The wall opposite the entrance was decorated with gold and silver and seated there in a long row were several people, dressed in Academy regalia and showing all the signs of being high-ranking adventurers.

It looked like a VIP section. But Daniel only saw Headmaster Quinten, sitting central and glowering down at them, the "S" symbol of his One God, gleaming slightly.

"The testing floor is warded to protect the observers. During the testing, you may use whatever means you chose to win. Nothing will escape this room and cause harm to the surrounding city or the audience. Your every action and decision will be closely scrutinised."

“Your testing begins in one hour. You are to remain where you are.

Make all necessary precautions and prepare yourself. You will be given a two-minute warning before the tests begin."

The voice fell silent, and Daniel and the girls looked at each other.

Jasmine was the first to speak, and she spoke in a whisper, conscious of the audience. “What the actual fuck? This is insane! Why didn't Grace warn us?"

Daniel tore his gaze away from Quinten and looked for Grace. He couldn't see her. “Because we probably wouldn't have agreed. I sense this is a little more intense than even she figured it would be. Am I imagining that the voice seemed a little threatening?"

Amy shook her head. "No, you're not imagining it. Have you guys figured out what happens if we lose?"

Daniel shook his head.

Amy grabbed Daniel and hugged him hard. “I don't think we are leaving here if we fail."

Shock struck Daniel at her words, and he knew she was right. He looked around at the faces of the observers. Most of them were not happy. They looked angry. He refused to show weakness and glowered back at them. He scanned the faces and only stopped when two faces seemed to smile at them.

They looked like normal people. Clearly not students. They were seated near the front of the room. They chatted with one another as friends often do. The older of the two men saw Daniel's gaze and nodded to him.

Somehow, that made Daniel feel slightly better. If we can convince one person we are good people, it will have to be enough.

Daniel snorted at himself. Liar. We need to convince everyone.

Daniel hugged Amy tighter and kissed the top of her head. "We'll be fine, Amy. No one is going to harm us. I won't allow it."

Jasmine rolled her eyes at him but seemed to stand a little straighter. She reached out and grabbed Amber's hand and pulled her closer. Her arm went around her waist, and she went on her toes to kiss her cheek.

Amy squeezed Daniel before letting go. “We should prepare.”

Daniel nodded and reached into his robe's pocket and pulled out his spell book. A motion from the audience caught his eye, and he saw a man standing and pointing at Daniel. He looked furious. Daniel didn't have time to worry about it and sat down on the floor with the girls sitting across from him.

"Okay, ladies. I have no idea how we are going to be tested morally and ethically or even what that means. Let's hear ideas. We need to be prepared..."

Close to an hour later, they were no closer to figuring anything out.

They merely sat, held hands, and waited. Daniel saw several of the seated VIPs stir and look behind them at something. He watched Quinten and saw him frown when Johnson leaned in to speak to him.

Quinten's head turned and Daniel followed it.

He watched Grace sail into the VIP section. His heart soared when he saw her. She looked as strong as ever. There was no mistaking her.