"I volunteer to initiate the calibration sequence!" Elise declared, elevating her hand before anyone else in the guildmaster's study could voice an objection.
Her academic confidence carried her forward until every gaze converged upon her silhouette, prompting her to rise abruptly and smooth her wrinkled tunic with trembling hands.
'She stepped forward immediately to prevent escalating anxiety from paralyzing her nerve,' Hajin noted analytically, watching her cross the floorboards.
'Which represents an admirable tactical methodology for managing stage fright.'
Guildmaster Allen refrained from teasing her regarding the mechanical rigidity in her stride as she approached the desk.
He rotated the arcanite apparatus until the suspended central sphere faced her directly, tapping the brass base twice to activate the internal conduits.
"Rest your palm firmly against the crystalline sphere," Allen instructed, observing her nervous posture rather than the needles.
