Emma wiped her eyes quickly and shifted a little closer, pulling her knees up onto the bench while resting her chin on them. Her brown eyes lit up slightly, eager for the distraction.
"The Velcrest International Academy..." she began, twiddling her fingers, "is a lot different from the regular Velcrest Academy. It's… well, the best way to describe it is an institution for elites. Top-tier students, specialized training programs, experimental classes... stuff you can't even find in normal districts."
Asher nodded slowly, chewing thoughtfully.
Emma continued, voice gaining momentum, "There are special divisions — like combat divisions, magic divisions, engineering, artifact creation, tactical leadership... even politics and economics. But only a few people get to go in each year. It's like... you need a sponsor or outstanding achievements, or sometimes political backing."
He licked syrup from his thumb and leaned back against the table. "And you were trying to apply there?"
