The Training Grounds loomed ahead, humming with mana and the crackling energy of ongoing duels. As Riven and Nyx stepped through the bustling crowd, students instinctively moved aside, their gazes lingering.
They had heard the rumors. They had seen his name rise before.
And now, he was back.
The air buzzed with whispered conversations. Some voices were filled with eager anticipation, while others were edged with uncertainty. Riven's return from the mana-dense island had not escaped attention. Those around him could almost feel the surge of power radiating from him, a stark reminder of how much stronger he had become since his last appearance.
The Power Chart Monolith stood like an unshakable pillar of authority, its glowing inscriptions shifting as ranks were updated in real time. Students had gathered around it, observing challenges and victories unfold. But when Riven approached, all eyes snapped to him.
Nyx's smirk widened. "They're already nervous."
