The lecture hall was warm.
Noel sat near the back, head propped on one hand, eyes half-lidded as Professor Lereus droned on about defensive mana structures in post-casting delay. The man's voice was steady, clear… and hopelessly monotonous.
The candlelight from the side wall flickered just enough to blur the words on the board. It was enough.
Noel blinked slowly once… then again… and the next thing he knew, his head dipped forward.
Thunk.
A spark of mana exploded on the edge of his desk.
He jolted up instinctively—just in time to see a chalk shard fizzling into ash near his hand. A few students turned to glance at him. One or two snickered under their breath.
Professor Lereus didn't stop talking, but he raised an eyebrow in Noel's direction as he gestured lazily with his hand.
"Try not to die of boredom, Mister Thorne."
Noel straightened his back, feigning alertness.
"Yes, sir."
His voice was calm. Neutral.
Inside, though, he was screaming.
