Inside the stone chamber, the five Gates conversed with one another.
Fusical said, "You actually allowed that boy to take the test. It seems your counterpart from the parallel world told you some very important information."
Selen said, "He is merely another one fated to face the calamity. We only need to watch quietly."
Ganne said, "Are you sure that boy is qualified to join us?"
Selen said, "Who knows? It probably will not be a problem."
It was rare for all of them to be present, and the five Gates soon began chatting.
Just as the Gates were conversing, the entire Wandering Sea suddenly began to tremble.
The tremor came quickly and left just as quickly, and calm was restored before long.
Guenon said, "It seems our worries were unnecessary. He will be one who surpasses him."
Ellen said, "Surpass him? I only hope history does not repeat itself."
After Ellen finished speaking, none of the Gates spoke again. The torches in the stone chamber went out, and everything returned to silence.
In a small town by the North Atlantic, the failed examinees had gathered to spend the night, since it was already late.
In the town's only tavern, the bartender bustled about without pause, his face full of smiles.
The bartender was an ordinary man and knew nothing about magecraft.
Yet today was the best day of business this shabby tavern saw all year.
He could not understand why so many people had come when it was not even a holiday.
Still, these guests were all generous. Today's earnings matched half a year of ordinary business, so he worked especially hard.
Amid the noisy surroundings, several hundred examinees gathered in little groups of two and three to drink, creating a lively atmosphere.
Among the bustling crowd, only