The elder hastily waved his hand, sealing the cracked evaluation stone with golden light, murmuring incantations as multiple formation lines activated to suppress the lingering frost energy.
But the damage was done.
Not to the stone.
To their pride of every participant.
To their certainty.
To their hierarchy.
"Kai," the elder called again, voice now edged with deep respect, "you will not undergo the regular trials. You are to be escorted directly to the Inner Sanctum."
That stunned even the staff.
The Inner Sanctum was reserved for only the academy's absolute core—the true monsters. The prodigies whispered about in myths and feared even by teachers.
Two elite academy guards in black and silver armor stepped forward. They didn't question the order. They simply bowed to Kai.
"Ascendant Tier," one of them muttered. "To think we'd see one in our generation…"
Kai gave a slight nod and began walking, following the guards.
