The classroom stayed deathly quiet even after the announcement had been cut off. Every single head was turned toward Marcus, waiting to see if he’d look scared or panicked.Instead, he just leaned back in his chair, looking like he’d been called for something as boring as a routine attendance check. He let out a small, relaxed breath.“Well,” he said, his voice smooth and untroubled as he stood up. “That’s unexpected.”Beside him, Emmanuel snapped his head around, his eyes wide with genuine worry. “Bro... what did you do?” he whispered, his voice cracking just a bit.Marcus didn’t rush. He picked up his things calmly, not letting the pressure of the room get to him. “I think I already have an idea,” he said. He gave Emmanuel a quick, reassuring glance. “I’ll tell you all about it when I’m back.”That didn’t make Emmanuel feel any better. He looked like he was watching his friend walk into a lion's den.Marcus walked out the door with a steady stride, and just like a shadow that couldn