When the abrupt ceremony finally came to an end, the emperor led Theo into the small arena-like chamber separated by a thick glass wall.
Both the baron and the baroness moved forward, eager to see what Theo would be asked to do.
"All you need to do is have your tamed beast use its strongest ability at this thing," the emperor said before clapping once.
Two men in red robes stepped forward. One carried a stone pedestal, while the other held a gleaming orb. They carefully placed the stand at the center and set the orb atop it.
After they finished preparing to let Theo's mantis attack, the emperor spoke again.
"If your beast can split this orb into two halves, we will consider it on par with a Level 7 aggressive attack-type beast, young Theo."
Theo nodded and called for the mantis to come out of the beast space.
The moment it appeared, the emperor studied it with curiosity. A flicker of disappointment flashed through his eyes before he quickly masked it behind his poker face.
