Eldric was right in front of the wooden stage, waiting patiently. Two polished bronze medals gleamed from his matte blue uniform. Sascha stood next to him, noticing the young boy's spindly legs trembling. He should be proud of his medal collection. He scored the highest in mathematics and physics, but still, he was busy passing the time, listening to every name that passed by his ears.

The hall room was different three months earlier. The beauty of this vast corridor glistened in the spring breeze. The little birds were chirping in gratitude for the aura, and the spruces and trees were dressed in new leaves. The waft was soothing the hall room as they were welcoming the newly promoted students to twelfth grade, as the principal, Mr. Velten Frank, called them himself.

The students seemed anxious and jittery, as if they had been called to heaven. Eldric and his classmates swallowed their spittle as indistinct conversation drifted through the wind. As the names were called, the students would enthusiastically leap onto the stage, releasing their classmates' hands. Eldric was overcome by their exuberance.

"Aliza Fritz, and then Dieter Steinmann, our top dog!" Mr. Frank finished calling out names.

Eldric was embarrassed as he stood still and peered at his friends. For him, spring did not bloom. How untoward it was that even his father was absent from the elaborate chair for the guest! The euphoric crowd stared at Eldric. They too find it hard to comprehend why this boy, who had just been honored for his accomplishments in physics and math, has not been moved up to the next grade.

Nothing looked fair for the poor kid, and he decided to leave the place.

However, Sacha ran to the principal after the wonderful reception.

"Let’s see if I can convince him too." Eldric's physics teacher, Mr. Simeone Berger, joined Sascha.

They headed to the principal, who was engaged in meaningful conversation. He was holding the red wine in the pointed glass.

"Mr. Frank, our boy Eldric got a brilliant score in mathematics and physics. He is a genius and far more intelligent than any of his friends." Simeone pledged.

"Mr. Berger, it seems as though you've developed a fluid tongue inside of your dark skin." You are completely aware of his score in geopolitics and literature. He scored zero. Remember why this school exists. They desire a new wolf to take his place. Failure is not what this place needs. Mr. Berger's presence bothered Mr. Frank.

"But sir, he deserves a second chance. I know my friend very well. I am sure that he'll put in extra effort this time," Sacha requested.

Mr. Frank fixed his white homburg after he put the glass on the table. The conversation filled the hall, and a few gentlemen in brightly colored coats called their attention to it. The scenario was noticed by the principal of Wolf's Patriotic School.

"Little woman, you will lead us into the future. A leader should be aware of his people and society. We place the greatest value on that, and I think Eldric will get along well with the junior batch. I want you to focus on yourself, little woman." Mr. Frank added. "You should enjoy this wonderful party that has been organized only for you."

Sascha stared at Mr. Frank for a while. She also sulked in front of Mr. Berger. They were left behind as Sascha joined her classmates.

"Although she is childish, Mr. Berger, I expected you to act in a more mature manner." Mr. Berger caught Mr. Frank's grin. "Elric is way ahead, right? You increase my amusement."

Mr. Berger remained silent in response. Instead, he glanced at the stone figure that the principal displayed to him. Mr. Frank didn't give the look back and got busy with the gentlemen.

"Hey, Sacha. Sir Frank has a point. Eldric is not fit for the next class. He must be better at geopolitics first. There's nothing else to do but be nice to him. You're just littering this party." Sascha approached the group of gleaming-eyed and bushy-tailed people surrounding her as Dieter spoke to her.

"You know what, Dieter, that's so mean of you." Sacha asserted. "The only person who should be pleased with the result is you. Throughout the entire year, you were envious of his extraordinary aptitude for math and physics, and even today, I saw your envious expression on Eldric when he received the medals."

Sascha clenched her gingham dress and made a hard lip cross. She was not in the mood to possess the party. She raised her rounded jaw to resemble Dieter's as her eyes sparkled.

"I envy Eldric. What the f--- is that? Dieter became more animated. "Why would I be interested in that hermit boy? You may see my chest. Count them first, and then his. If you don’t want to celebrate this warm party, fine! Don’t come to quash someone else who just topped his class!"

Sascha kept her glare on Dieter.

How about you guys, then? Isn't Eldric one of our classmates? I mean, will he not be given the chance to kick? He topped math and physics! If we had tried it together, our principal might have broken his concrete." Sascha gave her the last shot. However, no one was interested in her plan. Why would they be? Why would someone get promoted by scoring the highest marks in mathematics and physics and failing other subjects? It is none of their business to protest this trivial matter.

"We hope that that hermit boy will settle himself with the juniors." Seppel concluded. "He needed another year to lift himself in other studies. Let us not ruin this lovely gathering. Sascha, look, you should be celebrated for your promotion!"