In a different chamber altogether, far away from the chaos of the ceremonial hall, several people sat before a vast screen that shimmered with magical light.
The entire scene of the test—the students' every move, every exchange, every heartbeat of tension—was being displayed in front of them.
A man stood off to the side, controlling the projection. His hands moved across several floating glyphs, each one altering the projection angles and magnifying the faces of the participants as the council members observed in silence.
No preparations.
No allies.
No strategies.
No familiar ground.
Everything about this test was meant to tear away comfort.
"That's one hell of a way to test them," a tall man commented with a grin that split his rugged face. His broad shoulders and thick brows added to the intimidating air he naturally carried. Dark brown eyes—matching the shade of his hair—gleamed with interest as he folded his arms, the faint trace of amusement visible on his lips.
