Next in line was Lucas Hoffman, a prodigy renowned not just for his natural talent but also for the vast resources and support his family had provided.
He stepped forward with an air of confidence, his every move radiating poise. The crowd fell silent, anticipation building as Lucas donned the artifact, a pendant glowing faintly in his hand.
Unlike James, Lucas was no stranger to the limelight, and his reputation as a rising star in the magical world preceded him.
Lucas began chanting a spell, his voice steady and commanding. As he completed the incantation, the temperature in the room dropped noticeably.
A cold mist began swirling around him, and moments later, the ground trembled as massive spikes of ice erupted from it.
The magic didn't stop there; the ice grew rapidly, forming intricate walls and spires until a towering castle of ice stood before them.
The structure was magnificent, standing approximately 20 meters tall and spanning 30 meters in width. Its crystalline walls shimmered in the light, casting refracted rainbows across the room.
The audience gasped, their awe and admiration palpable. It wasn't just the size of the ice castle that impressed them but the precision and control Lucas displayed.
Defensive magic, particularly at such a young age, was an uncommon choice among students, who often focused on flashy offensive spells.
Yet Lucas had not only mastered it but had also used it to showcase his creativity and strategic thinking.
The teachers exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of surprise and approval. Defensive magic required foresight and patience, traits that were rare among young, hot-blooded teenagers eager to prove themselves.
Lucas's choice to display such magic, and at such a scale, spoke volumes about his understanding of magic's practical applications.
The crowd erupted into cheers, acknowledging Lucas's talent and the spectacle he had created.
His peers, though envious, couldn't deny the skill and effort behind his performance. For many, this was a testament to why Lucas Hoffman was considered a prodigy.
Lucas stood tall, his pride evident but not overbearing. He took a moment to glance at James, his expression neutral but his thoughts racing.
Though he had made a spectacular impression, the memory of James's fiery dragon lingered in his mind.
Still, Lucas was confident. "This is just the beginning," he thought. "With the resources and training at my disposal, surpassing him is only a matter of time."
As the applause continued, Lucas stepped back into the crowd, where many students congratulated him with admiration and awe.
Teachers nodded approvingly, and whispers of his name filled the room. The ice castle remained standing for a few moments longer before melting away.
leaving only the memory of its grandeur and the recognition of Lucas Hoffman as a talent destined to make a name for himself—and his family.
The ceremony had reached its climax as the announcer stepped forward to declare the results of the selection process.
The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as students, parents, and teachers eagerly awaited the announcement of the final rankings.
The names of the top 90 candidates were called out first,
with each student's score, specialty, and potential ranking proudly announced. Applause and cheers filled the room, celebrating the bright futures of those who had been selected.
Each candidate received a certificate of achievement, symbolizing their entry into the prestigious academy, along with heartfelt congratulations from the faculty.
As the countdown to the top ten began, the excitement in the hall grew palpable. The top ten candidates were to receive special rewards, tailored to their rankings and achievements.
These gifts included magical artifacts, rare herbs, and other valuable resources.
The anticipation reached its peak as the top five names were about to be revealed.
Recognition of Talent: The Top Five
The fifth and fourth positions were announced first, and both candidates were recognized with a selection of rewards: a basic magic wand, rare herbs, a certificate of achievement, and a set of magic stones. While the applause was polite,
it was evident that the crowd was holding its breath for the top three performers.
The third place was awarded to Natalie, whose earlier fiery display had been both impressive and polarizing.
As her name was announced, the audience response was noticeably muted, reflecting the mixed feelings her performance had elicited.
Nevertheless, Natalie climbed the stage with a composed demeanor, receiving her rewards: a higher-quality wand, a larger allocation of magic stones, and her certificate of achievement.
Despite the chilly reception, she maintained her poise, though her expression hinted at a desire for greater recognition.
The second place belonged to Lucas Hoffman, a prodigy with immense resources at his disposal. Lucas's name was met with enthusiastic applause, a testament to his reputation and performance.
When he stepped onto the stage, his confident stride and composed demeanor commanded attention. His rewards were significantly more substantial: a finely crafted wand, a rare artifact, and a coveted skill book titled "Ice Witch."
The skill book alone drew gasps from the audience, highlighting the gap in rewards between the top performers and the rest.
Lucas's smug smile and fleeting glance at James suggested his intent to dominate in the future. Yet, even he seemed intrigued by the first place announcement that was yet to come.
The Star of the Ceremony: James
Finally, the announcer called out the name everyone had been waiting for: James. The hall erupted in thunderous applause and cheers, as students and teachers alike acknowledged his extraordinary performance and unparalleled potential.
James ascended the stage, his earlier demonstration of magical talent still fresh in everyone's minds.