Inside the command cabin, the atmosphere was heavy.
Several important figures were already seated around a large round table, the polished wood reflecting the faint, cold light from the enchanted crystals lining the ceiling.
When Mage Lian entered the room with Michael in tow, heads turned as everyone swss about to stand and greet before they were stopped by the Grand Mage.
An audible murmur passed among the seated figures, some glancing at Michael with open skepticism, others hiding their thoughts behind neutral expressions.
Mage Lian didn't react.
He simply walked to the head of the table, motioning for Michael to sit on the open seat by his side, and opened the meeting.
"This," he began, voice calm and resonant, "is Sir Mic. He will be a valuable ally during this operation."
He left it at that.
No grand introduction. No explanation of credentials or abilities.
Just a simple statement.
And then silence.
The kind of silence that grew heavier with every passing second.
