Only eight teams remained.
The arena, once crowded with hopeful participants, now felt noticeably emptier. Those who were still standing carried a different kind of presence — sharper, heavier. They had already proven themselves above the rest.
But the trial was far from over. Positions still needed to be decided. As expected, the announcer's voice echoed once more, calm and authoritative. "The next phase will test your ability to sense temperature," he announced. "Each instructor will hurl fireballs toward the participants. This time, those spells won't make any sound. You must dodge them based solely on the increase in heat as the attack approaches."
A brief pause followed.
"And now — begin."
The next phase started immediately. Blazing fireballs streaked through the air, one after another, scorching the arena floor when they missed their targets. The heat distorted the air, waves of scorching energy rippling outward.
