While everyone was busy trying to calm down the situation, back in the academy,
Dora stood still, blankly staring at the glowing Origin Pillars, her eyes reflecting the strange light they emitted.
Delphine, standing beside her, glanced at the flickering glow, concern tightening her face. She asked softly, yet with a nervous edge, "Principal... what's happening here? Why are they glowing all of a sudden?"
Dora kept her eyes locked on the Pillars, not answering at first. Her lips finally moved after a brief pause. "The winner of the Third Trial..." she muttered quietly.
Suddenly, the air around the Origin Pillars distorted and flickered with strange energy. Without warning, eleven swirling white mist portals began to form in front of them—shimmering and pulsating like they were alive.
Thud!
Thud!
Thud!...
The heavy sound of boots echoed as figures stepped out from the portals.
