The Great Hall of Stormhold Academy had never held this many people.
Hundreds packed the massive space. Students filled every available seat, pressed shoulder to shoulder in the aisles.
The energy and excitement crackling through the air felt electric.
Nearly a thousand new first-years had chosen Stormhold this year.
Most of them were commoners.
"Did you see the entrance exam rankings?" A girl with brown hair whispered to her friend, both wearing the crisp new uniforms that marked them as first-years. "Almost every commoner in the top two thousand applied here."
"That's because of Damian Valcor." Her friend's voice carried reverence mixed with fear. "The guy who fought seven demons and won. Who survived the Giants portal for two months and came out stronger. Who controls Tranquil City through the Mafia."
"The one who defeated all the Imperial heirs except Elizabeth Murdock."
"Don't forget the revolutionary reforms. He actually gave commoners a chance."
