By the time classes began, the rumors had evolved.
I could feel it in the way people looked at me—no longer just curious, but cautious. Like I might suddenly explode into something inconvenient.
I hated it.
I kept my head down, shoulders slouched, steps slightly off rhythm. Tripped once on purpose. Apologized twice to people who bumped into me. Consistency was key.
Still, it didn't help.
Professor Halvren's lecture hall was silent in a way that made my skin itch. He stood at the front with his hands clasped behind his back, silver hair neatly combed, eyes sharp enough to peel lies straight off your bones.
"Today," he said, "we will observe."
Observe.
That word alone sent a ripple of unease through the class.
He gestured, and a formation circle flared to life in the center of the room. Runes spiraled upward, humming with restrained power.
"Mana perception," Halvren continued. "A simple test. Step inside the circle, release your mana, and we will see… how honest it is."
Of course.
Students were called one by one. Some glowed faintly. Others shone brighter. A few tried to show off and were promptly told to sit down before they injured themselves.
My name came up far too soon.
I shuffled forward, heart calm, mind racing.
Minimum output. Barely there. Like a candle fighting the wind.
I stepped into the circle.
The runes flickered.
I released a thread of mana so thin it was almost an insult. The circle glowed weakly—just enough to register.
A murmur of disappointment rippled through the room.
Good.
"Hmm," Professor Halvren said.
That was not good.
He stepped closer, eyes narrowing. "Again."
I complied.
The circle flared—just a fraction brighter than before.
Too bright.
The murmurs returned, sharper this time.
Halvren smiled. "Interesting."
Before he could say more, a surge of mana erupted from another circle across the room—violent, uncontrolled.
A student screamed as the formation destabilized.
"Enough," Halvren snapped, turning away.
In the chaos, I withdrew my mana instantly, fading back into insignificance.
By the time order was restored, Halvren's attention had moved on.
But as I returned to my seat, Renvor leaned in and whispered:
"Yeah… you're terrible at being boring."
I didn't answer.
Because across the room, Selene was smiling.
And Charlotte—
Charlotte was watching me like she'd just confirmed a suspicion.