Sophia stepped forward, holding up the crystal tablet, runes glowing along its edges. "You will be divided into groups of six. Each group will be sent to a designated sector within the controlled examination field. Your objective is simple: complete your sector's mission parameters within the time limit. Failure to adapt, cooperate, or survive will be reflected in your grades."
Adrian leaned toward Merlin. "Did she just say survive?"
"Yep," Merlin replied, voice calm.
Nathan whistled under his breath. "They're really upping it this year."
Reinhardt's voice cut through the noise. Deep. Commanding. "This is not play-acting. You are not here to show off your affinities, you are here to demonstrate control. Any display of reckless power will result in disqualification."
That sentence, Merlin noticed, was directed squarely at him.
'Yeah, yeah… no lightning storms this time,' he thought dryly.
