Professor Sylvia spoke again.
"Remember," she said firmly, "this trial isn't just about reaching the core. It's about learning to trust your team, using your skills wisely, and overcoming fear."
Kael took a deep breath. (Two days of pushing through pain and fear, surrounded by monsters and illusions. But I'm ready.)
The students began to disperse, each group gathering their gear and mentally preparing for the journey ahead.
Kael packed his few remaining mana elixirs carefully, making sure his notebook with the map fragments was secure.
On the same day!
At the Oda Bar, Elaris State!
The quiet hum of the Oda Bar was broken by the harsh screech of a chair dragging violently across the floor.
The laughter and idle chatter in the main hall came to an abrupt pause.
For a moment, the entire room stood silent.
A pair of traveling merchants sitting near the front of the fireplace exchanged nervous glances.
