Victoria Blackwood stood at the podium with natural authority and grace. The hall fell into a hushed, anticipatory silence as she elegantly untied the deep crimson ribbon on the first leather-bound degree folder. A subtle, knowing smile graced her lips as she opened it.
She let the moment stretch for just a heartbeat before her clear, resonant voice filled the Grand Convocation Hall.
"The student who has achieved the first rank… is Mr. Alexander Hale."
For a fraction of a second, the entire hall seemed to freeze.
Then came the storm.
A wave of stunned murmurs erupted across the graduate section and spread rapidly through the audience.
Students turned toward Alex with wide eyes, their expressions a turbulent mix of envy, jealousy, disbelief, and reluctant admiration.
"Alexander Hale…? First rank?"
"No way… I thought he'd get top ten, but first?"
"He's that scholarship guy, right? How the hell…?"
