"But they might cheat," Liora murmured, she was someone who'd seen too much noble duplicity already.
"Exactly," Larissa confirmed, nodding. "That's why the first ten exams may be critical. They don't just establish your record. They establish expectations. They reveal your real level."
"And then they'll know exactly how much more pressure they need to apply to make me fail?" Luna finished with bitterness.
"Not just you," Larissa added, her expression darkening. "Anyone with significant rewards. You, Liora to a lesser extent, but especially Ren."
"Ren?" Luna asked, straightening slightly. Her wolf's ears perked up at the name.
