The crowd's cheers still echoed in George's mind as he stood on the victory platform, gripping the championship trophy. Kas, coiled around his arm, flicked his tongue with satisfaction. The announcer's voice boomed across the stadium.
"And our champion—George Carter! A first-year who rose from obscurity to defeat some of the academy's most formidable competitors! A truly unforgettable performance!"
The audience erupted into applause, but George's expression was reserved. Victory wasn't a surprise—it was the result of everything he'd endured and overcome. He looked out at the crowd, their cheers a distant murmur compared to his thoughts.
"This is just the start," he muttered to Kas.
"Start of more power," Kas hissed in agreement.
Later that evening, the top three competitors—George, Lila Maren, and Silas Warden—stood before the academy's council in the grand hall. The room was adorned with banners of past champions, a testament to the legacy George had now joined.
