The Smiling Death

Amon came back and sat on his bed. His expression was thoughtful. Yes, he was thinking about what little surprise all of them were going to get.

"What are you thinking so seriously?" Seraphina asked from beside him, looking softly at him.

"Nothing. Just wondering what little surprise they were talking about… That aside, I got five thousand points for being the second last survivor. What about you? How much did you get?"

"Oh. I got ten thousand points for being the last one standing," Seraphina replied.

"What?... No wonder you crossed sixty-one thousand points. Arnold and Aisha's points together. You got more than thirty-five thousand points from them." Amon nodded in understanding. The secret about her points.

Then he turned to Aisha. "What about you? Did you get any bonus points?" he asked Aisha this time.

She snorted but responded to him. "I got two thousand and five hundred points."

"Okay. So I guess only the last three people might have gotten these points."

They continued to talk for a while.

.

.

---

Next morning…

The massive airship cut through the clouds, its engines humming softly as the sun cast a warm glow across the sky. Inside, the students filled the cushioned seats. Exhausted, bandaged, but buzzing with the aftertaste of surviving the Forest Examination.

Amon sat beside Marcus.

Marcus had already leaned back, arms crossed, letting out a long sigh. "Finally… some peace," he muttered.

Amon only shrugged, gaze drifting toward the seat ahead.

In front of them sat Seraphina and Eliana.

Seraphina rested her head against the seat, still looking a bit pale but composed.

Eliana was bright and energetic as always, her long ears twitching as she spoke.

"You should've seen the way you finished that last beast," Eliana said, animatedly waving her hands.

"One clean strike—fwip!"

Seraphina smiled softly. "It wasn't that clean. I missed the first slash."

"Still cleaner than mine."

"Still better than mine," Marcus added from behind, earning a chuckle from Eliana.

Amon remained quiet, relaxed… until the quiet atmosphere shifted suddenly.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Footsteps echoed across the aisle.

Professor Cristina walked to the front of the airship, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. The chatter across the seats gradually faded.

She turned around, hands clasped behind her back.A small, confident smile formed on her lips.

"Good morning, students."

A unified, weary "Good morning, Professor…" rolled through the airship.

Cristina nodded. "I know all of you are eager to return to the academy. You survived the Forest Examination, some with pride… some barely keeping your limbs attached…"

Her eyes briefly flicked toward Amon, who coughed and looked away.

A few students snickered.

"But," she continued, "before we reach Arcadia Academy, we have… a small surprise for all of you."

The quiet air instantly sharpened with curiosity.

"A three-day, two night stay. Including today's day and night." she announced, "in one of the most beautiful cities of Valmoria. A famous resort destination known for its scenery, food, and relaxation."

Excited murmurs exploded.

She raised her hand. "The city is called Lunaris Haven."

Even Seraphina's brows rose slightly. Eliana almost bounced in her seat.

Cristina smirked. "You all performed well enough to deserve a break. So, starting today. You will enjoy three full days in Lunaris Haven. Do try not to cause trouble. Groups of three or more when exploring. Curfew at sunset. And most importantly…"

Her eyes narrowed playfully.

"No fighting unless necessary."

A few students groaned. Some laughed.

"That is all. Enjoy your time. We'll arrive by afternoon."

With a graceful turn, she walked back through the aisle toward the teacher's lounge at the rear of the ship.

Once the door closed.

BOOM.

The airship erupted with excited chatter.

"Lunaris Haven!? No way!"

"I've heard the beaches there are glowing at night!"

"There's hot springs too!"

"We're finally free!"

Eliana turned to Seraphina with sparkling eyes. "We should all explore together!"

Marcus leaned toward Amon. "A vacation, huh? About damn time."

Amon placed his hand behind his head, a small smirk tugging at his lips.

"…This is going to be fun."

The airship dipped lower, clouds parting as the world below came into view.

And what a view it was.

Lunaris Haven.

A city built along a vast crescent-shaped coastline, glittering under the afternoon sun. The sea shimmered in shades of sapphire and silver, waves rolling gently against pale-gold sand. Tall white-stone buildings curved elegantly along the shore, their rooftops lined with blue crystal lanterns that glowed even in daylight.

Bridges arched over small canals running through the city like glowing veins of water. Palm-like mana trees swayed in the warm breeze, their leaves giving off faint light. Market stalls, colorful awnings, and lively crowds filled the streets.

The entire city felt like a festival frozen in time.

Even the air smelled different. Fresh salt, sweet fruit, and warm mana.

Inside the airship, the students pressed toward the windows.

"Woah…"

"Is this even real?"

"It's beautiful…"

Amon leaned slightly to look outside. He wasn't the type to react outwardly, but even he felt a shift in his chest.

Marcus whistled. "If paradise existed, this is probably it."

Seraphina and Eliana were both staring wide-eyed, completely captivated.

Moments later, the airship descended toward a large, elegant platform near the beach. Shaped like a blooming lotus, carved from white marble.

THUD—hisssh.

The airship landed smoothly.

The hatch opened, and warm coastal wind swept in.

One by one, the two hundred students stepped out and immediately began murmuring in awe.

Waiting for them were rows of attendants wearing azure uniforms decorated with moon-shaped badges.

Professor Cristina stepped forward. Other professors behind her. "Students of Arcadia Academy, welcome to Lunaris Haven."

Behind her, the attendants bowed politely.

"You will all be staying at the Moonlit Pearl Resort," she announced.

A collective gasp spread, this resort was famous even among nobles.

Cristina continued walking as the students followed her through a beautifully paved path.

The resort soon came into view.

"Damn, this resort is too huge." Amon muttered. The resort looked big enough for all two hundred students of the first year to stay for three days comfortably.