I sat across from Noah, eyeing the assortment of materials Professor Sharon had placed before us.
We had to devise something innovative.
A magical device of practical value that would showcase both our magical aptitude and creativity.
A simple assignment, at first glance, but the stakes had shifted when Professor Sharon announced that this project would contribute twenty percent of our exam grade.
I knew without question that if I wanted to succeed, I couldn't rely on Noah to carry his weight.
The smirk that crept across his face when she said it only confirmed as much.
Noah leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, his gaze absent as if he had already lost interest.
I pressed my lips together, willing my annoyance to stay buried.
It didn't matter what he thought.
I had no intention of letting his negligence affect my performance.
"Fine."
I muttered, mostly to myself, keeping my voice neutral.
"I'll make a magic detection device."
It was a basic concept but versatile and valuable in a variety of applications.
With careful planning, it could detect various magical signatures in the environment and distinguish between them—a useful tool for scouting or combat.
Noah said nothing.
He just tilted his head, looking at me with mild amusement as I began sketching out the framework of the device.
The silence between us was thick, almost oppressive.
I could feel his eyes on me, that familiar smugness radiating off him.
I ignored it.
Focusing on the calculations for the detection range and the amplification of magical signals.
As I worked, Noah continued his silent observation.
Occasionally letting out a quiet chuckle that grated on my nerves.
He hadn't lifted a single finger.
Not to pick up a pen, nor to even pretend he was considering how he could contribute.
He just sat there, content to watch me take on the brunt of the work.
Eventually, after what felt like an eternity, he broke the silence.
"You know, Maya, this is all so... simple.
Not exactly the kind of ingenuity Professor Sharon expects, is it?"
I didn't look up.
I wouldn't give him the satisfaction.
"It's practical."
I replied, keeping my tone even.
"And effective."
He scoffed, the sound laced with barely veiled condescension.
"Effective?
Experience more tales on мѵʟ
Maybe for an average mage.
But we're supposed to be elite students in Class A.
Don't you think something a bit... grander would be more fitting?"
My hand tightened on the pen.
And I forced myself to take a calming breath.
I wouldn't let him get under my skin.
"Sometimes, the most complex problems require the simplest solutions."
Noah leaned forward, smirking.
"But where's the challenge in that, Maya?
Isn't it beneath someone with your 'brilliance' to stick to the basics?"
The mockery in his voice was unmistakable.
And for a split second, I felt the urge to retaliate, to lash out.
The only sounds in the room coming from the soft scratching of my pen against paper as I made notes and adjustments.
I couldn't stop the flicker of rage from boiling beneath the surface.
But I kept my expression cool, serene.
If this was what it took to complete the project, so be it.
I'd endure his arrogance without complaint.
As I worked, Noah continued his verbal jabs, each one more infuriating than the last.
His words were like needles, pricking at every bit of patience I had left, yet I stayed composed.
I knew he wanted a reaction, a sign that he was getting to me.
But I wouldn't give him that.
It was only when I adjusted a key component of the device that he leaned in, his smirk growing wider.
"You're doing it wrong, you know.
That alignment's going to throw off the entire structure."
I kept my eyes on the device, refusing to look up at him.
"I'm aware of what I'm doing, Noah."
"Oh, I'm sure you think you are."
He said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
"But really, if you're going to rely on such... crude methods, it's almost embarrassing to watch."
My fingers tightened on the tool, every muscle in my body straining to keep my composure.
Inwardly, I was seething.
To snap, to tell him exactly what I thought of his arrogance and entitlement.
But I kept my voice steady, neutral.
"If you have a better idea, feel free to contribute."
He laughed, that irritating, mocking sound that grated on every nerve.
"Oh, no...
I wouldn't dream of stepping in.
I'm just here to offer guidance."
It took every ounce of restraint I had not to respond.
Instead, I continued my work, letting his words wash over me like water off a stone.
But beneath my calm exterior, the anger burned hotter, sharper.
I could feel it seething within me, a dark, pulsing rage that I kept hidden behind a polite smile.
By the time I completed the main framework of the device, my hands were trembling from the tension I'd held back.
Noah leaned in, glancing over my work with a smirk.
"Well, I suppose that's... adequate.
For someone of your abilities, at least."
I forced a smile, keeping my voice sweet, even as my teeth clenched.
"Thank you, Noah.
Your approval means the world to me."
He chuckled, unfazed by my sarcasm.
"I thought it might.
After all, I am the top student here."
I didn't respond, letting the silence stretch between us once more.
If he wanted to bask in his own self-importance, I wouldn't stop him.
I'd finish the project, pass the exam, and keep my distance from him as much as possible.
As I worked on the final adjustments, his voice cut through the silence once more.
That familiar mocking tone grating on my nerves.
"You know, Maya, this little act of yours is almost endearing.
Trying so hard to be competent... it's almost admirable."
I kept my gaze focused on the device, willing myself not to react.
The class was coming to an end after all.