Chapter 504: The tests (9)

After leaving room D8, Erik proceeded down the sprawling complex's metallic corridor toward his final challenge for the day - room F2. The puzzle test was behind him, his mind still pleasantly humming from the recent mental exertion.

The contrast between the building's icy, sleek steel and the gentle hum of energy fields gave the modern facility an uncanny blend of futuristic and impersonal qualities.

As he walked, his mind turned to the forthcoming test. It was unlike the previous ones in its nature. Not a battle against mechanical foes, not a test of his knowledge of ores or his ability to solve intricate puzzles. Instead, it was a battle of ideologies and values—an interview while he would be assessed for his alignment with the guild's ideals.

Erik felt this would be much more challenging than any other physical test. The guild was a very old organization, and its core principles had been ingrained in the history books for a long time.