THE MYSTERIES OF A SWORD

As Kaelen and his companions stepped out of the Vice Chancellor's office, their exhaustion was evident in every movement. They had been through enough trials, both physical and mental, to last a lifetime. Each step felt heavier than the last, their minds clouded with thoughts of their recent battles and the revelations shared by the Vice Chancellor.

The silence among them was broken by a jovial, high-pitched voice.

"Well, well, look who we have here! You all look like you've just returned from the underworld!"

They turned to see a chubby professor hurrying toward them, his robes fluttering comically as he waddled over. His round face was flushed, but there was a brightness in his eyes, especially as he approached Sofia.

"Sofia, my dear! It's been far too long! And what's this? You've grown even stronger since the last time I saw you!" He beamed, clearly familiar with her.