"The Test of Mettle? Haha, of course, of course!" Shamael answered immediately, surprising Darius with his mild reaction. Even after a couple seconds, he didn't show any change.
Was it not a big deal for an outsider to participate in what should be a sacred rite of their people?
Shamael noticed Darius' questioning glance and saw fit to answer with a grin. "Our last Desert King perished in the Insect Invasion, and it has been more than 8,000 years since then."
Shamael beckoned to Darius, leading him and his group towards a nearby palace. "As you can see, the state of Ludo has fallen greatly since then. There was a time when we were recognized as a powerful continent rich with minerals, yet now we're the weakest and poorest continent, mildly rich in minerals."
