Chapter 61: THE TRIAL OF WILL
For a moment, instructor and student locked eyes across the arena, silent communication passing between them that transcended words. In Yomi’s expression, Lyra read a clear message: Is that all?
The challenge ignited something primal in her competitive nature. As someone who had spent her career demonstrating superiority over students and colleagues alike, finding someone who could casually dismiss her best efforts was both infuriating and exhilarating.
Her pale eyes flashed with anger at being challenged by a mere student, her jaw tightening as she prepared to escalate beyond any reasonable limit. Whatever it took to find this arrogant first-year’s breaking point, she would.....
"Instructor Nightwhisper!"
The commanding voice cut through the oppressive atmosphere like a blade through silk, immediately drawing attention to the arena’s entrance where Professor Matthias Greystone strode forward with obvious urgency.
The Department of Student Welfare’s senior member was a distinguished man in his sixties whose reputation for protecting academy students was matched only by his willingness to challenge faculty who exceeded proper boundaries.
"That’s quite enough," Professor Greystone continued, his voice carrying absolute authority as he approached the arena’s center. "You’ve exceeded testing protocols by a considerable margin."
Lyra’s aura immediately withdrew as she recognized the intervention, though her expression showed clear frustration at being interrupted just as things were becoming interesting. She clicked her tongue in annoyance, shooting one final look at Yomi that promised their encounter wasn’t finished.
"Of course, Professor," she replied with professional courtesy that didn’t quite mask her irritation. "I was merely conducting thorough assessment procedures."
Professor Greystone’s expression suggested he wasn’t fooled by her diplomatic explanation. "Thorough assessment doesn’t require risking permanent injury to first-year students," he said dryly, gesturing toward the unconscious forms scattered across the arena floor.