The third day of the evaluation had finally arrived, and with it came a noticeable shift in atmosphere. Once again, both first- and second-year students were gathered within the grand Eastern Training Hall of the academy, standing in orderly rows. At the front stood their head instructor, Sir Kaelen Bane, flanked by several other instructors and authoritative figures. Seated further up on the elevated stage were the most influential presences of all—the Headmaster Thion himself, composed and unreadable as ever, and his assistant headmistress, Lucia, watching the hall with sharp, observant eyes.
Liam's gaze moved across the stage, slowing when he picked out a familiar figure among the seated authorities.
