As the fourth batch concluded and the candidate with unprecedented resonance was escorted away, a subtle shift overtook the atmosphere in the control chamber.
The staffers and researchers began to murmur with excitement, unable to suppress the weight of hope blooming in their chests.
A few exchanged quiet cheers. Conrad exhaled deeply for the first time in over an hour and clapped Thomas on the shoulder. The two grinned, both stunned and proud that their delicate refinement process might've produced a breakthrough.
Conrad thought finally he was one step closer to his purpose of getting his Magic awakened again.
Adrien turned slightly, visibly relieved. Even General Lennaard, who usually had an unshakable wall of command, allowed the corners of his mouth to lift just a little.
"Finally," someone whispered. "This could change everything."
But amidst that quiet celebration, Erend didn't celebrate with the others.
