End of the First Phase [3]

Leon and Julien walked in silence.

As they stepped into the Plaza, over a dozen pairs of eyes immediately fixed on them, each gaze carrying a mix of curiosity, surprise, and something else that Leon couldn't quite determine. 

"We've made it in time."

Leon sighed in relief. They had been dangerously close to running late. Thankfully, the two of them together were pretty fast and were able to surpass the others that were approaching.

Gatekeeping was also not allowed, and hence, they had no choice but to be very fast.

"Hoo."

Leon found his gaze pausing in a certain direction, and he felt his shoulder lighten considerably.

'There's more than I anticipated.'

He could count over a dozen people from their side. Eleven to be exact, and with the two of them combined, they'd be at thirteen.

This was a number that was way higher than originally anticipated.