Leonard's fingers tapped lightly against the rim of his emptied teacup—rhythmic, soundless. Not in boredom. In calculation.
He wasn't eating anymore. Just observing. Quietly compiling everything he'd gathered.
Jasmine. Layla.
Their data aligned well with what he had scanned earlier. Both cadets showed combat flow readings that confirmed above-average mana compatibility. Neither of them had extreme output, but their internal circuits were efficient. Natural talents—likely undeveloped in formal technique, but adaptable and instinct-driven. Jasmine's flow was jagged but fast, responsive. Layla's was heavier, more tempered—like she'd trained under a physical-focused style that taught controlled releases. Not too many of those left these days.
He could already tell: given the right mentor, both of them could step into specialization by the end of the year.
Irina Emberheart.
Different story.
