A moment later, the group arrived at a grand, circular hall.
Inside, dozens of noble children aged between five and ten were already waiting quietly.
At the front of the hall, a scholar clad in white robes was explaining the rules of the test.
Behind him stood a massive magic array, at the center of which floated a diamond-shaped crystal used for talent assessment.
Upon seeing the Empress and her ministers enter, both the scholar and the noble children bowed in unison.
"Your Majesty!"
"Carry on with the testing," the Empress said coolly. "I'm only here to see if there's anyone worth nurturing."
"Elena, get in line."
With a wave of her hand, the Empress gestured, her face as cold as ever.
The crowd was used to her icy demeanor—after all, she treated everyone the same.
Elena obediently moved to the end of the line, her eyes wide with curiosity.
Having grown up in the mountains, everything here was new and fascinating to her.
