Before they left, Lucien met the allied representatives personally.
They all looked tired and humbled and excited.
And slightly offended that the facility was closed.
Lucien stood before them with Clara at his side.
"I hope the Echo Crucible was useful."
The representatives exchanged glances.
Useful was such a small word for what had happened to their self-respect.
One elder stepped forward and bowed.
"Representative Luc, useful is an understatement."
Another said, "Our disciples learned more from losing inside that facility than from winning in three ordinary tournaments."
A third looked pained.
"Our faction's combat training methods require revision."
Lucien smiled.
"That is a good discovery."
Lucien continued, "This trial period was free because we needed external feedback. When the Middle branch opens publicly, the Echo Crucible will become available under regulated access. It will not be free."
No one looked surprised.
In fact, several looked relieved.
