Hidden Alliance

Adeline nodded, processing this information carefully. "And then?"

"Once the evaluation period is complete, the list of candidates is narrowed down," Benedict continued. "The names of the most promising individuals are placed on a shortlist. These candidates are then presented to the entire student body, and a vote is held."

Adeline's eyebrows raised in surprise. "The whole student body votes?"

Benedict nodded. "Yes. It's an important tradition. The council represents the students, after all. Each year, we welcome five new members to the council. That might sound like a lot, but considering the academy has over a thousand students, you can imagine how competitive the process is."

Adeline's eyes sparkled with determination. "So, only five out of thousands of students? That's... Intense."