"Luminara Academy will host the Radiant Crown Tournament."
Confusion rippled through the crowd. Some students recognized the name immediately. Most did not.
Ronan watched faces shift. Nobles exchanged glances knowingly. Commoners frowned in confusion. Upperclassmen straightened slightly, which told him they knew more than the freshmen did.
Rubin continued before the murmurs could build.
"This will not be an internal competition. Three academies will participate."
He paused, letting that sink in.
"Luminara Academy. Xytrian Academy of Xyta. And Wintercrest Academy of the Northern Continent."
The hall erupted.
Students began speaking over one another. Some were excited, others alarmed. A tournament involving three major academies wasn't just unusual. It was almost unprecedented. Ronan could hear fragments of questions around him, none of them fully formed yet.
"Why Xyta?"
"The Northern Continent? Are they serious?"
"How many students are competing?"
