The Next day,
In the early hours of the morning, the entire Empire awakened to a brilliant display of glowing holograms flickering across every city, town, and village. The broadcast was live, covering the entire throne room of the royal palace, showing every detail to the world without filter or delay.
Outside the palace gates, a restless crowd had already gathered, their numbers growing by the minute. Citizens stood shoulder to shoulder, some with fists clenched in frustration, others shouting slogans and demands.
They didn't agree with the outcome of the test—many believed it to be unfair, some cried manipulation, and others simply didn't want to accept the result.
But what could they do? Their voices were powerless against the ancient customs.
"It's the tradition test," one man grumbled bitterly to his neighbor.
"And according to that damned tradition," the other replied under his breath, "Aria won. Legally, officially, and without fault."
