Chapter 107: Chained
As the glow of the Soul Gates faded into the void, silence hung for only a breath before chaos erupted across the arena.
Students poured from the sidelines, flooding the trial grounds like a crashing wave.
"Atlas!! How did you do it?!"
"Azrael, your steps, were you using a soul rhythm technique?!"
"You both made history!"
Dozens of students swarmed around them, their eyes wide with awe, voices overlapping in a frenzy of praise and questions.
Some reached out just to touch them, as if confirming they were real. Others stumbled over their words, desperate to leave an impression.
Then came the butlers, men and women clad in ornate uniforms, carrying crested scrolls and velvet pouches filled with glinting gold.
"Young Lord Azrael, House Fenris wishes to extend an invitation to dine with the Duke personally."
"Atlas, my lady from House Varelle would like to speak with you. She's prepared a contract, name your price."
"I represent House Calden, we'll offer land, servants, a title, just say the word!"