Outside the Phantom Exhibition Hall.
All the contestants in the second round had arrived, except for a handful who couldn't make it for one reason or another, such as Jia Xiu.
Today was the day the rankings would be announced.
Dozens more students would be eliminated.
Unlike the first round, this competition had no clear-cut objective where you knew on the spot whether you'd passed. It all came down to whether the audience liked your work.
So most contestants had no idea how things would turn out and looked a little nervous.
Of course, there were also some supremely confident students.
Jacob, the Holy Son of the Holy Light Church, and Justus of Ukemak.
My excellent work must have taken first place in the second round, they both thought with absolute certainty.
When the allotted time had passed, Professor Tanshur said, "All right, the second round has come to a successful close. Although ten groups will have to leave the competition because of their rankings, that doesn't mean there was nothing worthwhile about your work. It simply didn't quite match the current audience's tastes. Don't be too disheartened, and I hope you'll keep working hard."
Gentle Tanshur was like the ocean.
He even took the time to comfort the contestants who'd been eliminated.
"Once you enter, find your display booth. The number of visitors over the three days and your final ranking will be posted there. This round will advance 56 groups.
"You can spend the time ahead watching and learning from the other groups' work. During the three-day exhibition, some merchant groups may be interested in buying and developing certain works. If you wish to sell yours, we'll provide all the help you need with contract negotiations.
"Since this round took a long time, today will be your only