The instructor raised his hands in mock fear. “Why do you think we have examiners here with us? To overlook my bias. We all discussed it together on the boat. I wanted to expel you for the means by which you have a lit candle, though the examiners argued that you had made significant preparations in the weeks building up to the exam and that should be commended no matter how devious the method.”

“But—”

“Furthermore,” the instructor continued. “You and Sybil decided to create enemies with a reason to hunt you—for no real reason or purpose in mind. Such malicious intent only creates an enemy that will then work at all costs to hunt you down. You jeopardized your success for what? Cruelty for cruelty’s sake.”

Cyrus had gone silent, though his face was red with angry frustration.

“In my book,” said the instructor. “That’s no way for a climber to ever behave, even as a student.”

The examiners walked up the plank of the boat, followed by the instructor.

Before telling the students to follow on themselves, he turned around and said, “And for those of you who did pass, before you go and celebrate, just remember: you’re not official climbers just yet and trust me, you still have a long way to go.”

64

The following evening was the climber academy’s winter ball.

There was a flurry of events leading up to it.

After the instructor and the examiners escorted the students back to the tower-zone, Max returned to Sakura’s apartment and collapsed onto his bed.

The B-rank climber quickly rushed to the foot of his doorway.

“How did the mid-term exam go?”

With his eyes closed, Max said, “I passed.”

Sakura smiled at the foot of the doorway and congratulated the young man, but by that point Max was already fast asleep.

He felt like he’d only slept for a few seconds when he heard the clambering of pots and pans in the kitchen of the apartment.

Sunlight shone through his bedroom window and Max rubbed his eyes.

Was it morning already?

He stumbled out into the living room and Sakura cheered happily.

“Good morning!” she said.

“Why are you so happy,” asked Max, “and so loud? I just passed my midterms, I would’ve thought you’d let me sleep in.”

Sakura smiled happily again. “I was going to, but then I remembered that tonight’s the winter ball. Then I asked myself: does Max even have a suit or anything remotely nice to wear? That’s when I realized: he doesn’t!”

“Uhh...”

“And, I need a new dress, so I figured, we could make a day of it,” she said.

“I guess that makes sense,” said Max. “Where—”

“First thing’s first though. Breakfast! The most important meal of the day—”

GROANNN!

Sakura’s cheerful face disappeared with a blush of embarrassment after her stomach growled loudly across the apartment.