The Second Defense was held in the Main Debate Hall in the Magic Tower's central section.
The space was astonishingly vast, with a dome over a hundred feet high, inset with rows of crystal lamps that lit the entire hall as brightly as daylight.
At the front stood a broad platform with ten long tables, one for each of the ten judging professors.
Behind it, the floor rose in tiers, densely packed with curved rows of seats that could accommodate over a thousand people at once.
All the participating students would sit here, listening to the others' presentations while waiting for their own turn.
By now, the hall was already more than half full. Voices filled the air, along with a mingled sense of tension and anticipation.
"I'm so nervous... I have to make it to the Final Defense this time!"
"Don't even mention it. My hands are still shaking."
"I heard there are a few more dark horses this year. The competition's bound to be even tougher."
Greg walked through the crowd, listening to the hushed conversations and deep breaths around him, and couldn't help feeling a little reflective.
He understood their nerves. This felt just like the college entrance exams, with their futures and their parents' pride at stake. Who wouldn't be nervous?
Fortunately, he was now a master of acing exams without studying. His head was full of tried-and-tested model answers from the Player Community, so he had no reason to worry.
He passed through the crowd and headed toward the steps ahead.
Just as he was about to step onto them, a figure in aqua blue approached from a side aisle, reaching the foot of the steps at the same moment.
Their eyes met, and both paused briefly.
Looking at him, Vivian gave a slight nod,