As soon as the spatial energy faded, every iota of surrounding light did the same.
Engulfing darkness gripped the teleported candidates with no choice of denial. A single second had passed, and it was more than enough to unsettle the orderly lines of mortals.
CLAP!
"Be at ease! You're all perfectly fine!"
Lord Treeda's casual declaration shed light onto those young wavering hearts. Though not every candidate had felt restless, the sudden ignition of purple-flame torches was welcomed by all.
Under their feet was old, chiseled stone with deep etchings of the ancient teleportation formation. This formation was at least twice the size of the palace's teleportation circle, with ancient torches raised on stone columns all around. The only unlit space was to the crowd's back.
Meanwhile, in front of the oohs and awes, Lord Treeda ascended a small set of stairs toward a platform raised between two torch pillars.
