Lyra gave a soft smile, her expression calm and knowing. "That is not surprising," she replied. "Most of those geniuses have been in seclusion for years, hidden away from the eyes of the world. They have been training day and night with single-minded purpose, preparing for this chance. The Heavenly Lord Secret Domain is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. None of them would waste time showing themselves before the moment arrives."
Her words drifted into the air like a quiet warning. For every young genius visible in the square, there were many more waiting unseen, sharpening themselves in silence. And when the gates of the Heavenly Lord Secret Domain finally opened, they would step into the light with the ferocity of blades long kept sheathed.
"There are basically fifteen leading geniuses, including you," Alice said, her eyes settling on Max with a mixture of pride and seriousness.
"Fifteen?" Max repeated with a nod, committing the number to memory.
