After showing his selected skills to Vulcan Ashbourne, Ronan exited the restricted library with Aura still perched atop his head. Vulcan had waited in the antechamber, arms crossed, studying him as he emerged. When Ronan presented Pain-Tempered Circulation Technique and Steel Bone Armament, Vulcan's expression shifted – not to disapproval, but closer to doubt.
"Are you certain?" Vulcan asked, tone flat. "Those methods are–"
"Painful. Yes." Ronan met his gaze without flinching. "I'm sure."
Vulcan studied him a moment longer, and Ronan could feel the weight of that stare.
There was clear doubt in his father's eyes – doubt that Ronan would actually follow through with techniques known for breaking students.
But Vulcan's approval mattered little. The man had already gotten what he wanted.
Leverage over the engagement.
What Ronan did with his library access was secondary.
Without another word, Ronan turned and walked.
