Chapter 682: Let The Test Begin
With the authoritative figures entering the hall and taking their seats, every student's attention shifted toward the stage, and the noise died instantly.
For a long moment, there was nothing but silence as the students waited.
After a while, Headmaster Thion stepped forward and approached the pulpit. He stood before it, his gaze sweeping across the hall, taking in each and every student with quiet scrutiny.
"Good morning, second years," he began, his voice firm and steady. "It is good to see that you have all prepared yourselves well. You seem to have understood Miss Greydon's instructions. Each of you has given thought to what you carry into this test… and that, in itself, shows a level of maturity worth acknowledging."
The praise was unexpected, but none of the students allowed themselves to be swayed by it. They remained composed, their focus fixed on him as they waited for what would come next.
Noticing their restraint, Thion allowed himself a faint smile before continuing.
"Today marks the beginning of your assessment," he said calmly. "As you are already aware, your performance will directly influence your rankings."
He paused briefly.
"And before any of you concern yourselves unnecessarily—there will be no expulsions tied to this test," he added. "There never have been. It has always been a bluff… and your juniors will soon experience that same bluff for themselves."
A few quiet chuckles rippled through the hall as the students recalled how often they had once been threatened with expulsion. Even knowing now that it had never been enforced, the pressure of it had been very real.
"You have already been given the rules and procedures for this assessment," Thion continued. "Which means I have little else to add… other than this."
He paused again, his gaze settling briefly on a single student—though none but him seemed to fully register it.