By the time six o’clock arrived, all the competitors had returned, gathering in the grand assembly hall where the final debrief would take place. The room buzzed with hushed murmurs, bitter complaints, and theories about who had done well and who had failed. Most had resigned themselves to defeat, assuming that no one had completed the mission.
And then, the elders entered.
A heavy silence fell over the room as the five elders took their seats at the front, their gazes sweeping over the assembled heirs with unreadable expressions. Elder Ramirez was, as always, the one to speak first.
"This trial was not simply a test of strength," he began, his voice carrying through the chamber. "It was a test of resilience, teamwork, attention to detail. Some of you displayed impressive leadership ski
