The public square was packed to the brim with students from every department. A year ago, Hidden Gems was a store among many. However, it was the top-ranking store in Jerano, with many grateful customers.
"A hidden gem is better than a flamboyant ore."
The slang resonated with many hardworking, low-ranking students who believed in themselves. Hidden Gems allowed them to get into more dangerous dungeons, snatch mana cores from monsters' claws, and rank higher in the Magic Towers.
Arthur walked among the students with Emma, Oriole, and Ivan beside him with his dark robes fluttering in the wind. The crowd split a path toward the portal, where the envoy from Runera was waiting among many other runemasters.
"You didn't tell me that Alexie was this famous, Emma," said an old grandmaster with a lion-like appearance. Arthur blinked his eyes at the sudden reunion with Grandmaster Venkov and Emma's grandfather. "A pleasure to meet the owner of Hidden Gems," he offered his hand.
