Professor Aldric's lecture had transitioned smoothly into the next period.
He'd stepped aside as another instructor entered.
A woman in her early forties, professor Mirelle Ashton. She moved with the confidence of someone who'd spent years both in academic halls and on actual battlefields. A faint scar traced along her jawline, barely visible, but there if you looked.
"Good morning," she said briskly, setting her materials on the desk. "I'm Professor Ashton. For those new to Silver Crown, I'll be handling your practical combat applications and tactical essence deployment."
She pulled out her wand, a sleek instrument of darkwood and silver, and with a flick, complex diagrams appeared in the air above her desk, rotating slowly.
"Today we'll be discussing essence efficiency in high-stress combat scenarios. Specifically, how to maintain spell integrity when your concentration is compromised by—"
Knock! Knock! Knock!
The sharp rap on the door interrupted her.
