Celina didn't know what was going on. If there was any trial or screening, it was supposed to be done at the academy, not in a city far from the academy.
The square was packed by the time she arrived. Hundreds of students milled about, forming loose groups. Some whispered excitedly. Others looked ready to faint.
Celina stood alone, arms crossed, observing.
Her face was filled with confusion and a bit of anger.
It didn't take long for people to notice her.
A ripple went through the crowd near her. She caught snippets of murmurs.
"Is that...?"
"White hair? Red eyes? Is she cursed?"
"Maybe she's royalty pretending to be common."
"She doesn't even have a sword..."
Celina ignored them.
She was used to it.
Instead, her eyes focused on the raised platform at the far end of the square. Five people stood there, wearing dark Academy robes. Instructors. They had that kind of fearful air around them.
