"—access to the Hidden Realm of the Academy"
Gasps erupted throughout the hall. It was the first time that someone, who wasn't a descendant of the four elite families got the chance to enter the hidden realm.
Arthur's eyes widened at the scene unfolding before him. Regulus wasn't just any student of the Academy—he was the strongest of his time.
The undisputed Rank 1.
'It was clear to me that Regulus wasn't a random mage,' Arthur thought, 'but I didn't expect his background to be this...'
Regulus received the rewards with a deep bow, the perfect image of humility. But as he straightened and turned to face the crowd, Arthur caught the flash of something else—a soft smirk that spoke of satisfaction deeper than mere academic pride.
This was a victory in some greater game that Arthur couldn't yet see in full.
