Several tense minutes passed as the teacher reviewed the exams, one by one.
Each time he moved a paper to the next pile, the murmurs in the classroom grew louder.
Everyone was anxious—some nervously drumming their fingers on the desk, others leaning toward their classmates to whisper with unease.
Anna, despite appearing calm, felt a slight flutter in her stomach.
She knew she had done well, but the uncertainty of what would come next kept her on edge.
Finally, the teacher placed the last exam on his desk, adjusted his glasses, and cleared his throat, grabbing everyone's attention.
The murmurs ceased immediately, and every student, without exception, fixed their gaze on him.
"Alright, class," he began in his slow but firm tone, "I've reviewed all the exams, and as I mentioned before, the top five students will have the chance to attend the official academy."
