Ken sat at his desk, his eyes scanning through documents. He wasted no time on pleasantries and got straight to the point.

"Is the next summoning preparation on track?"

Lucy answered without hesitation, her voice filled with confidence.

"Yes, there are no issues, Ken-sensei."

"Good."

Ken gave a brief nod but did not lift his gaze from the papers as he continued.

"And the young man behind you—has he become useful yet?"

"Yes. He’s doing an excellent job. Tuck is very capable."

Lucy responded without a trace of doubt.

"That’s good."

Finally, Ken looked up from the documents and turned his gaze toward Tuck.

His eyes were cold, sharp—as if assessing him, seeing right through him.

"Now, what was its name again? The monster you two oversee…"

"Drapunii."

The name escaped Tuck’s lips before he could stop himself, cutting off Ken’s words.

But his voice wavered ever so slightly.

Ken’s eyebrows twitched in momentary surprise. His sharp gaze locked onto Tuck, studying him for a brief second. But just as quickly, his expression returned to its usual calm.

"I see. Drapunii can use fire, correct? There’s a possibility of a summoning in forty-eight hours. Have it prepared by then."

Tuck opened his mouth slightly, as if to say something—but before he could speak, he felt Lucy’s sharp gaze on him.

He swallowed his words.

"Understood. Of course," Lucy answered immediately, unwavering as ever.

"Good. Then return to your posts."

Ken’s voice remained void of emotion.

He did not acknowledge the uncertainty in Tuck’s eyes, nor did he seem to care about anything beyond issuing orders.

Lowering his gaze, Tuck bowed silently, as always.

"Excuse us."

His words vanished into the cold air, dissolving into nothing.

Without another sound, the two turned and quietly left the room.