Lucas remained where he was, arms at his side, shoulders straight. "I only ask for the full assessment, Elder. The flame binding essence was completed. It should be examined."
Gasps rose around the chamber. Not loud ones, but enough to fill the space with a rising tension. Some of the older Alchemists shook their heads, their faces tightening with irritation. One scoffed openly.
"He's bluffing," someone whispered, loud enough for others to hear. "Ten minutes and now he wants applause?"
"Knows a few techniques and thinks he's a prodigy," another spat.
But the Grand Elder did not respond right away. His expression remained firm, unreadable again, though the faint furrow on his brow betrayed a flicker of displeasure. This was not a man used to being second-guessed, not even by high-ranking officials, much less an untested youth.
