Duke stood on the stage, facing the four review committee members.
A dozen pairs of eyes watched him from the seats around.
Some were taking notes, some were whispering, some were adjusting instruments.
The hall was filled with an atmosphere of solemnity and tension, as if an important trial was taking place.
The level 5 Arcanist sitting in the center looked about sixty years old, with gray hair, a lean face, and wearing thin-framed crystal glasses.
He wore a dark blue magic robe, which had no excessive decor, only the level 5 Arcanist badge at the collar gleaming with a cold light under the lighting.
This was Aaron, the Level 5 Mage and Level 5 Arcanist of the Six-Ring Tower.
He was bowing his head, flipping through a document, not looking at Duke.
The first Level 4 Arcanist on Aaron's left was a middle-aged witch, composed in appearance, with her hair neatly tied up, and before her lay a thick manual.
She occasionally looked up at Duke, her gaze calm and devoid of emotion.
