"We have quite a lot to use, don't we?"
It wasn't a question.
And Kaleran knew it.
He exhaled through his nose, clearly weighing whether reminding Lucavion that he was in possession of more exam points than half the region combined was wise or necessary.
He settled on clipped precision. "Yes. Your score entitles you to… extensive material rights. And priority." He paused, then added with faint resignation, "Nearly unrestricted within the forge's sanctioned inventory."
Lucavion turned back to Harlan, voice low and easy.
"There you have it, old man. Empire says I'm rich in fire."
Harlan gave a single nod at Kaleran's reluctant confirmation, the gesture curt but approving.
"That's good then," he said, eyes narrowing just slightly. "Because what I'm about to do… it won't be cheap. Not in steel. Not in effort."
Then his gaze shifted.
Slowly.
Deliberately.
And locked onto Lucavion.
