"Faustus," she said, her voice icy. "I think we need to talk."

  He turned to her, one eyebrow raised dismissively. "Oh? What about, Valentina? Are you going to congratulate me on my brilliant presentation?"

  "You know exactly what I'm talking about," she hissed. "My Essence pattern. Someone tampered with it. And I hardly think it was a coincidence."

  Faustus' smile widened, but his eyes remained cold. "My goodness, Valentina. Are we being a little paranoid? Maybe your project just wasn't as stable as you thought."

  The surrounding students began to whisper, their eyes wandering back and forth between Valentina and Faustus.

  "You dirty little-" Valentina began, her hands clenched into fists.

  "Careful, little Weaver," Vyxara warned. "Not here, not now. You have no proof."

  Faustus leaned closer, his voice barely more than a whisper. "You know, Valentina, sometimes... accidents happen. Especially when someone tries to rise above their station."

  Valentina felt the anger boiling up inside her. She opened her mouth, ready to hurl all the insults at Faustus that had been building up inside her over the last months.

  But at that moment, two hands placed themselves on her shoulders. "Val, here you are," Innogen said loudly. "We've been looking everywhere for you."

  Crispin stepped up beside her, his gaze fixed on Faustus. "Is everything all right here?"

  Faustus' smile grew even wider. "And if it isn't? What are you going to do then, you little goblin?" Crispin flinched as if Faustus had hit him.

  Valentina shook with anger, but Innogen's hand on her shoulder held her back. "Come, Val," Innogen said gently. "The judges will be back soon. We should get ready."

  With one last, hate-filled look at Faustus, Valentina let herself be led away from her friends.

  "What was that?" Crispin asked when they were out of earshot. "You looked like you wanted to strangle Faustus."

  Valentina took a deep breath, trying to get her anger under control. "He sabotaged my project. I just know it."

  Innogen frowned. "That's a serious accusation, Val. Can you prove it?"

  "No," Valentina admitted reluctantly. "But who else would have a motive? And you saw his smug grin!"

  "She's right," Vyxara whispered. "We can't do anything without proof. Not yet. But our time will come. And then we'll lay his guts at his feet."

  Crispin put a hand on Valentina's arm. "Listen to me, Val. I believe you. Faustus is capable of anything. He is vile. But now is not the time to confront him. Let's concentrate on the results. Despite everything, you delivered a brilliant presentation."

  Valentina nodded slowly. "You're right. You're right of course. I can't let myself get distracted now."

  But her anger continued to bubble inside her. This wasn't over. Faustus had made a dangerous mistake when he messed with her. And she would make sure he regretted it. Somehow.

  As they returned to their seats, Valentina felt the eyes of the other participants on her. Some looked curious, others worried. She held her head high, refusing to show weakness.

  "Well done, little Weaver," Vyxara praised. "Let them puzzle over what you're capable of."

  With a grim smile, Valentina sat down, ready for the announcement of the results. Whatever happened, she would accept it with her head held high.

  The minutes slipped by like thick honey while the judges withdrew to deliberate. The atmosphere was one of tense expectation, broken only by quiet whispers and nervous laughter.

  Valentina sat between Innogen and Crispin, her fingers drumming restlessly on the armrest of her chair. "How much longer can it take?" she murmured.

  Innogen put a hand on Valentina's arm reassuringly. "Patience, Val. You have many factors to consider."

  Crispin nodded in agreement. "Exactly. And after your spectacular rescue operation, I'm sure they'll have a lot to talk about."

  Valentina sighed deeply. "I just wish I knew exactly what happened. How could someone manipulate my Essence pattern without me realizing it?"

  "A good question," Vyxara spoke up. "Perhaps we should use your... special abilities to shed some light on the matter?"

  Valentina hesitated briefly, then nodded barely perceptibly. She closed her eyes and concentrated, letting her Essence Listening ability take effect. The sounds in the hall changed, became sharper, more focused.

  "...impressive adaptability..." she heard a judge's voice say.

  "...ethically questionable, but undoubtedly innovative..." came from another.

  "...inexplicable disturbance in the pattern...," murmured a third.

  Valentina opened her eyes again, her heart beating wildly. "They're still discussing it," she whispered to her friends. "There doesn't seem to be a clear decision."

  Innogen frowned. "How do you know that?"

