The announcer's voice echoed across the hall, silencing the crowd.
"The Affinity Trial is complete! Now, we move to the final test of the first Holy Arts Competition!"
The audience stirred with excitement. They had seen purity measured by the crystal, and affinity tested against the Imps.
What could possibly come next?
The judges stepped forward with their solemn expression. One of them raised his staff and spoke clearly.
"This last trial will test the true essence of Holy Arts. Not purity or destruction, but sanctification. Each student will be placed inside a sanctified circle. Within it, shadow wraiths will be summoned. They are weaker than the Imps, but they will swarm endlessly. The task is simple… You need to protect the circle and heal the effigies placed inside. The longer the light holds, the higher the score."
The crowd erupted in murmurs.
"Sanctification?"
"So it's about defense and healing?"
"This is different… this is real Holy Arts."
