Once the reporters focused on the game results and gathered enough material, they finally let the team go.
Back in the lounge, Anton quickly tore off his tie. "This thing is so uncomfortable."
Webber opened his mouth to advise against it, but he stopped short when he saw their chief instructor had already ditched his shirt, now in just a tank top.
He gulped down water and glanced at the excited students. "We return in two days. You can do your own thing, but no trouble."
The tense group cheered, eager to leave, but Webber called out, "We won, so we should celebrate."
He joked with Anton, "Doesn't the chief instructor owe us a party?"
"Absolutely! I almost forgot!" Anton grabbed his superior as he tried to leave. "You can't escape; I know a great restaurant nearby."
Lyra didn't mind and tagged along.
The restaurant was packed, but upon hearing it was an NMA booking, they quickly set up a private room for the group.