The atmosphere at Nicole's table was somewhat subtle. Among her companions, a young mage quietly pointed in Ang's direction and said cryptically, "Nicole, that's the person you're going to study under, right?"
Nicole froze for a moment, her gaze unconsciously sweeping toward Ang again. Recalling their brief exchange of glances earlier, she somehow felt that there was something different about him.
"Want us to 'test his quality' for you first?" A female mage with a long braid leaned closer and asked in a lowered voice, her tone teasing.
Nicole frowned and retorted quietly, "You dare mess around?"
That remark stirred up her companions' competitive spirit, and they immediately began arguing over one another.
"What's there to be afraid of? He looks pretty ordinary."
"Yeah, this is a perfect chance to see what he can really do and help you vent a little."
"They're making it sound like some miracle outside, saying he joined forces with an Archmage to destroy the last Hell Gate? That rumor is way too ridiculous. It's practically an insult to our teacher!"
After a few drinks, the young mages were clearly getting restless. Their discussion grew louder and louder, and their emotions reached a peak.
"Enough!" Nicole suddenly slammed the table, cutting everyone off. She said coldly, "Since you all think he's nothing special, go teach him a lesson. If anything happens, I'll take responsibility!"
Hearing that, her companions all looked excited, as though they had been waiting for Nicole to say exactly that. Before her words had even faded, one male mage rose to his feet and strode toward Ang's table, while the others remained seated behind him, quietly cheering him on. Some even began placing bets under their breath.
Ang had been having a pleasant conversation with Haru when he suddenly sensed someone approaching.