The next day, Damian woke up after a long, much-needed sleep.
His body still ached in places, and his mind felt foggy from exhaustion, but it was nothing compared to how he'd felt after guiding thirty-two students through their Aura breakthroughs.
He dragged himself to the bathroom and freshened up again, trying desperately to wash away the persistent bloody smell that seemed to cling to him.
Last night after returning from the garden, he'd already taken a long shower, scrubbing his skin raw.
But the smell of death still lingered somehow.
After spending two months constantly hunting and killing beasts, only occasionally washing in lakes whenever he stumbled across one, the scent had apparently soaked into him deeper than soap could reach.
After another thorough cleaning session, he finally put on his Academy uniform again for the first time in what felt like forever.
Looking at himself in the mirror, Damian couldn't help but notice how much he'd physically changed.
