The C-ranked student's name was Buren.
Leo hadn't known that before the pairing. He only learned it when the boy introduced himself, stepping forward with a handshake that was a little too firm, like he'd practiced making an impression, and a smile that already assumed things were going to go his way. The kind of smile that didn't ask questions.
Buren had a big frame. Not just tall, but built through the wrists and shoulders, like someone who didn't have to try very hard to look physically capable. There was a steadiness to how he stood, a quiet kind of confidence that usually came from years of being told, directly or indirectly, that you were good at something. Maybe more than good. Maybe *naturally* good.
He probably hadn't lost a no-quirk drill in a while.
He looked at Leo the way most people did. A quick once-over, nothing rude about it, just efficient. Then that subtle shift—barely visible—where the tension dropped out of his posture.
Easy match.
