The announcer stepped forward, his voice echoing across the arena."For the next test, participants must demonstrate mastery over their own energy. The task is simple: channel your internal energy into a perfect orb and maintain its stability for five minutes. The orb will be measured for consistency, strength, and control. Any fluctuations will result in disqualification."The crowd murmured in anticipation. This test was far more delicate than the previous ones, requiring focus, balance, and exceptional skill.Calen exhaled deeply, already suspecting that Helena and her accomplices might attempt another trick. But he couldn’t afford to falter—his every move was being scrutinized.Seated in the VIP section, Helena leaned closer to Reginald."This time, there’s no room for failure," she hissed. "The device that measures energy stability has been tampered with. No matter how steady Calen’s orb is, the readings will show erratic fluctuations. He’ll look like a novice."Reginald smirked.

Calen took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay composed. He had to be careful with his words, but he wasn’t going to back down. He turned his gaze to the panel of judges, his voice firm but respectful."With all due respect, I ask that the judges inspect the device used to measure my energy output," he said. "I have full confidence in my control, and I believe it is only fair to confirm that the equipment is functioning properly."Gasps and murmurs spread through the crowd.Evan let out a sharp laugh, standing up from his seat. "Are you hearing this?" he said, looking toward the audience. "Not only is he questioning the results, but now he’s questioning the kingdom’s equipment. That’s a bold accusation, Storm.""It’s not an accusation," Calen corrected. "It’s a reasonable request. If I am to be judged, I want to be judged fairly."Evan’s smirk widened as he turned to the panel of judges, his voice loud and commanding."Honorable judges, you will not stand for such an insult, will y

The tension in the arena was almost tangible as the judges and officials moved swiftly, preparing the testing area for Calen’s retest. The new measurement device, confirmed to be fully functional and accurate, was placed at the center of the arena. Energy stabilizers were positioned around it, ensuring that no external interference would affect the readings.The audience murmured with anticipation. This was no longer just about proving whether the previous device had been tampered with—this had become a spectacle.At the highest viewing platform, General Kael and General Ironheart exchanged knowing glances.Ironheart folded his arms, his voice low but firm. "If Calen manages to pass this test, then there is no doubt—he truly is a Storm."Kael raised a brow. "Are you really placing your bet on him? You know as well as I do that this retest is just a formality. He’s already considered a failure. No one could pass a test like this, no matter how confident they are."Ironheart remained si

A deafening silence filled the grand hall.No one spoke. No one moved.For several tense moments, the only sound was the faint hum of residual energy dissipating in the air. The golden lightning that had once crackled around Calen had vanished, leaving only the sharp scent of ozone in its wake.Even the judges, seasoned veterans of the kingdom’s most elite trials, stared at the readings in stunned disbelief.Jenderal Ironheart, standing at the forefront of the military leaders, was the first to break the silence. His voice was calm, steady, yet carried undeniable authority.“So?” he said, turning to the judges. “What is the result?”The head judge hesitated, as if double-checking the readings once more. The others did the same, their fingers hovering over the crystal devices, scanning for errors, anything that might disprove what they were seeing.But the results remained unchanged.No mistakes. No discrepancies.Calen Storm had passed.The head judge exhaled slowly before straighteni

After stepping out of the arena, the air thick with tension, Evan could feel the heat of his anger rising within him, overwhelming his sense of control. Every step he took seemed to draw him deeper into the whirlwind of frustration and humiliation he had just endured. The sting of the crowd’s mocking laughter still lingered, their whispers and jeers cutting through him like knives.In a blur of rage, his foot came down hard on a flowerpot, sending it flying across the room. The sharp sound of shattering ceramic filled the space, followed by the soft thud of soil spilling across the floor. The flowers that had once stood proudly were now crushed, scattered in an ugly mess. The servants who had been nearby froze in terror, their eyes wide with fear as they watched the outburst. They stood motionless, as though unsure whether they should run or stay, knowing well that anger like this could lead to consequences none of them wanted to face.Helena, always the mediator, stepped forward quic