The hall erupted into pure pandemonium the instant Ricor's shriek faded.
Commoners exploded first.
A cluster of boys near the back started shouting over each other.
"Dude—did you see that? Colors everywhere. Crimson, gold, black!"
"Unquantifiable. Limitless. Ricor called him a god-touched monster. A commoner!"
"Bro, I've been waiting my whole life for someone to make the nobles shut up. And it's him. Aiden Nightshade just broke their whole system."
"Imperial level? Elarion was imperial. This guy just… broke the scale!"
One freckled kid punched his friend's "I'm telling you—he's the one. The Child of Prophecy everyone whispers about. We finally have someone who can stand toe-to-toe with those Voss pricks."
"Think he'll take commoner side in duels? I'd pay to see him freeze Elarion's smug face."
"Pay? I'd sell my boots to watch that."
Laughter rippled through the group.
