The crowd erupted into a standing ovation.
Thousands of hands clapped throughout the Glasco Palace.
The applause rolled through the hall like waves crashing against a shoreline.
Many guests rose from their seats.
Some applauded because they were genuinely impressed.
Some applauded because they had witnessed the birth of an invention that would likely change the Steam-Carriage industry.
Others applauded because they had just watched a young inventor survive the Scholar's Bombardment without suffering a single defeat.
Of course…
Not everyone looked pleased.
Several representatives from companies and noble families sat quietly in their seats.
Their expressions were stiff.
Their smiles looked forced.
The goal they had entered the event with had completely failed.
Instead of lowering the value of the Phantom Rolls, they had watched its value rise higher and higher with every successful answer Ezra gave.
The bitter feeling left in their hearts was difficult to hide.
