The atmosphere across the training grounds gradually settled after the conclusion of the final match.
The earlier excitement that had erupted following Mira's unexpected victory slowly faded into a quieter and more thoughtful mood as students dispersed into smaller groups scattered throughout the enormous field. Conversations continued in low voices while countless first-years enthusiastically discussed the matches they had witnessed, the strategies they had observed, and the mistakes they had no intention of repeating when their own turns arrived.
Some groups debated tactics.
Others argued over whether Khaira's approach should even be considered a legitimate strategy.
Several students were still laughing about Eric somehow becoming the centerpiece of an entire match despite spending most of it trying not to become involved.
Meanwhile—
Barrack allowed the students a brief period to recover and reflect upon the exercise.
And within one such cluster—
