The deafening applause echoing through the grand hall of the Cosmic Academy was not simply a celebration of a single boy's success, but rather a massive, collective release of generations of pent-up despair, as the thousands of refugees finally understood that the fundamental rules of their universe had been entirely rewritten. Elian wiped the joyful tears from his scarred cheeks and walked proudly toward the left side of the dais, where Admiral Malakor offered the young boy a massive, reassuring pat on the back that nearly knocked him over, completely welcoming him into the ranks of the Winter Star Vanguard.
