The projection crystal whirred softly, casting a pale blue light across the stone walls of the Knight Department's primary strategy room.
Ivan Baker sat at the head of the heavy oak table, his elbows resting on the polished wood, his hands folded beneath his chin. He did not blink as the projection replayed the final moments of the Spire evaluation for the twelfth time. The magical recording flickered, showing Alexander Edelhart standing alone on the tournament grounds, lowering his stance just as the Arc-Cannon fired its unauthorized fourth shot.
The blue bolt of condensed mana crossed the arena at incredible speed. Alex caught it. The shockwave shattered the ground beneath him, sending a massive plume of dust into the air.
"Pause it," Ivan ordered.
