The academy's public dining hall was always buzzing with chatter. The air, thick with the aroma of food and the rippling of Magic Power, was filled with all sorts of gossip.
Carrying his tray, Allen had barely taken a window seat when he noticed countless gazes darting his way. The looks were a mixture of astonishment, envy, and even a few traces of undisguised jealousy.
"That's him! Allen Wesren!" a hushed voice exclaimed, unable to mask its excitement.
"I heard from the senior students that Professor Lecia stepped in personally and used the high-difficulty backup exam papers, and the result... was still a perfect score!"
"The guys on the forum who bet he'd be expelled are green with regret. Word has it someone lost their entire month's living expenses!"
The whispers converged into an invisible wave of sound, echoing under the dining hall's vaulted ceiling.
