Draven stood before his class, his sharp eyes scanning the sea of students that filled the lecture hall. It was the last lecture for the half-semester, and the end of the first major module in Practical Magical Studies. The seats were packed—150 students in all, a diverse mix of aspiring mages. Some leaned forward in anticipation, some looked utterly overwhelmed, while others scribbled down notes with frantic energy, afraid of missing a single word. Draven's gaze was steady, his face devoid of any emotion.
"This concludes our lecture series for the half-semester," he announced, his voice cool and deliberate. Immediately, a ripple of murmurs spread across the room. Draven could feel the anxiety in the air, an almost palpable wave. He saw students exchanging glances, eyes wide with unease, others slumping in their seats, clearly wishing for another week before the exams.
