"Is that the only thing you're using for your match?"
Leon looked down at himself, then back at Zoe. "Yeah. Why? Is it bad for the match?"
A faint, unreadable smile touched her lips.
"No, it's not. You can use that." She shook her head, grabbed her own datapad from the table, and walked to the door without waiting for him.
Leon hesitated, then left without going for his own datapad and followed her out of the room. His footsteps remained the only thing echoing in the silent hallway.
The lobby was a different world. Students milled about, their morning chatter a low roar. As Leon and Zoe descended the last stair, dozens of eyes turned toward them.
"Is he finally leaving Alchemania?" a voice snickered, followed by a short burst of laughter.
Leon ignored it, but a tiny laugh tore at his lips. He closed his eyes and cracked them open within a second. Then, the wall near the entrance drew his attention like a magnet pulling steel.
