Dylan's expression changed.
Only slightly.
But Liam noticed.
The blond student looked toward the reservoir.
Then toward the materials waiting beside the workstation.
Then toward Ariana, who was already discussing assignments with two other Alchemy students.
His earlier excitement began giving way to a deeply unpleasant realization.
'Wait,' Dylan thought. 'There's more.'
He had solved the problem.
He had identified the missing mechanism.
He had exposed the ancient designers' ridiculous circular dependency and provided the entire team with a practical way forward.
Surely that deserved something.
A celebration.
A meal.
Possibly a statue.
At the very least, several hours of uninterrupted rest.
Instead, everyone appeared to be preparing for another round of work.
'This is an abuse of genius.'
Dylan straightened and clasped his hands together.
"Well!"
Ariana glanced toward him.
He smiled with extraordinary politeness.