  Valentina blushed slightly. "I... uh, that's what I think is the reason they take so long," she mumbled evasively.

  At that moment, there was a murmur in the room. The door to the judges' deliberation room had opened. Professor Emberfell stepped out, her face a mask of neutrality.

  "The consultations have been completed," she announced. "The results will be announced shortly."

  A wave of excitement swept through the crowd. Students moved forward on their chairs, hands were kneaded nervously, expectant glances were exchanged.

  Valentina felt her stomach tighten. This was the moment of truth.

  Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  "Be calm, little Weaver," Vyxara whispered. "You've done everything you can. Now it's time to wait and see."

  From the other side of the hall, Valentina saw Faustus staring at her with a confident smile. She clenched her hands into fists, but forced herself to remain calm.

  "Whatever happens," Crispin said quietly, "you did brilliantly, Val. We're proud of you."

  Innogen nodded in agreement. "Exactly. You've shown everyone what you can do. No one can take that away from you."

  Valentina smiled gratefully. No matter what the next few minutes would bring, she was not alone. She had her friends, her determination, her skills and Vyxara.

  When Decan Valemont entered the hall to announce the results, Valentina straightened up. Her heart was racing, but her gaze was firm.

  Decan Valemont strode to the podium with measured steps, his long academic robe rustling softly with every movement. The hall fell silent immediately, the air seemed to vibrate with tension.

  "Ladies and gentlemen, dear students," he began, his voice echoing around the room, "we have seen truly remarkable performances today in the second round of the Greystone competition. Each and every one of you has proven that the future of Essence Weaving is in good hands."

  He paused, his gaze gliding over the tense faces. "The decision was not easy, but after careful consideration, we have come to a conclusion."

  Valentina felt Innogen's hand slip into hers. She squeezed it gratefully, her heart hammering wildly in her chest.

  "Third place," continued Valemont, "goes to a project that is not only innovative, but also of great practical benefit. With his method of preserving food, he has shown that Essence Weaving has the potential to solve one of mankind's oldest problems. Third place goes to... Crispin Gillespie!"

  Crispin let out a surprised gasp. Valentina and Innogen cheered and pulled him into a tight embrace. "That's fantastic, Crispin!" Valentina exclaimed, genuine joy in her voice.

  When the applause died down, Valemont raised his hand again. "Second place goes to a project that has undoubtedly pushed the boundaries of what we thought was possible. Even if some ethical questions remain, we cannot deny the technical brilliance. Second place goes to... Faustus Boarfend!"

  Faustus' smug smile flickered briefly. He had obviously expected first place.

  Valentina's heart stopped for a moment. If Faustus was second, did that mean...?

  "And now for first place in this round," said Valemont, a rare smile playing around his lips. "This project impressed us not only with its innovation and potential benefits for the whole kingdom, but also with its exceptional adaptability and quick thinking in a crisis situation. First place in this round goes to... Valentina of Palewood!"

  For a moment, there was absolute silence. Then the hall erupted into thunderous applause. Innogen and Crispin jumped up and pulled Valentina into a stormy embrace. "You did it!" shouted Innogen joyfully. "I knew you could do it!"

  Valentina stood there in a daze, unable to comprehend what had just happened. After winning the first round, she had also won the second round as well. Despite all the adversity, despite the sabotage, she had done it.

  As Valentina stepped forward to shake all the outstretched hands, she saw Faustus' face. It was a mask of cold rage, his eyes promising revenge. But at that moment, nothing could dampen Valentina's triumph.

  Professor Emberfell stepped forward, a warm smile on her otherwise stern face. "Your performance was truly exceptional, Valentina," she said. "We were particularly impressed by your ability to improvise under pressure and deal productively with a potential disaster. That is a quality that goes far beyond academic brilliance. Remember, I would like to have a few words with you after the event."

  Valentina nodded, a mixture of pride and nervousness running through her. "Of course, Professor. Thank you very much."

  When Valentina returned to her friends, she was surrounded by a wave of congratulations. Students she hardly knew came to congratulate her. Even some of the other contestants nodded appreciatively at her.

  In the midst of the commotion, she caught Faustus' gaze again. He was standing to one side, his followers trying in vain to comfort him. Their eyes met for a moment and Valentina felt a shiver run down her spine. This wasn't over yet, she knew. Faustus would not give up so easily.

