Morning had not yet fully settled over the Central Magic Tower when Varcas appeared before Daniel's quarters.
Unlike always, this time there was no trace of his usual smile or calmness on his face. His gaze was serious, and even his voice carried a more formal tone than before.
"It's time."
Daniel, who had been awake for hours, quietly closed the book that had been left open on the table.
Dozens of pages lay beside it, each covered with formulas, mana diagrams, and restructured spell designs; writings mostly crossed out, as if the author, upon reaching a better conclusion, had discarded his previous theory without the slightest hesitation.
He rose unhurriedly.
"Let's go."
Serys, who had been waiting by the door from the start, unconsciously took a deep breath. She had come with Master Varcas to follow Daniel.
Even she couldn't hide her excitement. The Trial of a Thousand Spells wasn't something one got to see every day, let alone participate in.
