As mentioned before, Adrian had studied nearly every spell across the categories of elemental magic. He had a deep understanding of which spells required which grades of armament—and more importantly, what level of spellcasting each standard weapon allowed.
So, when he saw Averis summon Infernal Cataclysm, his mind instantly flagged a problem.
That spell shouldn't have been possible—not with a regular tournament-grade armament.
Something was off.
But how?
The preparation rooms were always under strict supervision. There was no way the Blackthorn manager could have tampered with Averis's weapon once inside. The rules were too tight for that.
Then… the only explanation was far more troubling.
Could it be… someone from the inspection team had let it pass?
That was the only path left. If Averis truly wielded a third-grade armament, then she must have been allowed through by a member of the inspection staff. There was no other way.
And Adrian wasn't the only one thinking that.
