Three raised plinths formed an equilateral triangle across the vaulted testing chamber deep beneath the garrison foundation.
On each plinth rested one of the captured bronze control plates, glowing softly with harmonic resonance under Aria's guidance.
Hajin stood on the southern plinth, taking a slow, steady breath as sovereign light pulsed along his spiritual meridians.
Beside him, two identical spiritual figures materialized in twin flashes of sovereign mana, their eyes opening with sharp awareness.
Six physical Rings hovered between the three bodies, neatly dividing themselves into three balanced pairs of rings.
Two rings settled onto the original summoner's hand, a second set bound to the first clone, and the remaining pair equipped to the second prototype.
"Listen carefully to the trial parameters," Aria announced, hovering above the center of the triangular formation.
