Damian stood among dozens of other candidates inside the massive testing chamber.
The walls were constructed from the same dark stone as the exterior with no windows or visible equipment.
Just empty space and the gathered awakeners waiting for whatever came next.
'What's up with her?'
For some reason, Helena had positioned herself directly beside him, close enough that their shoulders almost touched.
Murmurs spread through the gathered candidates, voices low and tense.
"What do you think it will be like?"
"Mental attacks are worse than physical pain."
"Just don't pass out immediately and embarrass yourself."
Then Icarus's voice cut through the chamber, amplified somehow despite him standing outside.
"I am now initiating Level 1 mental attacks. I expect all of you to withstand this basic tier without difficulty."
His tone carried absolute authority.
