Klein looked around, verifying that nobody was close enough to overhear.
The area bustled with activity. Students celebrating their hauls, comparing quantities, making plans for wealth they'd never imagined possessing.
But in the small bubble around Klein and Ren, the noise felt distant. Muffled. Like the world had contracted to just the two of them and whatever Klein was about to say.
The others from their team were occupied celebrating their gains too, comparing amounts, making plans that sounded equal parts ambitious and naive. Zhao talked with the new evaluator about something technical.
Nobody was paying attention to the quiet conversation happening in the corner.
"It's about Luna," Klein began, his voice tense.
Ren's expression changed instantly.
His posture tensed. Shoulders drawing back. Weight shifting to the balls of his feet in unconscious combat readiness. His eyes narrowed, focus sharpening from casual attention to absolute concentration.
