The pit arena fell silent as a towering figure descended from the balcony above. His robes were deep emerald, lined with gold runes, and his staff glowed faintly with a pulsing blue light.
"Enough," his voice boomed, echoing like rolling thunder. "I am Principal Eryndor, and I will personally oversee the next stage of the Tournament."
Students froze. Some gasped. Eryndor was a legend—old as the academy itself, rumored to have defeated shadow beasts larger than a tower. His piercing violet eyes scanned the arena, pausing briefly on Lyra.
Dangerous, gifted… unusual, he muttered under his breath.
Beside Lyra, Mira whispered, "He's… scary."
Kael didn't flinch. His shadow moved instinctively, coiling around him like a protective barrier. "Stay sharp," he murmured. "He doesn't intervene unless he intends to test you—hard."
Eryndor raised his staff, and a wall of floating books, beasts, and magical traps swirled into the pit, forcing students to react instantly.