Hours passed after Freya announced the end of the Tenth Trial, and the earlier excitement inside the hall had finally begun to settle down.
The injured candidates who had been taken away earlier were now back after receiving treatment, alongside the members of their groups who followed them to the recovery tents.
The atmosphere no longer carried the same explosive tension from before.
Instead, a heavy sense of anticipation slowly filled the hall. Everyone's attention rested toward the seat of the Family Head.
The candidates all stood in orderly lines facing Valentin's direction.
Veda's arms, forehead, and one leg were wrapped in white bandages, even though he looked exhausted, the smile on his face still had not disappeared.
Vera also had bandages wrapped around both arms despite her injuries being lighter than his.
Felix's body was bandaged heavily as well, almost comparable to Veda's condition, while Lyra and Page carried visible injuries too.
