The heavy bronze water clock stationed beside the eastern archway released another measured drop of water, the copper float clicking downward with a steady, rhythmic thud that echoed against the granite foundation of the plaza.
Across the arena floor, the smell of scorched herbs and bubbling resin grew thicker as the final minutes of the preliminary round slipped away.
GONG!
The second warning chime reverberated across the stone amphitheater, its deep vibration rolling through the spectator stands and signaling that less than two minutes remained on the testing clock.
Apprentices across eighty stone platforms scrambled in frantic desperation, frantically adjusting their draft valves, reducing their spirit flames, and forcing their bubbling cauldrons into the delicate cooling stage befo
