The observation room hummed with quiet energy as the academy's instructors gathered around the glowing projection screens.
The air smelled of stale coffee and ozone from the active monitoring spells.
Scattered papers and empty mugs littered the long central table where Brynn Foxglove sat slumped in his chair.
Rubbing his bloodshot eyes.
Professor Carter stood ramrod straight near the main display.
His perpetual frown deepening as he watched the students struggle.
"Disgraceful," he muttered as another team fell to their assigned monster.
"They are treating this like a classroom exercise rather than life-or-death combat."
Aurelia Valemont leaned against the back wall.
Her expression carefully neutral though her fingers dug into the clipboard she held.
Nearby, Seraphina perched on the edge of a desk. Absentmindedly twisting a strand of pink hair around her finger.
The largest screen currently showed Team 1.
Cedric's squad – finishing their battle.
