"Those who succeed… will pass into the next phase and be considered for one of the most prestigious institutions in the Empire. Those who fail…" she tilted her head slightly, "will leave with the knowledge that they were not ready—yet."
A gentle breeze stirred the dust around her feet.
"Prepare yourselves. The first trial begins in fifteen minutes. May your hearts be steady, and your minds sharper still."
With a flick of her wrist, several glowing runes sparked into life in the air behind her, shifting into formation.
The crowd slowly began to murmur, adjusting gear, checking potions, some whispering to companions.
Whoosh!
The blinding light vanished.
Dozens of hundreds of aspiring youths stood gathered, in a large dome.
Kai remained near the edge of the crowd, hands in his pockets, his beasts were gone back in his soul space.
A hush fell over the group as a figure stepped onto the raised stone dais at the center.
