The aftermath of Caelum Rivenhart's defeat did not fade quietly, instead lingering around Albedo, much to his annoyance. All the time he walked through the corridors, he could hear people whispering about him and glancing at him.
There was also the challenge notifications that pulsed against Academy-issued watches like impatient heartbeats.
The ladder had been struck for sure, and it didn't stop trembling. By the time Albedo returned to his residence hall, three more challenges had already arrived.
All public, and scheduled.
Elara sat cross-legged on the couch, her notebook open, Battle Map faintly glowing as it constantly recalculated threat hierarchies.
"…They're lining up," she muttered. "Transfers, mostly. Two Ancient Lines, one Hidden Family."
Morgana leaned against the window, arms folded, watching dusk settle over the Academy spires. Shadows pooled naturally around her feet, reacting faintly to her mood.
