“You will be performing this while surrounded by Class D individuals.”Silence.Then the reaction hit.It did not explode.It fractured.A student near the front stiffened visibly. Another leaned back as if the air itself had become uncomfortable. Someone in the middle row let out a quiet, disbelieving laugh that died immediately when no one joined in.Whispers started.Low. Fast. Controlled.“What?” “That is not necessary.” “Why them?” “Is this safe?”Zayel watched it all unfold without moving.Tess tilted her head slightly, eyes narrowing with interest rather than concern.“Oh,” she said quietly. “Now this is interesting.”Milo blinked. “Wait. They have to sit near us?”Tess smirked faintly. “Not just near. Surrounded.”Milo’s eyes widened slightly. “That sounds intense.”Zayel finally spoke, his voice low. “It is not about intensity.”Tess glanced at him. “No?”“It is about observation.”Instructor Hale’s voice cut through the murmurs without raising in volume.“This is not opt