The massive stadium buzzed with excitement as civilians filled almost every seat.
Merchants sold snacks near the entrances, nobles chatted among themselves in the upper sections, and proud family members waved enthusiastically whenever they spotted students from afar.
At the center of the arena stood hundreds of carving tables lined in perfect rows beneath the bright lights.
Each table held a flawless cube of Luminite Marble waiting to be carved.
The atmosphere felt grand.
At the very center platform, Principal Varek stepped forward holding a floating amplification mic.
The stadium gradually quieted down.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Varek began smoothly, his voice echoing across the enormous stadium, "welcome to this year's Contemporary Carving Performance Examination."
Applause erupted immediately.
"Students will demonstrate not only technical skill, but creativity, control, energy flow manipulation, and artistic understanding."
