"Hey, are you new here?" the young man asked. "I'm Jonas, from Lamía."
Bel looked at the blond young man in front of him and kept a serious expression on his face. "Yes, it's my first time here. My name is Bel."
Jonas shook Bel's hand vigorously, his friendly expression contrasting with the seriousness of the atmosphere. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Bel. I've heard that Klento's candidates are quite capable. I look forward to seeing them in action."
"I hope I won't disappoint you," Bel replied.
Klento's success rate was notoriously low, with only about 2% of applicants making it through each year. That rate haunted him, but it also motivated him to do his best.
Gracela and Victor, on the other hand, climbed onto the stage reserved for their companions so as not to disturb Bel.
"Are the exams really as hard as they say?" Bel asked Jonas, trying to ease the tension.
