The 8 students finally saw just how destroyed everyone looked with their faces that seemed like they hadn't eaten anything in days.
"Are you all okay now?" the prince asked.
"We are doing much better, your highness," one of the people answered with a weak voice. "I'm glad you were fine, your highness."
"I got lucky," the prince said. "Anyway, continue resting, and don't worry about the competition. The 8 of us made it through to the next round."
The few students that were gathered couldn't believe it. "What? You… you guys joined? How many?"
"8 of us," the prince answered. "4 of them are even the new students that joined just half a year ago."
"And you all made it past the first round? That's…"
All the students were surprised. They talked for a bit while the teachers went to complain to the Light Dance academy staff. Someone had poisoned them and as the host, it was their responsibility to make sure that didn't happen.