**Chapter 71 – The Second Day of Tests – Part 1/5 (continued)**
While Kuroe returned in silence to the edge of the arena, all the teams had already finished the morning exercises. The candidates began gathering again in the center of the courtyard, some speaking quietly, others simply sitting on the ground, exhausted.
Master Harlan walked between the groups, giving the final feedback. He stopped near Kuroe and said:
— Your use of runes was smart. You didn't try to be the center of attention, but you still helped the team effectively.
Kuroe simply nodded once, without replying.
On the other side of the arena, Joker was still leaning against the same stone pillar, watching the movement of the candidates with that same lazy expression. Harley approached him again, now carrying two bottles of water. She tossed one to him.
— The easy part is over — she commented, taking a sip of water.
Joker caught the bottle, opened it, and took a drink before answering:
— Yeah. The afternoon's going to be worse.
Harley smiled sideways, as if she had already expected that.
— Good. I was starting to think everything was too easy until now.
The two stood in silence for a few seconds, looking at the rest of the candidates talking tiredly. The air felt heavier now.
Because everyone could feel that the hardest part of the second day was still to come.
**End of Part 1**
(continues in Part 2)