While it was true that he was constantly putting himself in danger, entering gates, dealing with unpredictable situations and mysterious enemies lurking in the shadows, this Golden Gate represented something fundamentally different.
This wasn't calculated risk.
This was a coin flip with his life on one side and Ethea's survival on the other.
Taking a deep breath, Soren locked eyes with Garin.
"You're right," he said, his voice measured and cold. "The law doesn't stop you from entering. But it also states very clearly that if you die inside, it's on you. The government isn't liable. Neither is the academy or me." He paused, letting the weight of those words settle. "Furthermore, as your assigned supervisor, I have the authority to halt this exam and retreat if I determine the situation presents an immediate, life-threatening danger with no viable alternative."
Garin's smile didn't falter. If anything, it widened.
