Meanwhile, the tension in the air hadn't yet faded when the Chief of the Black Vale Territory Mana Knights turned slightly to the side, his voice cutting through the quiet like a dagger.
"Old Duldor," he said. "Is there more?"
The elder flinched, as if someone had tugged his beard mid-prayer. His hands, already gnarled with age, seemed to tremble even more as he nodded.
"There is… one last group," Duldor admitted, hesitating.
The Chief narrowed his eyes. "Go on."
"They're not truly students of Silver Blade Academy," Duldor said carefully. "They were only here temporarily. Sons and daughters of noble families from this region… They came for a brief training stay before being transferred to a higher education center in one of the upper cities."
The Chief raised an eyebrow but gave a small nod of recognition. "Ah yes. I remember now. Those students earlier that I saw. I didn't pay much attention. They were too green to warrant it."
