Interlude: Snow Festival (VIII)

"Hello, dear contestants!"

A loud, cheerful voice echoed across the grand examination hall, instantly grabbing everyone's attention.

"The rules of the game 'Magic Circles' are simple!"

"First, a magic circle will appear on the small table in front of you. It'll stay there for exactly fifteen seconds. Your job is to identify it—write down its name, attribute, and effect!"

Alright. Sounds easy enough.

"If you figure it out before time runs out, there will be a small green button on your table. Press it, and a piece of paper will appear. That's where you'll write your answer!"

I glanced at the sleek little table before me. The surface was smooth, polished, almost glowing under the bright lights.

"The sixty-four fastest students who answer correctly will move on to the second phase!"

Sixty-four?

That means there'll be a huge elimination in the first round.