Lucavion lowered the inscription pen toward the clean formation plate, though his attention remained on the reference diagram beside it.
"You can consult the example," Elara said, moving it within easier reach. "But you should not reproduce it one stroke at a time."
His eyes shifted briefly toward her. "Heh....Your generosity really survived remarkably."
"It survived precisely as much as you deserved."
The pen touched the plate.
During their first lesson, Lucavion had attacked the outer boundary with the certainty of someone drawing a blade across an exposed throat. Too much pressure had driven the mana ink into the surface, and each failed closure had required Elara to erase the circle before he could begin again.
This time, the opening stroke remained firm without becoming heavy. Lucavion carried the line around the plate at a measured pace, slowing as it approached completion rather than forcing the ends together. The circle closed on his first attempt.
'Acceptable.'
