With the authoritative figures entering the hall and taking their seats, every student's attention shifted toward the stage, and the noise died instantly.
For a long moment, there was nothing but silence as the students waited.
After a while, Headmaster Thion stepped forward and approached the pulpit. He stood before it, his gaze sweeping across the hall, taking in each and every student with quiet scrutiny.
"Good morning, second years," he began, his voice firm and steady. "It is good to see that you have all prepared yourselves well. You seem to have understood Miss Greydon's instructions. Each of you has given thought to what you carry into this test… and that, in itself, shows a level of maturity worth acknowledging."
The praise was unexpected, but none of the students allowed themselves to be swayed by it. They remained composed, their focus fixed on him as they waited for what would come next.
Noticing their restraint, Thion allowed himself a faint smile before continuing.
