Joad was absolutely furious.
He spun around without hesitation, ready to confront the First Grand Duke Ilan about this outrageous decision.
Was it not perfectly fine to stay safely within the academy walls? Why on earth was he being sent to participate in the so-called Trial of the Luminous Pearl?
"Joad, stop being so willful!"
Harvey raised his voice in reprimand, speaking sternly.
"I don't know why the academy chose you, but since you've been given such a valuable opportunity, you must give it your all—understood?"
"But…"
"No buts!" Harvey cut him off, his tone unwavering. "I understand you might be feeling pressured. Your current magic level might not be high, but that doesn't mean this is a bad thing for you."
"Have you ever considered that it's because your magic level isn't strong enough that you need to go through a trial like this? Doesn't it strike you as the academy placing high expectations on you?"
Expectations, my ass!
