Reina's gaze softened—fractionally. Just enough for Astron to notice.
But then, she leaned back, the formal steel returning to her tone like a reflex.
"That's all for now. I'll forward the encrypted transcript of the fluctuations we recorded—review it when your schedule allows."
Astron gave a slight nod.
Reina's expression remained composed, but there was something behind it. A sliver of something quieter, not spoken aloud.
"And Astron?"
He paused. "Yes?"
"Do well on your exams," she said, tone light—but firm. "Your instructors are watching. And so am I."
A beat. Then, a dry smile ghosted across her lips.
"I expect results."
The connection blinked out before he could reply. The mana-screen dissolved into particles, fading back into the stillness of his room.
Silence returned.
Astron didn't move at first. His eyes lingered on the wall for a few seconds longer, watching the faint remnants of residual mana spiral through the air like embers left in reverse.
