The Examinees never saw it coming.
After the morning's tests ended, a new test did not begin right away.
Instead, there was an unexpectedly lavish luncheon.
The Human Emperor attended in person to host the Demon Race envoys.
Every Examinee who had taken part in the tests and had not yet been eliminated attended.
The Special Admission Test had become a major diplomatic occasion concerning peace between the Human Race and the Demon Race.
News Media outlets sent reporters to cover it live.
The emperor delivered a long speech that went on for nearly half an hour, mostly about the history shared by the Human Race and the Demon Race, their current situation, and so on. It left Xu Yuan feeling rather emotional.
They had fought until blood was spilled. It had already become a battle to the death.
Yet the publicity stressed friendship between the two races.
If he had not been there himself, he might have believed that all was peaceful and well!
The seating arrangements had their own logic.
Xu Yuan and the other Examinees sat at the back of the Banquet Hall.
The good seats had all gone to the guests, including the Demon Race youths.
At first, everyone was indignant.
Then they gradually caught on.
Those sitting at the front would be on television, so they had to watch their manners and appearance.
Ceremonial officials also patrolled the room. If anyone behaved crudely or fidgeted in their seat, a Needle-Prick Art struck at once. For the Demon Race guests, it was sheer torture.
The emperor stood onstage, speaking with a genial smile. He went on and on, looking over the room as though this were a rare pleasure.
As for the Human Race Examinees seated at the back—
No one bothered them.
They could eat