The room had settled.
The royals had now stood above, watching the rows of individuals below; an entourage of protection stood round, at the ready.
It was then a herald's voice that rang out, smooth and commanding.
"On this day, before crown and country, the names of those chosen to represent Eldris Academy shall be declared. They stand not only as students, but as the face of our realm to all others."
He paused, taking a breath, but also letting the words ripple through the hall.
"Let their names be carried with pride, for where they walk, they carry us all."
CLICK! CLICK!
Cameras flashed from the back of the procession, recorders recording his voice, whilst others inscribed his words.
The students fidgeted in their places, delusions of representing their home in-front of irrefutable numbers....
A spectacle of strength.
"Today we honour not only our rising prodigies, but the enduring strength of Eldris itself." the herald voiced, steadily, each syllable echoing in the air.
"Their trials have been harsh, battles unseen by most gathered here. Yet they prevailed; not as individuals, but proof of Eldris and what our institutions breed."
A pause, the silence swelling.
"Now! Before the crown and country, let them be known...." his arms extending to the left, causing all eyes to turn.
From the left, three figures stepped forward.
Their silhouettes emerging into the light.
The first was a swordsman. His stance whispered countless exchanges, sharp eyed and calm, his blade rested on his hip as flickers of lightning danced around his head.
The second was composed. A robed spellbinder holding an ivory staff, their measured hand was once said to have held back a raging storm.
The last was a tall, broad-shouldered beast tamer. The unmistakable shadow of a horned beast loomed at his shoulders, the air bending around with....presence.
The second year representatives.
CLICK CLICK! FLASH!
In all glory.
Murmurs rippled through the hall, respect and surprise interlocked.
These people weren't unheard of, their names were known.
The herald's voice brought people back to attention; a soft voice, that covered the room.
"As for the third and fourth years, their service takes them far from these halls. Their absence is felt, yet their duty honours us all."
A few looks exchanged, '...where were they?'
Whilst a pause lingered in the air, Jacob; who was at the front of the line, had his attention on the second years.
His gaze lingering for longer than most.
What was he thinking?
The thoughts around the room then ceased for the moment as they look towards the speaker once more.
He had lifted a scroll, prompting silence.
CLICK! CLICK!
Clearing his throat, he looked around the room before voicing; "And now....from the first year - though he stands alone, his name has already risen beyond the walls of this academy."
CLICK! FLASH!
'....Figures', Fayl thought, as a grin graced his lips.
The others knew it too.
The name fitted like a lock opening a door.
"Jacob Lacura."
For a heartbeat, silence held. Then the hall erupted.
Applause swelled as those watching rose to their feet; their shoes scrapping the floor.
Banners overhead trembled under the wake of noise.
"Much deserved." some voices spread.
Not every sound was praise.
Among the Elite Class, besides Fayl, they stood there; a knowing look in their eyes.
Enyx's arms were held folded, not clapping.
Rowen, ever quiet, offered a single sound from his hands connecting, too faint to be called applause.
Aelana Cael's lips curved faintly, though her hands never touched either.
The others did offer some grace.
Was it choice?
Or did the occasion demand it?
That was the case for those first year students gathered in the back.
'...Why him?'
CLICK!
The answer burned on their tongues, and in their eyes.
None dared to speak it. They knew why.
Everyone did.
It was obvious, he's the prodigy.
The untouchable.
And yet....knowing that didn't make it sting less.
CLICK! CLICK!
Riven just stared, not offering anything to this occasion; some near him caught the refusal, their hands faltering mid-applause....joining him.
The second year trio glanced at the contagious applause.
Their eyes shifting to the main attraction, 'Had this cub earned it?'
The one in question had strolled to front, standing on a platform resting right beneath the balcony housing royalty above.
Those above being the Princess and Prince, stared with blank expressions; keeping appearances precise and grand.
They wore uniforms; royal in cut, built from crimson and silver threads, the mark of their house was stitched on their spines; a pair of golden phoenixes glowing with a crimson aura.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
CLICK CLICK!
The applause dissipated slowly, matching the timing of his steps.
Before the herald could speak further, another voice cut through the hall.
A deeper, resonant voice.
It was the king.
CLICK! CLICK!
"Jacob Lacura," he began, voice resonant, "you have stood above your peers in talent, but also resolve. We have named you its first year representative, and I find no fault in that decision. Your potential does not merely serve this academy, but also for Eldris itself."
A ripple of applause followed, thunderous in some corners, hesitant in others.
Admiration intertwining with envy.
Jacob inclined his head, a composed smile gracing his lips. "Your words honour me, Your Majesty."
The King returned the smile in fashion, though his eyes never softened. His gaze remained measuring, weighing the boys future it seemed.
CLICK! CLICK!
Without turning, his voice carried again, solemn and absolute as before.
"The crown shall grant you one boon. Speak it, and within reason, it shall be done. A wish to mark your path."
The chamber stilled.
Even the clicking of cameras faltered and the scratch of pens.
The air bent to listen.
Hushed voices spread through the hall.
Nobles leaned forward, eager expressions as their heads craned.
'....What would he demand?'
'Wealth?'
'A title?'
'A special weapon forged by the royal smiths?'
The Elite Class gazed at his back, expressions varying.
Jacob's lips curved faintly.
CLICK!
One that the cameras caught.
He opened his mouth to speak---
But the king raised his hand, stopping him before his voice cut clean through:
"Before you give your wish, there is another matter." His gaze swept the crowd underneath, causing the students to fidget and freeze momentarily.
"Where is the boy you fought"
The crowd stilled, faces tightening in surprise.
'What did he just ask...'