  "Come on," said Innogen, grabbing Valentina and Crispin by the arm. "We have to celebrate! But first you have to talk to Professor Emberfell."

  Suddenly serious, Valentina nodded. "Yes, you're right. I'll be right back."

  With one last glance around the hall, Valentina made her way to Professor Emberfell. Things had started in chaos, but it had ended in triumph. But this was only a stage victory, she reminded herself. The rounds to come would be at least as difficult as the last ones and she had to be ready.

  Valentina followed Professor Emberfell into a quiet side room, away from the hustle and bustle of the celebrations. But her heart was still pounding with excitement – and now with nervousness.

  "Sit down, Valentina," said Emberfell, pointing to a chair. She was serious, but not unfriendly. "Your performance today was truly remarkable."

  "Thank you, Professor," Valentina replied quietly.

  Emberfell leaned forward. "I must confess, I was surprised by the speed of your adaptation during the presentation. It was almost as if you were expecting the disruption."

  Valentina felt the blood drain from her face. Had Emberfell noticed the sabotage?

  "Careful, little Weaver," Vyxara warned.

  "I... I didn't expect anything to go wrong," Valentina said cautiously. "But I've learned that in Essence Weaving, you always have to be prepared for the unexpected."

  Emberfell nodded slowly and gave her a knowing look. "You have no proof, so you answer me evasively without lying to me. A wise attitude. And one that will take you far." She paused for a moment. "Valentina, I've watched your progress over the last few months. Your talent is undeniable, but there's something else. An... intuition for Essence Weaving that I've rarely seen."

  Valentina swallowed hard. Was that a compliment or a hidden accusation?

  "I would like to encourage you to develop this talent further," Emberfell continued. "But I also want to warn you. Being a powerful Essence Weaver brings you great power and great opportunities. But sometimes also great dangers. There are many people who want to take advantage of what we can do, and especially a young, brilliant but penniless Essence Weaver like you will be targeted like a vulture. Be on your guard."

  "I understand, Professor," Valentina said quietly.

  Emberfell smiled slightly. "I'm sure you do. Now, enough of the serious words. Go, celebrate your victory. You've earned it."

  As Valentina left the room, her head whirled. Pride in her victory battled with anger at the sabotage and worry over Emberfell's cryptic warning.

  "You did well, little Weaver," Vyxara murmured appreciatively.

  Valentina nodded slightly as she returned to her waiting friends. She could hardly believe how far she had come in such a short time. From a shy girl from Palewood to maybe one of the most promising Essence Weavers of her generation soon – just one more round.

  "There you are at last!" shouted Innogen, pulling Valentina into a hug. "Come on, let's go to the Burning Quill. Half the university is already waiting there!"

  Crispin grinned broadly. "Yes, you're officially a celebrity now, Val."

  Valentina laughed, she was truly relaxed for the first time that day. "Well, let's go then. "I could do with a fire tongue," she said.

  Valentina looked back one last time as they left the competition hall. She saw Faustus staring at her with cold hatred and Professor Emberfell, her eyes watching her thoughtfully.

  A shiver ran down her spine. She knew that the rounds to come would be even tougher. That the judges would keep an even more watchful eye on her, that Faustus would work hard to bring her down.

  "Don't worry, little Weaver," Vyxara whispered. "Together we are unbeatable."

  She turned to her friends, straightened her shoulders and followed them out into the cool evening air.

  Valentina arrived at the Burning Quill to a wave of cheers. Students she hardly knew patted her on the back and congratulated her. She recognized familiar faces from her courses, but also older students who usually didn’t pay much attention to the first year students.

  Hobkin of Foxhollow stood on a table, juggling glowing Essence balls and shouted: "To Valentina of Palewood, the surprise of the year!"

  While everything was rumbling all around, Valentina found a moment of stillness. She pictured her family, in Palewood, who had given so much for the chance for her to be here. She thought back to the challenges she had overcome and thought about the challenges yet to come.

  "Tomorrow, we start to prepare for the last round. But today you should enjoy your triumph and relax, little Weaver," Vyxara said gently. "You've earned it."

  That's what Valentina did. She laughed with her friends, danced to the happy music and tried to forget herself in the joy of it all. As the evening drew to a close and Valentina fell into her small bed, exhausted but happy, thinking of all the recognition, admiration and success she had experienced today, she knew one thing for sure: She wanted more of it.