Meanwhile, back at the guard post by the elevator door, Lucen stood silently, his hand raised near his mouth. A faint click echoed as he tapped a small stud embedded in his wristband.
From a pinhole-sized lens on the device, light spewed outward, forming a semi-transparent holographic projection before him. The image shimmered and slowly resolved into the figure of a broad-shouldered man with a sharp jawline and an expression carved from steel.
Lucen straightened immediately and bowed slightly. "Sir, I bring news."
The holographic man, Bale crossed his arms, his voice cool and unimpressed. "News? What is it this time, Lucen? Another rookie fainting before the test?"
Lucen shook his head. "No, Sir. This one's different. There seems to be a prodigy among the new recruits."
