The eight students chosen for the second round stood before the stage, while the rest remained a little behind, whispering among themselves.
The surprising thing was that three of the selected students were from the lowest-ranked academy—Ardentia. No one had expected that. Many from the higher academies found it hard to accept, and questions began to bubble up.
Naturally, one of those questions came from a girl who had been Warren's escape partner. She stepped forward and raised her voice, "Why is Kevin selected, Miss? Why not me? I escaped the ceremonial hall with Warren too."
Her voice carried frustration and disbelief. She had been sure she would be part of the top eight.
