The infirmary smelled like herbs.
Bandages wrapped around Owen's chest, and his right hand was covered in healing runes. He blinked at the ceiling, groggy from potions. His friends sat nearby—Lucy, with her leg wrapped, was fidgeting with her wand. Connor had a black eye and stitched lip. Leon snored in the corner with a pack of ice on his head.
"I swear," Lucy said, breaking the silence, "next time we go on a raid, I'm hexing Leon the moment he says anything brave."
Connor laughed, wincing.
"What are you laughing for?"
"Nothing" Conner replied to Lucy.
Owen chuckled weakly, raising his uninjured arm. "How long…?"
"Two days," Lucy answered. "You've been out cold for two days. The school's been in chaos since we got back."
Owen blinked. "Chaos?"
Connor nodded. "Headmaster launched an investigation. About Dylan. About our raid. About… well, everything."
Lucy leaned closer, lowering her voice. "And something about your sword. After you passed out, your blade wouldn't cool down. Still glows faint purple."
Owen didn't response.
The next day Headmaster came with an announcement.
The Grand Hall was packed. Students lined the benches, some in pristine uniforms, others like Owen's group—still bruised, barely patched up. At the front stood the Headmaster, hands behind his back, eyes sharp.
"We recognize those who displayed courage," he said. "And resilience. And the truth."
All eyes turned as Owen, Lucy, Connor, and Leon were called forward.
Murmurs rippled.
From the crowd, Dylan stood expressionless, his cheek still faintly bruised. No longer smug. No longer noticed.
The Headmaster spoke loud and clear. "These four students revealed a breach in the dungeon system. Survived an A-rank monster. And returned with verifiable proof. For this… they are promoted to Intermediate Rank two in mercenary."
Gasps echoed.
Leon's mouth dropped. "No way—!"
Connor grinned.
Lucy's face turned pink. She glanced down, but a smile tugged at her lips.
As they were handed new badges, Owen looked around. Some faces cheered. Some whispered. Others… simply watched.
After the ceremony, the Headmaster addressed the students.
"You have three days. Rest, enjoy the Harvest Festival."
With that, the hall emptied into celebration.
Later That Evening
The academy was transformed.
Floating lanterns filled the sky. Stalls brimmed with glowing treats, sparkling juice, fried spells-on-a-stick. Music from enchanted instruments played in the air. Fireworks burst in rhythmic pulses.
Owen walked beside Lucy, Connor, and Leon. The night felt unreal. Peaceful.
"I forgot what it felt like… to breathe," Lucy said softly.
Leon tossed a caramel apple in the air, caught it with his teeth. "I forgot what fun felt like!"
Connor pointed toward a mini combat ring. "I heard you can win coupons if you land a hit on an illusionary golem."
"I'm in!" Leon shouted and ran off.
Lucy pulled Owen toward the lanterns. "Let's write one."
"Huh?"
"Lantern wish," she explained. "You write a wish or u want to convey message to the past like family member and Let it float."
She handed him a paper. Owen stared at it. He didn't know what to write.
After a long pause, he wrote a single word.
Answers.
He looked up at Lucy has she bent down and writng; her was face shone bright by light from the latern. She looked at him and " what are you looking; finished writing." she asked with a smile. Owen replied " yeah i did, what did u wrote". Lucy smiled and said"secret".
"now let's fly ours too like others"
Up and up… the lanterns rose.
with many people sent the latern fly it filled the sky in a narrow way like ocean's waves.
That Night, in His Dorm
The dream returned.
But it wasn't the forest. Not the snake. Not the Dullahan.
This time it was emptiness. A dark room.
Owen stood in the center, breath echoing too loud. A voice whispered from everywhere and nowhere.
"You survived."
Owen turned. Nothing. Shadows twisted, but no shape.
"Once again; we meet."
His heart pounded.
"The Dullahan was only a test. They're watching you. And they are not the only ones."
Then the voice faded.
And Owen woke, drenched in sweat.