Whoosh!
Everyone's gaze swung in unison once more toward the spot where the second vortex had appeared.
In all fairness, compared with Juventus's extravagant entrance, like a god descending into the world, this vortex was considerably smaller.
Yet on the lake's surface, now covered in circular ripples, it remained strikingly conspicuous.
A woman with long, emerald-green hair cascading like a waterfall stepped on the rippling water and slowly emerged from the vortex.
Her beauty was hardly enough to topple kingdoms, and the corners of her eyes even bore a trace of world-weariness unbecoming of a young girl.
But!
A full eight noble purple "stars," representing her soul aptitude, actually revolved around her!
Bathed in the glow of those eight purple stars, she seemed to possess a peerless radiance that no other female wizard in this space could match!
"Eight-Star Soul!" someone gasped.
After a brief, deathly silence, several terrifying streaks tore through the sky like meteors!
Several High-Rank Wizards from different schools, all wielding real authority, abandoned any pretense of dignity and shot downward together, their eyes red as they charged straight toward the green-haired woman!
It was not unheard of for wizards from different schools to take an interest in the same trial participant.
In the past, however, everyone would weigh the costs and benefits, then settle the matter quickly and amicably through an exchange of resources.
This time, though, the situation descended into a tense stalemate!
"She belongs to the Black Moon School! Just try taking her!"
"Bullshit! The Flame School is offering twice your resources!"
The High-Rank Wizards who had descended abruptly stopped a short distance from the green-haired woman.
Outwardly, they remained motionless, but violently surging waves of consciousness continually collided and mingled in the void!
The pressure of that energy even made the surrounding space