Nolan stood there, in the center of the classroom, eyes still slightly wide, lips barely curled into an awkward half-smile. He rubbed the back of his neck, let out a light cough, and muttered, "Long time no see."
His voice echoed like a lonely wind through a canyon.
The classroom—grand and prestigious with columns of mana-crystal inlays and floating banners of each student's respective chosen Academy factions—fell into an unbearable silence.
And then came the reaction.
A slow murmur at first. Whispers like leaves rustling in suspicion.
"…Wait."
"…That's him, right?"
"…No way."
"…It can't be."
Then it began to swell. A storm building on the horizon.
"Why is he here?!"
"Where's Instructor Granfire?!"
"How is it him again? Don't tell me he passed the assessment yesterday too! No! This can't be happening! This can't be!"
Nolan just rolled his eyes.
"Did they demote him? Is this a punishment?!"
