The room stayed silent for a few seconds after Nathan stood up. David, who had been frozen like a statue, finally opened his mouth; his voice came out rough and hoarse.
"If this Tower is just… a training ground," he said quietly, "then what about those portals that keep opening on Earth? The monsters pouring out and slaughtering entire cities… is that part of the 'training' too?"
Nathan turned his head, his gaze cold but not cruel.
"That's no longer training. That's the failed final exam."
Fiona's head snapped up. "What do you mean?"
Nathan drew a deep breath, then spoke in a tone that raised every hair on their necks—not because it was loud, but because it was far too calm.
