[ACC Grand Ballroom - Evening]
The ballroom was magnificent – easily two hundred meters across, crystal chandeliers hanging from impossibly high ceilings, marble floors polished to mirror shine and enormous windows showing the Capitol skyline.
Presidents and Vice Presidents from all top one hundred participating Academies filled the space, dressed in their finest, conversations flowing with practiced political ease.
The moment Elizabeth entered, she became the center of attention.
Male students gravitated toward her like moths to flame, their faces showing various degrees of interest – some professional and some clearly personal.
"President Murdock! I'm President Vance from Skyreach Academy. I've heard so much about your accomplishments."
"Elizabeth! It's been too long! Remember me from the last tournament?"
"May I get you a drink, President Murdock?"
