Lana
One of the exam overseers stepped onto the podium. His robe was long, and his face was hidden behind a silver owl-shaped mask. His voice echoed softly yet clearly, as if speaking directly into the minds of every participant.
"Welcome to the Arcane Spire Selection Exam."
Silence fell. Hundreds of participants stared ahead without blinking.
"The first trial... is the Trial of Illusion. This exam is not designed to measure your magical power. It is not about how hard you can attack or how well you can defend."
The overseer's steps slowly circled the altar, his robe brushing against the arena floor.
"This is a test to measure the foundation of all magic: awareness, self-control, and resilience against your own mind."
Some participants visibly tensed.
"You will remain standing here. But your consciousness will be drawn... into a private test space. No two participants will experience the same thing. Each of you will face... yourself."
