The Great Hall of St. Celeste was completely silent when Father Marius stood at the podium.
"The Quintile Tournament," Marius announced.
Raziel stood in the back row with a blank expression.
"The Church requires excellence," Marius continued, leaning heavily on his dark wooden cane.
"In three weeks, every novice in Phaedra will demonstrate their worth. You will prove the resources invested in your training have yielded results."
Marius paced behind the podium.
"The rules are simple, each novice must demonstrate mastery of at least one Gift classified within the official taxonomy. Combat. Healing. Protection. Perception. Inscription. Summoning. Prayer. Choose your discipline and prepare to be judged."
Raziel crossed his arms under his robe.
The Church categorized all magic into those seven specific disciplines.
Anything outside those parameters received the label of anomaly.
"A panel of three judges will evaluate you," Marius said.
