Chapter 63: Manaforge Initiate Competition: Awarding Ceremony (1)
Almost an hour has passed since the organizers took everyone’s artifact for official appraisal.
Most of those in the crowd had also returned from a quick meal, discussing with the people beside them:
"Hey, brother, who do you think would win?"
"Honestly, I think it’s going to be the third seed, Cornelius Gray. I’ve observed all four and the other three seemed mostly doing basic stuff to me. Only Cornelius was the one who dared to be fearless, and I think that would be enough to give him the slight push he needed to win, especially since they’re all neck and neck in terms of skill..."
"Hahaha, a fair assessment, but lacking in knowledge in arcanist matters." chimed a middle-aged novice. "It’s a pity that I haven’t passed the Adept Arcanist Examination in the past decade, but I can assure you that Altair Snowcrest fully deserved his reputation as the first seed. He’s half a notch above even the other three."
It was then that another, younger arcanist of the same rank butted in, utterly unhinged:
"Pfft! Brother, you still dare give your opinion despite not having passed the Adept Arcanist Examination after trying for ten years? Aren’t you just spouting crap here with your unreal comprehension and talent? It’s obvious that the fourth seed, young miss Irish Dumont was superior both in looks and skill!"
"Hmph! You damned simpleton, aren’t your words way less reliable?!"
Such conversations happened throughout the Azmarin Public Square, making the wait feel shorter than it should’ve.
The arguments between mundane enthusiasts, novice arcanists, and adepts, entertained and enlightened the less knowledgeable people in the crowd, giving them insights as to who was winning.
Most of the adepts were split between Altair and Allyson, though.