"Kuahaha, are you nervous?"
"…."
"Well, that's normal. Even a master like me can't see an easy win here," the old voice continued casually. "I might have to lose an arm or two just to try and take her down."
"…I know."
Stacia answered quietly.
She lifted her gaze toward the large screen above the waiting area, her eyes settling on Rose's image.
Even without having much direct interaction with her, Stacia knew.
Everyone did.
Rose Brilliance wasn't just talented—she was on an entirely different level.
Even people who weren't mages could feel it.
The difference in mana alone was overwhelming, like standing in front of a towering wave while holding a small cup of water.
Stacia herself was considered the golden child of her generation, praised for her growth and potential… yet compared to Rose, it felt almost laughable.
And that wasn't even touching on skill.
Most mages spent their entire lives focused on a single affinity.
