The academy's public dining hall was always bustling with noise. The air, a mixture of food aromas and fluctuations of Magic Power, was filled with all sorts of discussions.
Allen carried his tray and had just found a seat by the window when he noticed countless gazes fixed on him.
These gazes were a mixture of surprise, envy, and even some undisguised jealousy.
"That's him! Allen Wesren!" a voice, hushed but unable to hide its excitement, rang out.
"I heard from an upperclassman that Professor Lecia personally stepped in and used a high-difficulty backup exam, but... he still got a perfect score!"
"Those guys on the forums who bet he'd be expelled are kicking themselves now. I heard someone even lost a whole month's living expenses!"
The whispers merged into an invisible wave of sound, swirling under the dining hall's vaulted ceiling.
