The woman looked over the one hundred participants standing on the pillars. Her gaze was calm, and yet every participant felt as though they were being seen clearly.
Then she spoke.
Her voice was soft, elegant, and clear enough to spread across the entire arena without needing force.
"Welcome to the final round of the Cosmic Ascension Conference."
The arena became completely silent.
The woman continued, "My name is Angelina Valerius, and I will be the one conducting this final round."
For one brief moment, nothing happened.
Then, among the strongest geniuses with powerful backgrounds, expressions changed violently.
"Valerius?" Orion Starfall repeated under his breath, his eyes flashing with genuine shock.
Princess Rosaline's pupils contracted. "The Valerius Clan..."
Damian Voss's grip on his sword tightened slightly.
Kaiden's silver-gray eyes grew colder and more focused.
