The green edge of the fractured jade slip rested an inch from Kaelen’s lapel.
Evening wind rustled the willow branches overhead, casting tangled shadows across the granite landing. Five hours had elapsed during the grueling post-pavilion baggage search and token audit, and the last candidates were finally hurrying out through the Guild gates into the dusk.
Kaelen stopped with one foot on the stone stair, glancing briefly at the golden tally humming in his mind:
[Track 1: Cultivation Vessel — 49h 00m / 720h (50x Multiplier Active)] [Track 2: Martial Combat — 49h 00m / 720h (50x Multiplier Active)] [Track 3: Alchemy & Comprehension — 86h 00m / 720h (87x Multiplier Active)]
“Careful with that,” he said mildly. “Dropping ancient jade on granite chips the edges. Replacing relics costs silver.”
Alchemist Linnea did not lower her arm. Her fingers trembled against the polished stone, her knuckles stark white against the dark green sleeve of her robes.
“Explain it,” Linnea said, her voice shaking with pent-up fury.
“Explain what?” Kaelen asked. “The stairs? They lead down to the street. You walk down them when you want dinner.”
