The cafeteria was bustling with activity when Lucas and Damion arrived.
Students from all years filled the space, some celebrating their exam performances while others looked decidedly less enthusiastic about their prospects.
"Over here!" a familiar voice called out.
Lucas spotted Marie waving from a corner table where she sat with Lydia and Raymond.
The three second-years looked surprisingly energetic considering they'd just finished their own midterm exams.
"How'd it go?" Damion asked as they approached, already grabbing a chair.
"Exhausting," Marie said, though her smile suggested otherwise. "The second-year combat exam is significantly harder than what you first-years deal with. We had to face actual magical constructs, not just each other."
"At least you didn't have to deal with Carl Wayland and his cronies," Lucas muttered, dropping into a seat.
