I stepped forward, the weight of the moment settling over me like a cloak. The judges, who had been ruthless in their critiques thus far, watched with a mix of expectation and skepticism. The presentation console flickered to life as I placed my hand on it, revealing the title of my research:
"Optimizing the Tri-Binding Process: A New Method for Lich Creation."
Silence. Then a few unimpressed expressions.
I expected that.
"The method of Lich creation has remained largely unchanged for centuries," I began, voice steady. "It has been refined, but never redefined. The process is straightforward—establishing the three aspects of the Lich: Body, Mind, and Soul, and connecting them through mana-thread harmonization."
I tapped the console, and a holographic diagram of the conventional tri-binding method appeared, showcasing the usual method of threading mana channels between the Skeleton (Body), Skull (Mind), and Source (Soul).
