The moment Niko's voice rang out, signaling the start of the 24-hour comprehension trial, the atmosphere inside the coliseum shifted entirely.
Gone was the thunderous energy of the alchemy competition and its excitement still carrying over—now, a heavy silence descended over the stands, filled with curiosity and silent respect.
At the center of the arena, the 52 Personal Disciples had all already taken their various seated positions before the massive Lightning Steele. The ancient monolith towering over them, etched with countless inscriptions, runes, and depictions of martial movements in archaic script and Lightning runes.