Everyone slowly gathered with their respective groups as they stared at the six massive doors built into the stone wall at the back of the hall.
The hall itself felt different today.
The air was more tight than usual.
Soft murmurs spread through the crowd as people whispered among themselves.
Some talked about their preparation.
Some wondered what kind of monsters they would face.
Others simply stood there silently, arms crossed or hands clenched, their eyes fixed on the doors.
Everyone knew this trial would not be easy.
Then…
The door beside the podium opened.
The sound of metal hinges echoed lightly through the hall.
A woman stepped inside.
Two guards followed behind her.
The moment she appeared; many students instinctively turned their heads.
She had white hair.
Not pale blond or silver—pure white, like fresh snow under sunlight. Her eyes were the same color, calm but cold.
