The announcement came first thing in the morning right after they said good bye to Professor Grisham back in his home.
Students were still shuffling into the courtyard, rubbing sleep from their eyes, when Professor Gertrude's voice carried across the grounds with practiced authority. Beside him stood Darenn, tall and impassive, and Aleck—who looked like he would rather be anywhere else.
"Attention, students of Mystic Academy!" Irving unrolled a scroll, his voice crisp. "By unanimous decision of the faculty, after thorough evaluation of the spar and subsequent events, we hereby recognize Aleck as officially ranked… Red Diamond."
Gasps rippled through the crowd. A few clapped, others cheered, and some just whispered furiously among themselves.
"Red Diamond?! That's insane!"
"He almost collapsed after the spar!"
"Yeah, but did you see him turn into a dragon? That alone deserves it!"
"Shiny dragon boy…" someone sighed dreamily, earning a glare from their friend.
