"Only seventy-three?" William couldn't help but mutter. To his ears, that result sounded abysmally low for someone claiming to be a master.
Lorance's eyes snapped toward him, flashing with a hint of offence. "Do not belittle this trial, boy. Even Dark Spirit Masters, those who have forged their souls in battle, find themselves unable to pass the fiftieth step without being driven to their knees. It is a weight that cannot be lifted by brute strength alone."
William fell into a deep, pensive silence. He stood at a crossroads of decision: Should I help this man? Should I reveal the truth to the academy? And more importantly, should I attempt it now?
As he stood before the dark gap, he realised that the mindset of Lorance—and likely every spirit master who had ever challenged the stairs—was fundamentally flawed. They approached the trial as a combat encounter, a wall to be smashed through with power. In their world, strength was the answer to every question.
