Nolan glanced at the students, still buzzing from their success, and a knowing smile played at the edge of his lips.
He closed the movie window with a casual flick of his hand, the faint shimmering light around him flickering out with it.
Now it was time to test his rank as a Third Mana Specialist.
Nolan stood slowly from his chair, his movements deliberate, quiet, purposeful. He folded his arms across his chest and took a long, thoughtful breath.
Then he spoke.
"Did you all complete it?"
His tone was neutral, but his eyes studied every twitch, every micro-reaction in their expressions. The way Selin's fingers fidgeted. How Ruvin's eyes darted to Calien, uncertain. Erik shifted from one foot to the other.
There was a long, awkward silence. And then, in a collective fumble, they all nodded, mumbling overlapping answers.
"Yes."
"Yeah, we did."
"We made it."
"It's done."
Nolan raised a brow. "Hmm."
He didn't move from his spot, didn't say a word. He simply waited.
