"Lady Ashborne, was it? That's a bit harsh, but yes, I agree. Maximus, don't joke with us," Einar replied, her words aimed more at the newcomer than at Damian himself.
"Believe it or not, I'm not the one who has to do it," Damian shrugged, turning away from the gathered challengers.
This should be fun. Oh, how he wished he had a camera or smartphone. Watching Sam and Einar struggle would have been a video more precious than a chest full of gold.
Everyone took their place a few minutes behind the line drawn. Damian was curious to see if anyone had found a way to resist the overwhelming mana different from his. It wouldn't be soul crushing pressure, this was still a test for young promising youths and they had to give them some leeway to succeed at least halfway.
However, Damian was proven very wrong.
Ahh, I forgot to mention. I decided not to change their age. The 4 year time skip already made Damian 13 years old.
He was 5 and half at the start >>
two year time skip Goldilock house >>
4-5 months before reaching The Dreaded lands >>
6 months portal time thingy >>
4 years and some months time skip again >>
13 year old curruntly. Sam is near 14-15,
Lucian two years older than Damian (7 at the start)
is now 15 and some months..