Everyone turned to the source of the sound, and instantly… they were dumbstruck.
Edward, out of everyone present, was the most shocked. His eyes widened in disbelief as he thought to himself, Wait… what?
What is that guy doing here?!
A few moments of awkward silence permeated the room, then Chris Cloud shot to his feet and incredulously pointed at the newcomer.
"You?! Weren't you the one who came dead last in the First Trial?!"
The newcomer was a young man with pale skin and coppery-red hair. Freckles dotted his face, giving him a boyish charm, while his round crystal glasses gave him the air of a scholar. His eyes, however, contained a mischievous glint.
Merlin Mathias spread his arms wide and spoke with theatrical flair, "Ah, my friend, even the last place is a place, is it not?"
His lips curled into a smirk, and he added, "After all, someone must anchor the chain of progress so others may feel… fast."
Everyone was dumbfounded by that answer.
