The unprecedented Trials to choose the King had already been a shock for the people but to become the jury for it was another hit. The mixture of confusion, fear, elation and even slight bit of pride was clear among the audience.
Ocean stepped forward, and his voice carried across the amphitheatre with calm authority.
"Before we proceed further, allow me to explain how these Trials shall be judged," he said. "As you all know, His Majesty has declared that the future King must earn not only the approval of the throne, but also the trust of the people he is meant to rule."
A faint hum resonated above the colosseum.
The massive crystalline structure suspended in the air flickered to life—its surface swirling with shifting mana.
"This," Ocean announced, "is the Mana Barometer. It does not count votes, nor does it measure numbers. Instead, it reflects the collective emotional resonance of the people—your trust, fear, pride, or disappointment—through color."
