The victory celebration was a blur of deafening cheers and triumphant chaos. C Class students hoisted Grey onto their shoulders, the sight of the heavily muscled 'ugly stepsister' being paraded around the communal hall adding a final, surreal touch to the day.
Mid-celebration, just as Grey was attempting to subtly shed the remnants of his costume, a severe-looking, uniformed messenger pushed through the jubilant crowd.
"Grey!" the messenger shouted over the din. "Grand Elder Ignis requests to see you in his private office!"
The cheering immediately quieted around Grey. A summons from a Grand Elder, especially Ignis, was no small matter.
Grey, relieved for a dignified exit from the ridiculous costume, quickly descended from the shoulders of his classmates, giving them a reassuring nod before following the messenger.
Ignis's private office, located deep within the oldest stone structures of the Academy, was a stark contrast to the festival.
