The Boy Who Walks Beyond The End-Chapter 92: The Hug That Waited Too Long

The academy's courtyard bathed in golden morning light, the sky brushed with soft clouds that drifted lazily above the towers. A quiet breeze carried the faint scent of blooming skyrosas from the training gardens nearby.

Zen stepped through the archway—cloaked, calm, sword at his back.

He wasn't expecting anyone.

But she was already there.

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Lyra.

Blue hair glimmering in the sunlight, arms crossed like she'd been waiting hours—but the moment their eyes met,

She ran.

No hesitation. No words.

Straight to him.

And before Zen could process it, she crashed into him—arms wrapping tight around his torso.

> "You're late," she muttered, voice muffled against his chest.

Zen didn't move for a moment, frozen. Then, slowly... his arms lifted and returned the embrace.

Not just held her.

Clutched her.

As if she was the last thing anchoring him to reality.

> [System Nex: Emotion spike detected. I shall now look away respectfully.]

"...Good."

Neither said anything for a while. The academy faded around them. It was just them.

> "I missed you, idiot," Lyra whispered.

> "I missed you more," Zen replied. "Probably."

She snorted softly. "Still pretending you don't care?You're terrible at it."

> "I'm training."

They finally pulled back—barely—and Lyra wiped a bit of something from under her eye.

> "Your hair got longer."

"Yours didn't," Zen smirked.

She rolled her eyes.

Behind her came a trio of footsteps—Arisella, Fiora, and Sylvia, each dressed in their academy colors, each with a smile that said finally.

Arisella and Fiora gave him a curt nod, "We are back, Zen"

Sylvia smiled quietly. "It's good to see you again."

Zen blinked at the crowd. "Did I walk into a parade or—?"

> [System Nex: Yes. The Parade of Feelings. You're the float.]

---

As the sun climbed higher, they moved to the Nourishment Hall—laughing, sharing stories, Mira filling in every awkward pause with chaotic energy. Zen didn't speak much, but when he did, it was enough.

He had returned.

But something in him stirred deeper.

Three skeletons now lingered in his unseen command.

And Lyra's hug... still lingered like warmth in his bones.

The next phase of the academy was coming.

Challenges. A new war tournament.

A truth waiting to rise.

> [System Nex: Time to prepare, User.]

[Special System Training – Available.]

Zen's eyes narrowed as he stared at the flickering message in the air.

> "Let's see what's next.