."
Nicole's voice came from behind him.
"Okay."
Ian turned and slowly boarded the Airship they had arrived on. The war was over, and it was time for them to return.
"How did you do this time? Did you earn many contribution points?"
Nicole took Ian's arm and asked curiously.
"Not bad."
Ian answered.
"Good."
Nicole knew Ian had taken part in the interception mission. She took his answer to mean he had not gained much, so she tactfully asked no more. The two soon entered the cabin.
Many core members stood inside. Simon and two Second Ring Wizards were still at the front.
A Three Rings Wizard was escorting them the entire way.
Ian marveled inwardly, though he understood why.
The Wizards in this cabin could be called the pillars that would support Elemental Mysteries for decades, perhaps even a century.
If they left so openly and some hostile force wiped them all out in one stroke, Elemental Mysteries would lose at least several decades of successors. That was something it could never accept.
The bored core members chatted in twos and threes.
Most asked about the war and related matters, eager to learn what the others had gained.
Not far away, Ian's team captain, Harrow, looked unhappy. His team had not gained much this time.
Even with the extra points he received as captain, his ranking among the top ten was low. He did not know whether he could hold on to his position.
That also