The tension in the room grew palpable as each participant's sphere revealed the number of glowing orbs, indicating their respective stages.
Elowen, with only six orbs shining, showed a mix of disappointment and frustration. Hanna, the Whispering Wraith magus, had managed to reach the seventh stage, matching Emery's achievement. Nimbus, the Calming Wave monk, and the hybrid Mindflayer both had eight orbs glowing, even Zephyr, could only show 9 glowing orbs, just one short of the elusive tenth stage.
"This is impossible!" Zephyr exclaimed, his frustration evident in his voice. He had always been accustomed to excelling in his endeavors, and this unexpected outcome was hard for him to accept.
In stark contrast to Zephyr's frustration, the Duke Damian Alabaster remained calm, his smile unwavering. He congratulated all six participants, commending them for their performance.
