The moment they stepped onto the stage, the Great Hall's noise cut off like someone had sliced through sound itself.
Students recognized them immediately.
"That's the tournament team!"
"Edrin Kael! He fought in that first match!"
"Ariana Sterling with the spatial teleportation!"
"Those are the ones who survived the portal!"
The new first-years leaned forward, excitement blazing across young faces. These were the legends they'd heard about, the commoners who'd shattered every expectation and proven that talent rankings meant nothing compared to will.
But the Nobles shifted in their seats, faces showing dismissal mixed with resentment.
One of them spoke loud enough to carry. "They aren't the strongest. It's just that Liam and the others quit the council. These ones happened to be recruited by Damian Valcor. They haven't earned their positions."
