Roen checked the four imperial ward seals before admitting Didi to the cleared western training hall for the recorded trial.
Roen cleared every attendant from the surrounding galleries, leaving the cavernous chamber in solemn, unbroken silence.
Ferra placed the archival prayer case behind a protective screen near the eastern boundary of the marked circle.
For three generations of imperial guards, this ceremonial hall echoed with routine sword drills and ceremonial exercises.
This morning, the trial would test whether Didi's own current could provide the royal authorization missing from Ferra's proposed rescue route.
Didi stepped into the central dueling circle, leveling her training blade toward an unoccupied target frame.
Three Shards rested quietly along her wrist, their silver radiance subdued until the formal trial commenced.
After Vella cleared one brief intervention, Hajin observed beyond the boundary with a single Ring primed and all greater output still prohibited.
