As the group of people approached, Clayton immediately felt uneasy. He was caught in a dilemma—should he run or stay? If anything happened, it would be hard to act freely.
But his hesitation—and the speed at which the group moved—left him no chance to escape.
One of them stepped forward and asked, "Who are you?"
Clayton answered cautiously and truthfully. Seeing that he was cooperative, their suspicion faded, and they quickly ordered him to join the line forming in the crowd.
Clayton nodded and followed their instructions with a calm, obedient expression—though inwardly, he was confused.
As he waited, he watched one person after another attempt to pull a sword from the stone—but none had succeeded. At first, he didn't think much of it, but the closer his turn came, the more anxious he became.
Countless thoughts raced through his mind.
