The classroom was quieter.
Focused.
Kael observed from his seat.
Thirty-two students.
Some stood out immediately.
His gaze settled on one.
Silver hair.
Composed.
"…Eryndor Valen."
A name he remembered.
Not the protagonist.
But close.
Strong.
Consistent.
Alive until the end.
"…That's rare."
In this story—
Survival mattered more than strength.
"…Then I'll follow that pattern."
Not closely.
Just enough.
"…Target confirmed."
The instructor began.
"Mana control."
One by one, students stepped forward.
Kael watched carefully.
Patterns.
Mistakes.
"Eryndor Valen."
Silence fell.
Eryndor stepped forward.
His mana formed cleanly.
Controlled.
Efficient.
"…No waste."
Kael memorized everything.
Posture.
Breathing.
Timing.
Then—
"Kael Lith."
He stepped forward.
Calm.
He copied the stance.
Raised his hand.
Nothing—
Then—
A weak flicker.
Laughter spread.
Kael ignored it.
"…Too much force."
He adjusted.
Reduced output.
Focused.
The flicker steadied.
Weak.
But controlled.
"…Interesting."
The instructor leaned forward.
Kael stopped early.
On purpose.
"…Enough."
He returned to his seat.
"…Still weak."
But—
Better.
Kael glanced forward.
Eryndor was watching.
For a brief moment—
Their eyes met.
Kael didn't look away immediately.
Then he did.
"…Too early."
But it was enough.
The connection had been made.