"Did you see how she weaved triple casting with her beast's support? That was years ahead of her grade," muttered Professor Kalden, brushing his greying hair back, eyes still fixed on the fading mist in the orb.
"She handled Sevyr's pressure well. No panic, no wasted mana. That girl's shaping up to be a top-tier combat tactician," chimed in Professor Aela, adjusting her half-moon spectacles, her smile tight and pleased.
"And Sevyr," Professor Thalor added, stroking his beard, "still rough around the edges, but his elemental grasp and control are top-notch. I wouldn't be surprised if both of them end up among the top ten candidates this year."
"It's been years since we've had so many talented beast tamers and mages at once…" Aela murmured.
Kalden leaned forward, arms folded. "I can't wait to mold them. Give them a year, and they might already be ready for real field work."
But then—
A beat of silence.
