The armor Golem, forged from steel, gleamed with a faint blue-green sheen. When it raised its great axe, an invisible aura of Aspect Power spread out, making several students tremble with fear.
"Sorry, senior. We can only bring your things this far." Tuoya and the others spoke awkwardly.
Xilu Tia shook her head. "It's not your fault. You can leave them here."
With that, she lifted the heavy suitcase with both hands and slowly walked toward the two Golems blocking the way.
As she approached, the badge pinned to her chest began to glow. The two towering Golems stepped aside and let her pass.
Tuoya and the others stood at the foot of the stairs, watching enviously as the silver-haired girl climbed the steps, passed the three-meter-tall Golems, and disappeared around the turn at the third-floor landing.
"Everyone who earns a Woodland Badge is a true genius, vouched for and recognized by an examiner. I heard that of every five people who pass the third trial, only one gets a badge."
"Yeah. I think our country only has one—the heir to Duke Blue Sparrow, Senior Mide."
"Just wearing that badge means you can eat for free in Camel City. That alone is enough to make anyone jealous. And she even gets her own bedroom. I'm even more jealous of that." The two girls discussed in hushed voices.
"Come on, let's head back," Tuoya called to the others.
"If we run into that senior again, I should introduce myself. Then I'll have someone to rely on in the Woodland."
Though they called her their senior, Xilu Tia looked considerably younger than the others. Half a year had passed, but she hadn't grown any taller, and her slender figure remained in excellent shape. Her waist curved like a bow, and her movements