"I'll ask again: Does anyone want to ask a question? This is your chance. Once you're sent to Thaloria, you won't get another opportunity," Quinella warned casually, scanning the crowd.
However, no one spoke, and the silence led Quinella to assume they all understood everything.
"Well then..." Before she could finish, Merlin suddenly raised his right hand, cutting her off. "Sorry, Goddess Quinella. Something just came to mind, and I have a question."
Merlin's words immediately startled everyone. Instinctively, they turned their attention to him as he stepped out of the crowd.
His striking appearance took them by surprise once again. He was tall, with a face that could only be described as exceptionally handsome. His white hair shimmered like snow—slightly long and tousled, yet somehow adding to his appeal. His pair of violet eyes, sparkling like sapphires, enhanced his charm even more.
Inwardly, they all thought in unison, "So handsome!"
Many women couldn't help but gaze at him longingly, while many men—especially those with more average looks—looked on with envy.
"Damn! Who is this guy? Why is he so good-looking?" The blond man who had asked the previous question muttered enviously, his face twisted with resentment.
Though the blond man was attractive, his charm seemed insignificant next to Merlin's—completely overshadowed.
Meanwhile, Quinella, hearing Merlin's voice, struggled to hide her irritation. She had already given them the opportunity to ask questions, and after a long silence, she assumed they understood. Then, out of nowhere, someone asked a question—clearly an annoyance, as if they were playing a trick on her.
But as her gaze fell on Merlin, her anger melted away. Surprise replaced her frustration, and her golden eyes gleamed with admiration.
"This man is truly handsome! His charm even surpasses that of the most handsome god in the palace of the gods! It's truly remarkable," Quinella whispered softly, nodding in appreciation.
A gentle smile spread across her lips as she spoke warmly, "If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I'm listening."
Noticing Quinella's sudden shift in demeanor, Merlin couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. He wasn't surprised—he knew well that she, as a goddess, placed great value on appearances. Had the person before her been ordinary-looking, Quinella's attitude would likely have remained cold and indifferent.
"Indeed, in any world, appearance is a powerful asset," Merlin murmured with a playful smile.
Brushing aside his thoughts, Merlin paused a few meters from the crowd and fixed his gaze on Quinella.
With a charming smile on his lips, Merlin gave a slight bow of his head toward her.
"Please forgive my impoliteness in advance, Goddess. I hope you won't take offense," Merlin said politely.
In the presence of a woman—especially one as high-status and dignified as Quinella—it was best to show politeness with a touch of respect.
Of course, Merlin had a specific purpose for this: to attract Quinella's attention. He didn't know what the test place, Thaloria, would be like, or even the world they would enter—Altheran. Perhaps, in the future, he would need Quinella's help. Therefore, he needed to demonstrate his value to her.
This value wasn't about showcasing extraordinary abilities but rather about displaying courtesy and reverence. As a goddess, Quinella had undoubtedly encountered many remarkable individuals. With his current limited strength and knowledge, Merlin understood that gaining her recognition through ability alone was impossible.
Thus, the most effective approach was to show a respectful and courteous attitude.
As Merlin had expected, Quinella was visibly surprised by his gesture of reverence. She hadn't anticipated him lowering himself before her, which only deepened her admiration and fondness for him.
"Don't worry, I'm not offended," Quinella replied with a light laugh, her tone warmer than before. "So, what's troubling you?"
Merlin knew he had caught Quinella's attention. Though it was just a small shift, it was enough—his goal had been fully achieved.
Slowly, Merlin raised his head, maintaining his smile, and asked, "In the test, we'll compete in seven tasks or games, and if any of us fails to complete one, we die. Are those the rules, Goddess?"
Quinella gave a small nod, confirming, "Yes, you're right. Those are the rules."
"In that case," Merlin continued with a faint smile, "is there a rule against killing each other? Given that only ten people are allowed to enter the Altheran world, wouldn't intentional killing be rampant during the test?"
At this, the people behind Merlin were taken aback. Some of them glared at him with hard, angry expressions.
Merlin felt the hostility but simply smiled sarcastically, unfazed. His purpose in asking was clear: to ensure his own safety. The test was a survival challenge, and it was likely that participants would resort to killing to thin the competition.
Certainly, he didn't want to become a victim, so confirming this matter with Quinella was crucial. He was confident that she wouldn't allow such killings. If she did, the test would clearly fall apart later on.
As expected, Quinella's expression turned serious upon hearing his question.
"You don't need to worry," Quinella soothed firmly. "There's a strict rule prohibiting participants from killing each other. Anyone who violates it will be penalized with death."
"Gulp!" The few who had entertained such thoughts quickly swallowed, their nerves now apparent.
At first, they had considered taking such action. Even if there was a rule, they planned to argue that Quinella hadn't specified it. But now, with Merlin's revelation, there were no loopholes left to exploit.
Instantly, many hateful and angry glances were directed at Merlin's back. However, there were also several who silently thanked him. If he hadn't raised the issue, they would likely have been the first victims, even before completing the first task.
Among those looking at Merlin with gratitude was a striking woman with a cold demeanor, who regarded him with admiration and couldn't help but smile, feeling an undeniable attraction.
"Is there anything else you wish to ask?" Quinella inquired softly.
Merlin smiled faintly, shaking his head. "Thank you, Goddess. I've received the clarification I needed."
Satisfied with his response, Quinella shifted her gaze toward everyone.
"Now that you all understand, I will send you to Thaloria," she said casually, her eyes closing. "I have high expectations for you."
*Buzz!*
A burst of golden light erupted from Quinella's body, sending shockwaves through the hall. Moments later, a golden circle appeared beneath each of their feet.
Before anyone could react, the golden circles enveloped them, and in an instant, the once bustling white hall fell into complete silence.
Quinella slowly opened her eyes, a cold smile forming on her lips, one that seemed sharper than before.
"The game begins now. I hope some of you prove worthy of becoming champions, so the gods' plans will be completed perfectly," she murmured with a mocking chuckle.
With that, her figure slowly faded from sight, leaving the hall in eternal stillness.