Paragon Zev's voice resounded: "Now, gremlins! You should by now know what you are getting yourselves into—a test to give you an edge above all your peers. But it doesn't come without a price. For some, the price might be death. So now, I'm giving you one last chance. Those who aren't ready to pay the price should leave now! Don't worry, I won't look at you with a condescending heart or condemn your decision; you need to know your limit."
But nobody moved. They stared at him calmly.
Paragon Zev nodded.
"2,473 of you didn't leave. Good. I must commend your courage. The Xeran nation needs courageous arcanists like you; not some whiny gremlins!"
"To make the test fair, only Rank 1 and Rank 2 equipment is allowed, and I've given you weeks to hunt and do your things, just to earn enough to buy your equipment. I don't want any unfair advantage for the rich folks. And if you didn't make the most of it, I'm sorry to tell you, but you must be the lowest of the gremlins."
