SCARLET
We were bracing ourselves for the next challenge when, out of nowhere, the forest around us dissolved like mist in the morning sun. The towering trees, the eerie shadows, and even the oppressive atmosphere vanished, leaving us standing in the familiar open courtyard of the academy.
"Welcome back, students," the professor's voice rang out, calm and composed, as though she had been waiting for us all along.
I blinked in disbelief, lowering the bow I'd been clutching tightly. "Huh? Is this... the end?" I asked, glancing at Micah, who seemed just as confused as I was.
The professor smiled, though her eyes held a glimmer of something unreadable. "Indeed, this marks the conclusion of your trial. Congratulations on making it this far. Not all pairs completed the challenge."
So... this is finally the end, huh?
"Finally" I whispered.