That night, the Academy's courtyard overflowed with celebration. Fireworks of ghost‑light arced overhead as demons and gargoyles toasted our triumph. At a long banquet table, I sat between Lilith and Seraphina, plates piled high with exotic dishes.
Yuria stumbled in, one arm around Valmira's shoulders. "Ren," she hiccupped, "you led that charge like a demon king."
Valmira's pale face tinted pink. "You didn't do too bad yourself," she added, voice soft.
Lilith tapped her glass. "To unity—the greatest magic of all." Everyone cheered.
Amid laughter and music, I realized how far I'd come: from terrified freshman to architect of victory. Seraphina lifted her cup of crystal‐frosted wine. "To Kazuki Ren—the only human with the heart to wield the Shard."
I laughed, raising my own goblet. "To the demon professors who taught me everything."
As the revelry roared, I caught Astraea at the edge of the crowd. She offered a rare smile. "You earned your place," she said quietly. "Don't let anyone make you doubt it."
I nodded. "Thanks. Neither would you—had you not fought by my side."
She turned away, frost fading from her expression. I felt the warmth of friendship blossom—an unexpected gift from war.