Some of the students on stage frowned at once. “Just stop,” someone from Level 1–A whispered harshly at him.“Shut up,” another muttered under their breath. “You’re making it worse.”One of his classmates quickly turned to the attendant. “Please,” he said politely but hurriedly, “he’s two weeks late, he only got admitted today.”Another added, “He doesn’t really understand how things work here yet, that’s why he’s behaving this way.”A few others nodded in agreement, trying to smooth things over. The attendant looked at Kael again, then at the group, his expression tightening slightly.The judges exchanged quiet looks but Kael said nothing more.He stood there silently, hands by his sides, while others spoke for him, explaining him away, dismissing his words as ignorance.Brian sat there quietly, his eyes fixed on Kael. He didn’t say anything, but inside, he was confused.“Why would Kael lie like that? he wondered. “Why say such big things in front of everyone?”It didn’t make sense t