The ten days of the first phase of the tournament had finally come to an end.
Below the towering stadium-like podium, three hundred teachers gathered around the massive teleportation altar.
They sat cross-legged in perfect formation, hands weaving through intricate seals while chanting in unison.
A vast surge of mana drained from their bodies, pouring into the engraved concrete floor covered in elaborate runes and mantras.
Moments later, the entire altar began to glow.
The lines on the ground flared bright gold, and ten colossal gates rose from the floor like ancient monuments awakening from slumber.
A countdown appeared on the massive holographic screen hovering overhead.
Excitement rippled through the crowd as names and ranks from the first phase scrolled across the screen.
Some faces gleamed with satisfaction, but others darkened with envy or disappointment—especially among those whose favored students had failed to rank high enough.
