The arena buzzed with electric anticipation as Professor Leo's voice echoed across the packed stands.
"Will our anonymous challenger please report to the preparation chamber?"
Students craned their necks, scanning the crowd for movement. Who would stand? Who had the audacity, or insanity, to challenge Petra Blackthorne for first place?
Around Alex, the speculation continued at fever pitch:
"Has to be someone from House Military. Nobody else would have the training."
"My money's on one of the top fifteen ranks making a dramatic play. Maybe Torres or Reed?"
"Whoever it is better have a death wish. Blackthorne's an S-ranked monster."
"S-ranked and trained since birth," another student corrected. "They say her parents had her training in stable rifts before she even awakened, saturating her essence channels early."
"Pre-awakening rift exposure? That's insane. No wonder she's so terrifying."
