"You... won."
Looking at the strand of hair in Zhao Zicheng's hand, Tail-Ender pressed his lips together. At last, he smiled with a measure of acceptance and looked at them all. "From now on, you... pass."
"Give it your all on the road ahead."
The instant he turned around, his face went a little pale.
He took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay composed.
One day sooner than I imagined?
Watching Tail-Ender's retreating back, Zhao Zicheng and the others somehow felt none of the joy of victory.
"You're actually really strong!"
"Thank you!"
Taking a deep breath, Zhao Zicheng suddenly shouted.
Tail-Ender paused, rubbed his face, and turned around with a strained smile.
What he saw was Zhao Zicheng and the others standing in a row, bowing in unison.
For a moment, his eyes reddened.
And in that one instant, he seemed to understand... perhaps this was the Human Race's legacy.
One generation passing it on to the next.
For a moment, pride filled his heart.
A smile appeared unbidden on his face, a genuine smile.
"Why make this so sentimental?"
"You little brats, don't think you can get cocky just because I'm leaving. I'll still be able to beat you up a few years from now."
"If we get the chance..."
"See you at Demon-Suppressing Pass!"
He turned around, but this time there was no sorrow. With a smile on his face and a light step, he entered the dormitory building to pack his luggage.
Meanwhile, Zhao Zicheng and the others quietly sat down on the stone bollards.
"Ink Academy really is a little cruel."
"A little cold."
"Yeah."
They exchanged a few words, then all fell silent.
Until...
With an alarm from the Ink Pavilion, the Pavilion Master and Deputy Pavilion Master shot into the sky.
**"Everyone