"Number Three."
Another failure.
The pattern continued. Numbers Four through Fifteen were called one by one. Most touched the stone and got no reaction whatsoever, walking away to register as ordinary. A few did awaken, the stone glowing faintly for E-rank and F-rank abilities. Minor fire manipulation that couldn't even produce a proper flame. Enhanced hearing with no other combat applications. Weak telekinesis that might lift a book if you concentrated hard enough.
Nothing spectacular. Nothing that would make the Hunter Association or any guild take particular notice.
Then Examiner Willis looked at his tablet and called out, "Number Sixteen."
Callum stood up, his legs feeling weak beneath him. He forced himself to walk forward, hyperaware of every eye in the room tracking his movement. The platform steps seemed steeper than they'd looked from his seat. He grabbed the railing and climbed carefully, not trusting his balance right now.
