Finally, a massive board appeared in the air above the courtyard, glowing with magical light.
Names began filling it, those who'd passed all three trials.
I scanned frantically, looking for mine, my heart hammering against my ribs.
"JIN RAITH- PASSED TRIAL RANK: 447"
I stared at the number.
Top 500. I'd made it into the top 500.
Relief hit me so hard my knees nearly buckled.
"KYLE STONEHEART - PASSED" TRIAL RANK: 389
"YES!" Kyle's shout nearly deafened me. "WE DID IT! JIN, WE ACTUALLY DID IT!"
He grabbed my shoulders, shaking me with more enthusiasm than my battered body appreciated. "We're Academy students! Actual Academy students!"
Around us, reactions varied wildly. Some candidates celebrated, others collapsed in tears of relief or disappointment. A few just stood in shocked silence, processing their results.
