The training grounds rang with thunderous cheers, the joy of victory washing over the crowd like a crashing wave. Students clapped each other on the shoulders, some laughing, others crying, their relief spilling out after the long days of struggle.
Yet amidst the storm of voices, Luca's heart was heavy, a shadow growing beneath his chest. His eyes swept over the jubilant faces, but unease gnawed at him, hollowing the cheer into something distant.
Professor Seraphina stepped forward, her heels clicking sharply against the stone as the cheers dimmed into eager silence. She stood beside Luca, her presence radiating calm authority.
"For this exam," she declared, her voice cutting cleanly through the crowd, "there will be no rankings. Each and every one of you performed beyond expectation. Every one of you… passes with excellent results!"
