The Great Hall was full with spectators sitting on the stone bleachers while Elector Mordecai occupied the center of the front row with his four elite Inquisitors.
Father Marius, Brother Thomas and Sister Nefeli sat at the judges' table near the edge of the combat circle.
A large communication crystal pulsed with blue light in the center of the table projecting the event to Exarch Caelum in the capital.
Raziel stood on the left side of the dirt arena and wrapped a cloth bandage around his right wrist.
Lucian stood on the right side spinning a practice dagger in each hand.
The referee stepped into the center of the ring and raised a white flag, looking at both novices to confirm if they were ready.
"Begin!"
Lucian attacked first.
He activated his Stealth Gift and dropped his mana signature to zero while ambient light bent around his form.
