CHAPTER 144: 144-AFTER THE STORM

Back in the Academy...As the sun of the new morning rose, its golden rays crept through the tall glass windows and spilled into the infirmary like a soft blessing after a storm.Alex opened his eyes to the sight of a white ceiling above him.He sat up slowly, groaning as his body protested. With effort, he reached out and grabbed the white drapes surrounding his bed.Creak!The curtains were yanked open.Alex’s eyes scanned the infirmary.Every single bed was occupied. Wounded students lay unconscious, bandaged, groaning, or being tended to by exhausted healers. The scent of herbs, blood, and something sterile hung in the air.His fingers clenched the white bedsheet.His jaw tightened as he took in the aftermath of the chaos.Then—"Woof!"Hati barked excitedly and leapt onto the bed in one smooth motion.The loyal wolf immediately began licking Alex’s face, tail wagging furiously.Alex laughed, pushing him back gently with both hands."Hati! Hati! I’m okay—I’m okay. Calm down."Hearing Alex’s voice, two figures turned from a nearby bed and came over.Luther approached first, his expression warm with relief."You okay?" he asked softly.Beside him was Cheeky Brat—his usual mischievousness gone. He tried to smile but failed. His lips twitched, then fell still. He remained silent.Alex turned to him, surprised by the silence.His eyes widened slightly as concern flickered across his face.Luther got the hint and exhaled, sitting down on the edge of Alex’s bed."He’s still in shock," he said softly, glancing at Cheeky Brat. "And Vice Captain Tina is still unconscious."Alex nodded, forcing a stiff smile. He clutched the bedsheet in one hand and replied,"I’m okay. Just a little bit of a headache. I think I’m ready to leave already."He stepped down from the bed, his legs steady beneath him, and looked at both of them."Please... lead me to the Vice Captain’s bed."Cheeky Brat quickly turned, stepping forward without a word, and led them to a nearby bed.There lay Tina Drakthorn, resting quietly under white sheets. Her crimson red hair was neatly arranged on the pillow, flowing like a silken flame. She looked peaceful—almost like nothing had ever happened.Alex approached her and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.He closed his eyes, channeled his elemental energy, and a stream of green and golden light flowed from his palm into her body.Cheeky Brat’s eyes widened in surprise. He turned to Luther, who simply raised a finger to his lips."Be quiet."Cheeky Brat nodded and sealed his lips shut.The wood element pulsed softly—restoring her blood, easing her fatigue.After a while, Alex pulled his hand back. His brow was beaded with sweat, his breathing shallow.Then—Tina’s eyelids fluttered.A grimace crossed her face.Snap.Her crimson eyes flew open.The first thing they locked onto was Alex. Then they flicked toward Cheeky Brat, shifted to Luther, then scanned the room with urgency.Her gaze kept darting—searching.She was looking for someone.Alex leaned down and whispered gently,"He left."Tina’s eyes filled with tears almost instantly—but she wiped them away before they could fall.She turned back to the group and asked, her voice a little hoarse but steady,"Is everyone okay?"Luther stepped forward and shook his head solemnly."We three... Selene... Rina... and you, Vice Captain—we’re the only ones left from Rebel Club."Cheeky Brat spoke next, his voice trembling,"All... all the others died."Tina nodded, her eyes filled with tears as she bit her lower lip.After a short pause, she spoke—still in her usual authoritative tone, but it was fractured."You guys... go rest... for now."All of them nodded quietly and began to leave. Luther gently pulled the drapes closed behind them.

Alex let out a deep sigh as he looked around. Fatigue was already creeping into his bones again.He wandered slowly through the infirmary, eyes scanning the rows of beds.Students... their parents... sisters... mothers.Faces pale. Bodies bandaged. Some missing limbs.It was like walking through the ruins of a war.Then he spotted Rina and Selene, sleeping side by side on one of the beds.A small smile crept onto his face.A healer approached—her eyes sunken, dark circles beneath them, her voice hoarse from exhaustion."Are you trying to find someone?" she asked.Alex shook his head gently."No, I’m not. I’m okay... Can I leave now?"The healer looked around, then slowly nodded."Yes, you can. But please... come back after two days for a routine check-up."Alex gave a small nod of understanding.Then he turned and walked toward the door, Hati padding closely behind him.

In the far corner of the infirmary, Riven stood quietly above Lyra, who was sleeping peacefully.A healer approached him and said gently,"Sir, please rest. You were also a patient. You’ve been standing there all night."Riven shook his head."I’m okay. Thanks for the offer. I’ll rest after she wakes up."Right then, Lyra’s eyes fluttered and slowly opened—only to meet Riven’s violet gaze looking down at her.She smiled softly and tried to sit up, but winced as the pain in her body flared. She froze, letting out a small breath.Riven smiled."You’re okay. Just rest a little more."He sat down beside the bed and gently took her hand in his.Lyra nodded with a shy smile. A faint blush crept across her cheeks.Still oblivious to the larger events, she asked innocently,"Who won, by the way?"Riven’s smile faded. He looked around silently.Lyra followed his gaze—and her eyes widened.The infirmary... was full. Beds filled every corner.Wounded students groaned. Some were asleep. Some were still being treated.She whispered,"What... happened?"Riven replied, forcing a warm smile as he gently caressed her hand with his thumb."I’m just glad you weren’t there at the time."Lyra nodded, understanding from his tone that the truth was too heavy to ask about now.Without a word, she shifted slightly and made space on the small bed beside her. Then she looked at Riven with a silent gesture—an invitation.Riven hesitated, then smiled and lay down beside her.Lyra blushed a deeper shade, her cheeks red like a tomato, but she simply held his hand tighter and stared at the ceiling—content, comforted by his presence.The healer quietly approached, watched them for a moment, then pulled the drapes closed with a small smile.

Behind the curtains, Lyra’s heart thudded in her chest.She turned her head slightly—only to hear the steady, rhythmic breathing beside her.She looked at Riven’s face.He had fallen asleep. He looked quiet peaceful.Her thoughts tumbled:Why is he sleeping? How can he... leave such a chance?No... he must be tired. He must have stayed up all night... waiting for me.She squeezed his hand gently, her smile returning, and closed her eyes—falling asleep beside him.

Through the dimly lit corridors, the early morning light peeked through the ceiling windows as Alex walked with slow steps, Hati, his trusty wolf, following closely behind.They reached the cafeteria doors and pushed them open, stepping into the quiet, empty space.