<h4>Chapter 525: Save me, I’m Swooning</h4>


    Backstage, the performers got into position.


    "Please show your support for these brave souls," the MC added, "because they’re about to stand in front of royalty, their peers, half their crushes, and livestreaming cameras, all at once."


    Moreughter. Some students groaned.


    "But that’s what makes Omniora, Omniora. You train under pressure. You shine in chaos. You sing like the world’s your stage, because today, it is."


    The hall lights dimmed slightly, drawing everyone’s attention toward the center stage where a spotlight came alive. A gentle hum of anticipation filled the massive stadium sized auditorium as the singingpetition officially began.


    One by one, students from various years walked onto the stage, showcasing their vocal talents. From soulful bads to upbeat pop renditions, they gave it their best.


    Some sang with trembling voices, others with fiery confidence. A few hit every note with such rity and control that the judges exchanged impressed nces. Others... well, the courage to stand there at all still earned polite apuse.


    It was clear that while some had real talent, others were simply doing their best to pass the requirement. Still, the atmosphere was supportive, no cruel jeers, only honest reactions.


    The judges, five seasoned professionals in the music and performing arts field, remained focused throughout. They gave scores in real time after each performance, their digits lighting up digitally on the screen behind them.


    70–100: A


    60–69: B


    50–59: C


    Below 50: F


    As hundreds of students rotated through the stage over the next few hours, a rhythm developed. The auditorium would rise in cheers for particrly good acts and grow quiet for those struggling to finish without breaking down. Each performancested a strict three minutes. No more, no less.


    Up on the balcony reserved for dignitaries, subtle reactions told their own stories.


    Somto satposed, arms folded and face neutral, but his eyes asionally narrowed with interest, especially when a singer showed rare control or unique vocal color.


    Carl leaned forward once or twice, tapping his fingers against his knee to the beat of a particrly well executed performance. It wasn’t clear if he was impressed or simply enjoying the tempo.


    Arthur remained his usual unreadable self, but at one point, a corner of his lips quirked upward ever so slightly, a reaction that didn’t go unnoticed by the nearby camera crew.


    Queen White nodded gracefully at a few young girls who sang confidently, her expression warm and maternal. King White, regal and reserved, maintained a calm but attentive posture. He whispered something briefly to his wife, likelymenting on a performance that had just ended in a standing ovation.


    Back in the student section, Ava was practically bouncing in her seat. "Some of these people are really good," she whispered to Emily and Nnenna. "Why does it suddenly feel like I’m watching national TV?"


    Emily chuckled. "Because it basically is. You see all those drones hovering above? That’s full broadcast mode."


    Comments rolled in from the live chat on the floating screen at the back of the hall, visible to everyone.


    @BrightVoice2025: "The girl in the red dress just murdered that Adele cover, in a good way!"


    @OmnioraMom93: "My son better not get a C, or I’m pulling him out of voice lessons!"


    @MusicCriticReal: "That boy just hit a high note that made my baby cry. Not sure if that’s apliment or a concern."


    @RoyalsFanGirl: "Wait, did Prince Arthur just SMIRK?? Save me, I’m swooning."


    @TeacherTony: "Grades seem fair. Some students just weren’t ready, but courage matters too. Props to them all."


    @MamaLion23: "Princess Ava’s parents are really here?! What a historic day!"


    As thest contestant stepped off the stage and the final scores were disyed, the MC returned, this time with aedic "phew" as he wiped imaginary sweat from his brow.


    "And that, my dear people, concludes our first category, Singing! Our vocal cords have been blessed, shocked, and asionally assaulted, but every brave soul who stepped on this stage deserves apuse!"


    The crowd responded withughter and a round of ps. The scores would be posted publiclyter that day for transparency, but already, some names were standing out in everyone’s minds.


    -----------


    The moment the announcer called "Year one — Princess Ava White — Third Major: Dramatic Acting," a ripple went through the crowd.


    Though she was already well known among students for her personality and background, this was the first time many would see her perform seriously, and in front of her royal parents, no less.


    The lights dimmed again.


    Ava walked gracefully to center stage, dressed in a simple, muted costume that contrasted deeply with her usual spark and glitter. No crown, no designer shoes, just raw emotion waiting to be unleashed. She gave a small bow, then... silence.


    Then it began.


    In a monologue adapted from a Prigrian ssic, Ava portrayed a grieving daughter speaking to the spirit of herte mother, pleading,ughing bitterly, and finally, breaking down in anguish.


    Her voice shook at the right moments. Her hands trembled, then clenched in silent rage. By the time she whispered the final lines and turned slowly away from the invisible "grave," the hall was silent, heavy, electric.


    Even those watching online felt it.


    @DramaLover23: "Wait. That was ACTING?! It felt real..."


    @RoyalTeaSipper: "That wasn’t a performance. That was therapy on stage."


    @PrigrianCitizen77: "Ava White... I see you. And I stan."


    @OmnioraBroadcastOfficial: [Rey Clip: "Why didn’t you tell me goodbye?" Ava White, Dramatic Acting.]


    From the dignitary row, Queen White pressed a hand gently to her lips, her gaze full of emotion. King White’s jaw tensed slightly, but he nodded, once. A subtle yet powerful gesture of pride.


    Carl tilted his head ever so slightly, thoughtful. Arthur crossed one leg over the other and tapped his fingers slowly against his knee, still unreadable but he looked proud. Somto exhaled softly through his nose, a rare sign of being impressed.


    In the student section, Nnenna stared with quiet awe while Emily blinked rapidly. "What in the name of tear ducts did I just watch?"