The hall fell dead silent. Did he just call my name? Simon’s mind went completely blank. “Student Simon Polentia. Is he not present?” the host called out again. Simon swallowed, his throat suddenly dry, and forced himself to his feet. A thousand pairs of eyes, the gazes of every one of his peers, locked onto him. “Who is he?” “Never heard of him.” “He’s Number One?” He had never been in a place with so many people, let alone been the center of so much attention. Swallowing hard again, Simon made his way to the stage and took his place beside Serne.