Max watched the two geniuses approach through the crowd, his expression calm but his eyes sharp. The faint light from the basin reflected off the golden crowns hovering above their heads, their glow flickering like twin suns in the mist.
He knew better than to believe they were approaching him for a friendly conversation. Nothing about this gathering was ever simple, and among golden crown geniuses, every meeting carried weight, competition, and hidden intentions.
Still, curiosity sparked within him. He wanted to see what kind of people fate had brought to stand beside him in this strange trial.
The two stopped a few paces in front of him. The first was a man slightly shorter than Max, his build compact but strong, his features refined yet edged with arrogance that came from knowing his own worth.
