"Seris True Word Spell actually had prospects like these?"
"Levels 2-7... levels 7-9..."
"Looks pretty good."
In the lounge, the committee members who had finished the first round of voting and now had some free time cast Projection and went online.
Somewhat unexpectedly, they found several topics being hotly discussed on the Magic Network.
They were news stories about Lunifis published in the Arcana Communications Journal.
Every awards selection was a clash of titans, and even Lunifis had failed to claim the front-page headline.
After all, the Runes School was far from the only school participating in this grand event.
But Lunifis was fair-skinned and beautiful, instantly recognizable to the public and immensely popular.
Even with the announcement relegated to page two, it still attracted plenty of attention and comments.
Quite a few people had learned about the matter through her.
A little later, in a small conference room at the Arcane Committee.
Constant Light spells formed from magical energy hung high overhead like lamps, bathing every corner in bright, clear light.
Impeccably dressed committee representatives, along with the alternate committee members, special representatives, and others serving there, sat around the central deliberation table, conducting another round of selection for the Morningstar Award in a setting as solemn and imposing as a parliament.
As Floating Fey drifted through the air like swimming fish, new ballots landed on the desks in front of everyone.
"The second round of selection will now begin..."
"Candidates from the Runes School: Gallo, Henry, Roland..."
Ovesto could not help the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.
That boy!
Swein, from his own school, had actually been knocked out in the first round, while Roland had survived.
Still, that result hardly seemed surprising.
Almost everyone on the shortlist had solid accomplishments, but their chances of winning differed