CHAPTER - 204

  Narrator: Sofia approached with a hint of anxiety, trying to maintain a composed expression.

  Her hands trembled slightly, hidden within the sleeves of her white coat, while her heart beat faster than usual.

  She felt the eyes fixed on her, and each step seemed to echo in the tense silence of the room.

  She didn't know anyone there very well, and the sensation of being observed as an outsider, a possible intruder, weighed heavily on her.

  Dav rose from the ground, stretching his arms upward until his shoulders cracked. He sighed deeply, shaking off the mental fatigue.

  His eyes immediately settled on Sofia with a neutral, yet curious expression.

  Dav: (pointing at Sofia)

  This is Doctor Sofia Manfredi.

  Lexia, this is Sofia.

  She will assist us, though I'm not yet sure how.

  [Lexia approached naturally and warmly, a radiant smile on her face.

  There was something in her eyes, a gentle and welcoming light, that immediately put Sofia at ease.. in a positive way.]

  Lexia: (cheerful) Pleased to meet you, Doctor Sofia.

  Thank you for your help.

  [Sofia swallowed, tense but also moved by that spontaneous gesture.

  She returned the smile, albeit faintly, and extended her hand with a slight tremble.]

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  Sofia: Thank you very much, but please call me just Sofia..

  no formalities, if you don't mind.

  Narrator: A light murmur spread among those present, observing the scene with interest.

  Some raised an eyebrow, others exchanged curious glances.

  Dav, intrigued like everyone else, took a step forward, shortening the distance between him and the young doctor.

  Dav: Sofia, how do you intend to help us today? You haven't told me yet.

  Sofia: (confident) I'll ensure that Lexia's mana doesn't run out, so you can continue longer.

  Narrator: There was a moment of silence.

  As if that sentence had broken a latent tension, expressions of surprise and whispered comments were heard.

  Some nodded, impressed by the doctor's confidence, while others became even more attentive.

  Dav observed her for a moment in silence, then nodded with a satisfied expression.

  Shortly after, Dav and Lexia sat next to each other.

  Their backs barely touched, as if seeking a familiar contact.

  They slowly closed their eyes, breathing in sync.

  The world around them seemed to disappear as their consciousnesses slipped back into the labyrinth.

  They entered.

  As always, the landscape that welcomed them was dark, melancholic.

  Sad shadows walked slowly from every side, silently weeping.

  Memories manifested as objects, images, sounds.

  Some floated above, elusive, others moved just above the ground like viscous fog.

  The sky above them was black, gray, and still, and a light breeze carried with it an ancient smell of forgotten books and old rain.

  Lexia: How did the evaluation with that royal guard, Selene, go?

  Dav: It went well.

  Many Hunters, unlike ten years ago, are putting in a lot of effort.

  And their grades speak for themselves.

  Lexia: (smiling sweetly) Different times.

  Someone gave them courage and determination, saving their lives.. without anyone asking.

  Narrator: Lexia lowered her gaze, but her voice remained clear.

  Her words were not an accusation, but a silent acknowledgment.

  Dav turned slightly, as if to meet her eyes, then looked away.

  "I'm just a teacher now.

  I know practically nothing about what a Hunter does, or how they do it.

  I've never participated in things like.. the craters."

  His tone was calm, almost serene, but there was a note of nostalgia in his words.

  Lexia listened attentively, catching every emotional nuance.

  "Soon there will be the tournament, and I'm sure it will be truly wonderful to watch!

  The international tournament will attract many people that day!"

  Lexia twirled lightly beside him, her energy contagious, and her smile sincere.

  Her hair moved gracefully in the abstract space of the labyrinth.

  "It will take a while.

  They still have to qualify and face the other academy from the north.

  But yes.. it will be very interesting to watch."

  Narrator: Their figures gradually disappeared into the mist of the labyrinth, walking side by side, united by memories, hopes..

  and an ever-deepening bond.

  END OF CHAPTER - 204