The strategy room was cold.
Not because of the temperature, but because of the eyes—so many of them, watching, judging, calculating. Faint runes shimmered along the stone walls, humming with containment wards and surveillance enchantments. A floating crystal pulsed in the center, gently rotating as lines of blue mana flickered across its surface, displaying names and shifting team rosters.
Kaidën stood near the back, arms loosely crossed, posture casual. But his eyes—half-lidded and bored—missed nothing.
Student Council president, Leonhart stepped forward.
"Team placements will now be finalized. Any objections..." He paused, gaze sweeping the room. "...will be noted and ignored."
His tone left no room for argument.
The crystal brightened as names rearranged themselves with soft chimes. One group at a time. Most students waited in silence—some hopeful, others already frustrated.
Then—
"Group Four: Kaidën Everwood, Seren Aulden, Bran Thorne."
A short, sharp silence followed.
