***
Back In The Present
The combat hall echoed with cracks of Divinity barriers resetting, the low rumble of chatter, and the scuffing of boots on the polished arena floor.
John, the Inquisitor, stood alone in the center circle, calmly adjusting his glasses.
While watching the students, he combed back his short black hair, straightened the collar of his dark gray combat uniform, and tugged his sleeves into perfect lines.
The moment he was done, the doors creaked open behind him.
A group walked in, noisy and far too self-assured, especially for a late group.
It was Ignotus, his House, and his cohort... so that was almost immediately accepted.
'Oh.'
John paused just enough for irritation to spark.
It was the first time Ignotus had attended his class since that one mandatory day. He had skipped every single session after, even though the man clearly needed structure.
But John said nothing. He simply inhaled, exhaled, and resumed his lecture:
