Kapitel 218: Showcase, Part Thirty-Six

The atmosphere was surprisingly bittersweet as everyone gathered in Javir's main hall, bags packed and ready to head out.

With the Shadow Mages dealt with, there was no reason for everyone to stay here any longer. The moment itself, when Javir subtly but clearly kicked the newcomers out had almost given Melisa whiplash, though of course she understood why Javir was doing it. 

It had been a temporary sanctuary, a place where they could regroup and lick their wounds, but now it was time to move on.

Melisa leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, watching as the others made their farewells.

[Man,] she sighed. [Feels like ages since everyone came here, even though at most it was just a handful of weeks. Wow.] 

Javir stood by, her expression a mix of sternness and something softer, something almost like fondness. She'd never admit it, but Melisa could tell she was a little sad to see everyone go...

... Even if she was all but kicking them out.