Elise watched Gorren cross the final expanse of floor toward the central pedestal, where the violet dragon core pulsed with mechanical precision.
A sharp ache throbbed behind her temples, born of mounting tension and the suffocating realization that this trial was political theater rather than an honest examination.
'He is marching directly into an administrative trap, designed to crush common contractors to demonstrate elite standards.'
She glanced toward the perimeter staircase where Guildmaster Allen remained motionless, his weathered features impassive as the ambient chill deepened.
The rumors surrounding the royal recommendation held true, and the guildmaster clearly resented the crown bypassing standard branch protocols.
He appeared determined to shatter every candidate in the chamber simply to prove that shortcuts through palace favor carried lethal consequences.
