The victory in the training chamber earned Jonah something far more valuable than credits or prestige: a few days of peace. After the initial buzz died down, even the most persistent seniors seemed to understand that he wasn't a resource to be claimed. He was something to be watched from a respectful distance.
Finally free from the political maneuvering, Jonah and Vanessa went back to their workshop. The door sealed shut behind them, muffling the sounds of the Academy and leaving them in their own private world of research and discovery.
"Okay," Vanessa said, stretching her arms over her head. "No more distractions. Let's find out what the old Artificer really knew."
