Lucien found Deadman in the academy.
He was teaching lazily.
The students in front of him did not look offended.
They looked respectful.
Deadman did not speak with fiery enthusiasm.
He simply explained quietly.
Carelessly, almost.
But every word landed where it needed to land.
A young practitioner asked about fear before battle.
Deadman answered like someone who had died with fear, died without fear, died bravely, died stupidly, died old, died young, died with regret, and had long ago stopped pretending there was only one correct answer.
Another asked about hesitation.
Deadman spoke of choices that could not be taken back, and why a person should not confuse caution with cowardice or recklessness with courage.
The hall remained silent.
Lucien stopped near the entrance and watched for a while.
Then Deadman glanced at him.
His eyes carried a faint smile.
He had noticed Lucien from the start.
Lucien did not interrupt immediately.
Instead, he joined the lesson.
