Chapter 176: Chapter 40.1 - A test

The courtyard outside the academy echoed with the grumbles and yawns of students, all wearing various shades of disheveled uniforms. The early morning sun cast long shadows as they reluctantly assembled.

As the group grew, one by one, students arrived with tousled hair and bleary eyes. Some carried steaming cups of coffee, attempting to combat the persistent lethargy that clung to them. A particularly disgruntled student, Tessa, couldn't resist voicing her discontent.

"Why do we always need to gather this early?" she muttered, her voice laden with the weariness that still clung to her.

A nearby student, Aaron, yawned in agreement. "Right, I wish I knew that too."

A third voice, belonging to the ever-cynical Jake, chimed in, "Well, it is probably because they want to teach us how to be disciplined."

"Ho? We have a smart-ass here, huh?" mocked another student, Sarah, shooting Jake a teasing grin.

"What—"