Towards Academy

The crowd roared with applause as the top three candidates stood on the podium —

Caspian in second place, Vynesaa in first, and Lyrius in third.

His gaze kept shifting — not toward the crowd or the cameras — but toward Lyrius.

He stood rigid, barely holding himself together.

"Now... Welcome our Chief Guests — King Thalodir Atticus and Queen Elizabeth Atticus!"

The crowd erupted again.

The King and Queen approached, flanked by royal guards.

Thalodir carried himself like a conqueror — powerful, commanding.

The Queen followed a few steps behind, her presence colder — composed yet distant.

Her silken dress trailed behind her.

When they reached the podium, the King barely acknowledged Lyrius, thrusting the third-place award into his hands.

"Great performance"

Lyrius took it, his fingers curling tightly around the medal.

Then king awarded us and after that moved on.