Sharp beeps echoed across the clearing, followed by flares of crimson light. All around him, candidates flooded into the clearing from every direction.
'It announced my location.'
Despite the situation, Zephyrion's expression remained calm. It appeared qualifying wasn't as simple as merely gathering five flags. Afterwards, one had to survive the onslaught of the other candidates.
Zephyrion could see the emotions in their eyes. The moment the candidates realized who the target was, each one reacted with the same darkened expression.
The young lord of Calderalth.
Yet there was no mistaking the desperation in their eyes. There were only two hundred flags in total. Thousands of candidates. Losing five flags was an astronomical setback.
The youths had come from every corner of the South, their families watching their every move. None wanted to be disqualified, especially not in the very first round of the Proving.
