Bishop VI

Esme's exceptional performance sent ripples through the Selection Ceremony, casting a shadow over the subsequent attempts of other lords' sons and daughters. The air in the Academy plaza grew tense, and whispers of disbelief and envy spread like wildfire. Each subsequent candidate, now faced with the high benchmark set by Esme, struggled to elicit the same level of admiration.

As the screen displayed a string of single and double digits, the once fervent energy dwindled. The lords, who had initially expressed disappointment, now wore resigned expressions, realizing that their ambitions to outshine the king's son had been shattered by the unexpected prowess of Esme. The Academy, once filled with anticipation, now found itself in a state of stagnation. The Selection Ceremony, which had promised to be a grand spectacle, was marred by the unexpected turn of events.

As the final name among the lords' sons and daughters was called upon, the anticipation in the Academy reached its zenith. However, the climax turned out to be less exciting than expected, as the candidate's performance failed to surpass Esme's remarkable display. The lords, already disheartened by their previous lackluster results, now faced a deeper sense of disappointment.

Amid the waning enthusiasm, there was a subtle shift in the atmosphere as the realization dawned that the turn for servants and slaves in the Selection Ceremony was imminent. The crowd, initially ready to disperse, hesitated when they noticed the king remaining in his seat. Whispers spread through the audience, questioning the king's decision to stay put even though the lords' children had concluded their performances.

In hushed tones, a curious spectator inquired of their neighbor about the king's peculiar choice to stay. The response revealed the historical precedent – a shocking event from a previous Selection where a servant had unexpectedly achieved a double-digit result. The memory of this unexpected twist lingered in the air, heightening the anticipation for what the servant and slave candidates might reveal in the upcoming moments.

Agatha, still standing tall at the podium, surveyed the stage and addressed the knights in a commanding yet empathetic tone. Her words resonated through the Academy, cutting through the murmurs of the audience.

"Let it be known that in the eyes of the Academy, all lives hold equal significance, irrespective of their station or birthright. The Selection Ceremony is a testament to the potential that resides within every individual. Today, we extend this opportunity to the slaves and servants who stand before us."

The knights, under Agatha's orders, began ushering the candidates onto the stage. The servants and slaves, their faces a mixture of anticipation and trepidation, stepped into the spotlight. Agatha's gaze shifted from face to face, acknowledging each candidate as a unique entity, regardless of societal labels.

"As the knights bring forth these individuals, remember that within each of them lies the potential for greatness. The essence of heroism knows no bounds and may manifest in unexpected places. Today, we witness the unfolding chapters of their destinies."

Her words carried a weight that transcended the Academy's grandeur, reaching the hearts of those assembled. With her unwavering commitment to equality, Agatha set the stage for a moment that would challenge preconceived notions and redefine the expectations of the Selection Ceremony.

As anticipated, the majority of the slaves and servants who stepped onto the stage failed to register any digits on the screening device. Disappointment rippled through the crowd, and murmurs of discontent grew louder. Whispers of disapproval echoed in the vast hall as attendees expressed their frustration.

"Is this a joke?" someone scoffed, voicing the sentiments of the disgruntled audience. "Why waste our time with this farce? We came to witness greatness, not this... mockery."

Others chimed in with similar sentiments, demanding a conclusion to the ceremony and expressing their desire to leave. The grandeur of the Academy, once filled with excitement and anticipation, now reverberated with a sense of disillusionment.

In the midst of the growing discontent, Agatha maintained her composed stance at the podium. Her resolute gaze swept across the disgruntled crowd, and she raised her hand, commanding attention.

"Patience, esteemed guests," she declared, her voice carrying the weight of authority. "The Selection Ceremony is not merely about spectacle; it is a journey through potential and the unveiling of hidden strengths. Be vigilant, for within unexpected corners, the seeds of greatness may still take root."

Agatha's unwavering dedication to the principles of the Academy resonated through her words, momentarily quelling the unrest. However, the palpable tension lingered, casting a shadow over the concluding moments of the ceremony.

As if in response to Agatha's plea for patience and faith in the unseen potential, a hushed gasp swept through the crowd as a slave girl stepped forward onto the stage. All eyes were fixated on the screening device, anticipation mounting with each passing second.

With bated breath, the girl placed her hand on the device, her determination palpable in the air. A collective gasp escaped the onlookers as the screen illuminated with a resounding four-digit, a rare and astonishing sight that defied all expectations.

Silence fell over the assembly, broken only by the soft hum of the device and the rhythmic beating of hearts echoing in the cavernous hall. In that fleeting moment, the disparity between social ranks dissolved, replaced by a profound recognition of innate talent and resilience.

Among the esteemed heroes, murmurs of recognition rippled through the ranks as they bore witness to the unmistakable aura of hero essence emanating from the girl. In her humble guise, she embodied the essence of courage and fortitude, a testament to the boundless potential that lay within every individual, regardless of their station in life.

For a brief moment, the Academy was enveloped in a reverent silence, its grandeur eclipsed by the awe-inspiring display of human potential. In that transformative moment, the girl's triumph transcended the confines of societal norms, igniting a spark of hope in the hearts of all who bore witness to her extraordinary feat.

Agatha, her eyes gleaming with admiration, extended an invitation to the remarkable girl who had defied all expectations. "What is your name, young one?" she inquired, her voice carrying the weight of profound curiosity.

The girl, standing with newfound confidence, met Agatha's gaze unwaveringly. "My name is Celtic," she replied, the simplicity of her words belying the extraordinary essence that radiated from within.

A ripple of astonishment echoed through the assembly as Agatha acknowledged Celtic's unique achievement. "Celtic," she repeated, her voice resonating through the hall, "a name that shall be etched in the annals of the Academy's history."

The crowd, once skeptical and impatient, now watched with a mix of wonder and humility as Celtic, a slave girl, stood before them, embodying the very spirit of resilience and potential that Agatha had championed throughout her tenure as the principal.

Agatha, with a profound sense of purpose, beckoned Celtic to stand beside Viktor and Esme, forging an indelible image of unity and inclusion. The Academy, a bastion of tradition and hierarchy, found itself momentarily transformed by the unyielding spirit of a girl whose name would resonate far beyond the confines of its storied walls.