Back within the Dark Knight Academy, the Eastern Grand Hall remained illuminated beneath rows of suspended Myst lamps despite the late hour settling outside the academy walls.
The massive chamber carried the same atmosphere it always did during assessments.
Controlled, quiet, and watchful.
Dozens upon dozens of floating magical screens filled the hall, each displaying different portions of Nalim from the perspective of the students participating in the second-year assessment. Some screens showed students resting cautiously within hollow trees or ruined structures. Others displayed ongoing fights against demons hidden within the forests, swamps, cliffs, and ravines scattered throughout the realm.
The authoritative figures seated throughout the hall observed every movement carefully.
Every decision, mistake, and moment of growth.
