Ren stood outside the arena, surrounded by his friends who were all talking at once about his victory.
"Not even three seconds! You didn't even give him the three seconds he gave me!" Min gesticulated wildly, recreating the scene with his hands. "He deserved it for doing the same to me... Liu's face was priceless!"
Liu crossed his arms with mock indignation.
The light streaming through the arena's high windows cast long shadows across the gathering area, highlighting the contrast between the jubilant Gray Wing team and the dejected expressions of the noble students passing by. Word of their dominance had spread quickly throughout the academy.
Lin approached the group, her professional expression slightly softened by an approving smile.
"Ren," she called, making everyone turn toward her. "Congratulations on winning the Best's Honor prize."
"Honor price?" Ren blinked, his mushrooms pulsing with curiosity. "I thought the tournament was just an exam."
