Elwyn moved behind the desk and picked up the class record book. The students watched quietly as he flipped through the pages, checking each name with precise movements. He lifted his eyes from time to time, matching faces to the list.
Everything seemed in order until he reached the last name.
His fingers paused. His jaw tightened almost invisibly.Clint was not present.
For a brief moment, frustration pressed at his chest. He closed the record book gently, but the silence around him grew heavier.
Elwyn raised his head. "Neo Arden," he called, his voice clear.
A boy sitting in the second row straightened quickly. "Present, Professor."
Elwyn nodded once before calling the next. "Fred Halden."
Fred lifted his hand. "Here, Professor."
Elwyn looked between the two of them. "You are Clint Asher's roommates, correct?"
The two exchanged a nervous glance. "Y-yes, Professor," Neo answered.
Elwyn's eyes narrowed slightly. "Where is he?"
