Aku emerged from the red portal with a slight glow that still clung to his contours.

The air was denser, warmer, and the atmosphere change made him adjust his posture for an instant, as if evaluating the environment.

Before him stood Professor Tadeo Jhons, arms crossed, monocle reflecting the artificial light and his hat slightly tilted to one side. His eyes seemed to measure Aku from head to toe as a gesture of approval began forming on his wrinkled face.

"Good... very good," Tadeo said with a dry tone, but loaded with respect. "You’ve managed to complete the Labyrinth in three hours and twelve minutes. Considering the trap complexity and path variability, that’s faster than any previous first-year student record."

Aku barely nodded, without changing his expression. He had traveled a calculated path, measured each obstacle, anticipated the traps, and constantly adjusted his steps, without haste.

He knew he had been efficient. For him, each invested second had been used to read the environment’s structure, not to admire the professor’s skill or feel satisfaction.

Tadeo moved his head and let out an audible sigh.

"You may leave. You don’t need supervision. Now understand that exploring a Labyrinth depends not only on instinct, but on observation, on understanding each element and anticipating how the traps will react to your presence. Keep this in mind for next time."

Aku turned around and began walking toward the underground exit, without hurry, but with the sensation that the tension of the last minutes was slowly dissolving.

The labyrinth had been boring at first, predictable, but over time he began finding satisfaction in the progression of challenges. Each trap overcome, each corridor studied, had reinforced his confidence.

Upon reaching the surface, the academy’s white light gently struck his sight.

The contrast with the underground labyrinth’s shadows was almost painful at first, but he soon adjusted. The main hallway was animated with students from various classes, some walking in groups, others alone, all with their blue and white uniforms embroidered in gold. There were murmurs, low laughter, the brush of footsteps against polished marble. Aku passed through them without stopping.

He decided to go to the cafeteria. The aromas were already familiar: spices from various worlds, precisely cooked meats, the sweet smell of freshly baked desserts and carefully prepared coffee. The space was full of students, some at long tables, others in small groups, and the sounds of conversations and utensils hitting plates mixed in a constant murmur.

Aku approached the counter. He observed the offering attentively. He selected first a plate of Indian curry, the penetrating and spicy aroma that always attracted him.

He continued with Mexican tacos, small and perfectly seasoned, and as a complement, a fresh salad with a slightly citric dressing that balanced the strong flavors.

He also ordered a glass of water, though it was almost redundant considering the food’s moisture. Everything was served on clean white trays, the staff uniform’s blue contrasting with the kitchen behind.

He settled at a free table near the window. The midday light fell on him, highlighting the white of his hair and the dark violet of his eyes.

He looked at the dishes and, without hurry, began eating. The curry filled his mouth with complex and spiced flavors, the spice kept him alert. The tacos had a crunchy texture that dissolved with each bite, releasing layers of perfectly seasoned meat and vegetables.

Between bites, he tried the salad, a refreshing contrast that cleansed the palate and prepared for the next explosion of flavors.

While eating, he observed around him. Some students seemed relaxed, others discussed animatedly about the last class or the experience with the chimera. Aku felt no need to interact.

His attention was on the food and mentally analyzing what he had learned, the labyrinth’s strong points, how the traps had been organized, how reflexes and anticipation had defined each movement.

When he finished, he lightly cleaned the tray and stood up. The cafeteria remained full, but his presence went unnoticed.

He didn’t seek company. He walked toward the stairs leading to the dormitories, ascending with firm steps.

His mind reviewed the books, notes, labyrinth maps he had memorized. Even as the food’s warmth descended to his stomach, he was already beginning to mentally plan how he would optimize his movements in future explorations, how he would anticipate the academy’s magical and physical systems’ patterns.

Upon reaching the dormitory hallway, he stopped in front of the door marked with his number. He breathed a moment and gently pushed, entering the wide space he already knew.

The room was silent, illuminated by the cold light entering through the slanted ceiling window. The pale blue walls and white details gave a sensation of spaciousness and neatness, while the furniture was functional but modern, designed for three people, though for now he was alone.

He sat by the window, observing how the light changed, how the academy’s exterior world seemed to move calmly, far from the underground labyrinth’s chaos.

He placed his belongings to one side and, for the first time since he had begun the exploration, allowed his mind to rest an instant.

The room’s silence mixed with the sensation of achievement. He had completed the test without help, without notable errors, and had understood the Labyrinth’s dynamics.

Sweat slowly dried on his skin and his breathing rhythm began normalizing.

Finally, he lay back on the bed, stretching his arms above his head, letting tense muscles relax.

His mind remained active, mentally reviewing each section, each trap, each decision. However, there was a new calm, a deserved rest after hours of concentration and analysis.

Outside, the sunlight partially illuminated the academy courtyard, reminding him that classes had ended for the day and he still had time to recover before the next one.

Aku closed his eyes an instant, savoring the sensation of being safe, in control, and at the same time completely attentive to what would come.

The day continued, but for the first time in many hours, he could enjoy a moment of quiet, without hurry, without immediate obstacles, without the need to analyze each movement.

The food had filled his stomach, exploration had tested his intellect and skills, and now rest offered him space to reflect.

With a last glance at the light entering through the window, Aku allowed his mind to slide toward memories of what he had learned, storing each detail, each sensation.

Afterward, he lay down completely, letting the quiet envelop him while the academy continued its constant rhythm, indifferent to the steps of a young demon king who was already getting used to the world surrounding him.

The room’s silence, mixed with the security of having completed the test and the satisfaction of the meal, formed a perfect contrast with the academy’s bustle.

Each distant sound seemed muffled, each shadow was fixed.

Aku remained there a long while, allowing each thought to settle before getting up again and preparing for what would follow in the coming days.