The murmurs began immediately.
"How is that even possible?"
"The restrictions were supposed to…"
But all murmurs died when Julius raised one hand.
The gesture was minimal… Just a simple movement that somehow commanded absolute attention from hundreds of students.
"All materials were verified by experts," the director announced, his voice cutting through the noise. "There were no irregularities in the evaluation process."
The statement was clear. The results were legitimate and any suggestions otherwise would be dealt with harshly.
Selphira smiled from her position beside Julius, clearly enjoying the discomfort of nobles who'd bet against Ren.
She'd known… Of course she'd known.
She had the satisfaction of someone whose protégé had just validated every investment she'd made in him.
The nobles who'd schemed to handicap Ren were learning an expensive lesson about underestimating people.
On the other hand, the allies...
