Chapter 261: 500 Left in the Hallway, One more Phase

The pre-selection phase was supposed to start in two days.

At least, that's what the schedule said.

But now that the temple was full, every participant locked into their respective hallways and rooms, the trial had already begun.

Alex leaned against the bloodstained wall, arms crossed, taking in the situation.

"So… does that mean the official trial starts in two days?"

"Probably," Alphox answered.

His voice was calm, steady, but there was an edge to it, one Alex had started noticing more and more that they were here.

"If that wasn't the case, they would've left the temple open for more participants. My guess? They decided they didn't need anyone else and started early."

"Would've been nice to have a bit more time."

What surprised him wasn't just the sudden start of the trial, but Alphox himself.

The Primordial Shadow Dragon had been silent before, offering cryptic advice here and there, never directly interfering.