The morning of the first official trial began quietly.
Too quietly.
Song Jia stood in front of the mirror inside Courtyard Nine and adjusted her veil.
No elaborate robes.
No jewelry beyond what she normally wore.
No attempt to look more impressive than usual.
Crystal's voice sounded faintly through their connection.
Nervous?
"No."
A pause.
Then—
"A little."
Crystal laughed.
Song Jia narrowed her eyes.
"Don't start."
I didn't say anything.
"You were going to."
Perhaps.
Song Jia picked up her participant token.
Today was not a combat trial.
There would be no opponent standing across from her.
No Array to break.
No medicine to refine.
Only questions.
And, apparently, explanations.
Those could be far more dangerous.
The eighteen participants gathered inside the central hall.
This time, individual seats had been arranged in a semicircle.
Five officials sat behind a long table.
Headmaster He Yun was among them.
Song Jia noticed him immediately.
