In the surveillance room, Uta watched the main screen, which was divided into four feeds showing the Straw Hat Pirates splitting into four groups.
"...It's started."
Uta spoke softly.
The others also turned their attention to the screen.
Chopper stood on the sofa, anxiously watching his companions.
"...Luffy..."
On-screen, four speedboats raced along the cloud channels, heading deeper into the trial grounds.
Uta walked over to the control console and sat in a high-backed chair.
"Is the audio ready?"
She turned to ask the technician beside her.
"It's ready, Your Highness."
"Good."
Uta brought the microphone to her lips and cleared her throat.
On-screen, the four speedboats had entered separate cloud channels, the Straw Hat Pirates appearing and disappearing between the trees.
She pressed the switch.
"Ahem. Testing, testing..."
The loudspeakers in the trial area let out a burst of piercing static, followed by a gruff, middle-aged man's voice with a teasing edge.
"Can you hear me~? Welcome to God's Trial Grounds, you ignorant challengers!"
Inside the surveillance room, Uta's voice was sweet and clear. In the trial area, however, it came out as an older man's voice.
"You've entered the trial area. Want to see your friend? Try surviving first-ahahahaha!"
Rough laughter rang out over the speakers.
Nami rested her chin on her hand.
"...Our captain looks like she's having fun."
Baby 5 held a teapot, topping up everyone's tea.
Tashigi's gaze settled on the feed showing Zoro and Helmeppo.
"They've split up... Looks like they're going for the highest reward."
Normally, a knight could advance to Grand Knight simply by completing a standard clear.
Clearing it within three hours earned the rank of Holy Knight.
Clearing it with a badge earned the rank of Titled Knight.
Outsiders were generally ineligible to participate, but if they cleared it, they