Minutes passed, and the tension around the tower slowly thickened as everyone kept their eyes fixed on the glowing windows.
Nickolas and Pamela were both stuck on the sixth floor, their progress halted as the light above them remained unchanged, while Nate and Gareth had already advanced to the seventh floor, their steady climb drawing more attention from the crowd.
Voices rose and overlapped, cheers echoing across the training ground as candidates leaned forward, some standing on their toes just to get a better view.
Time stretched.
Then…
One of the windows flickered.
Red.
Pamela stepped out.
Her boots touched the ground unevenly, her body swaying slightly as she walked forward. Sweat soaked through her clothes, her breathing rough, her face pale as if all strength had been drained from her.
Her hands trembled faintly at her sides.
Her group reacted immediately.
"You did well, Lady Pamela!"
Several voices called out at once, their tone filled with pride.
