The reaction that followed Charlotte Raven's name was not loud enough to become disorderly, but it was far more noticeable than the one Ariana had received.
A low murmur spread through the Eastern Grand Hall as several students turned toward her, some with surprise, others with curiosity, and a few with expressions that made it clear they were still processing what the ranking meant.
Charlotte had not merely remained in the top five. She had climbed above Chris Rature, a prince of Tempest, a Lightning Magic prodigy, and someone many had once assumed would remain among the highest-ranked students by default.
Whether anyone liked Chris or not, his power was undeniable, which made Charlotte's placement above him impossible to ignore. It told everyone that the academy had valued more than direct combat dominance, and it also told them that Charlotte had performed far better than many had assumed.
