Michael remained seated on the bench.
His expression unreadable as more footsteps echoed through the corridor behind him.
One after another, new figures entered the chamber.
Some wore noble crests—trimmed coats of silk and leather armor stitched with house insignias.
Others had no family symbols at all and only polished gear.
More nobles.
More commoners.
Michael noted them all.
A few gave curt nods in greeting, but most simply scanned the room and chose a corner.
Tension thickened like fog.
Among everyone present, one more caught his attention.
A girl.
Not so young. At least she was approaching her mid twenties already.
Her frame was slender but wiry.
A long braid ran down her back, and her gaze was… focused.
Michael had seen her before—one of the few commoner females who had made it through the first round.
And the only one who remained now.
She also dressed like what one would expect from a female adventurer.
She didn't look around. Didn't glance at anyone.
