Back within the Dark Knight Academy, inside the Eastern Grand Hall where the authoritative figures remained gathered before dozens of floating magical screens, the atmosphere had slowly shifted over the course of the day.
When the assessment had first begun, the hall had been filled with calm observation and occasional discussion. Instructors monitored students evenly, making remarks here and there regarding decision-making, adaptability, and combat efficiency.
Now, several hours into the first day of the assessment, the mood had become noticeably more engaged.
Because the second years were performing far better than expected.
Floating projections illuminated the dimmed hall from every direction, each screen displaying different parts of Nalim.
Some students were shown building temporary shelters before nightfall. Others were hunting smaller creatures for food, navigating difficult terrain, or avoiding demonic territories altogether.
A few screens showed combat.
