Could it be that Rigmore had been acting alone all this time, toying with people at will just to satisfy his twisted whims?

After a moment’s thought, Aerin found it highly plausible.

In fact, she suspected even her current self might be deceiving that seemingly not-too-bright real examiner with lies.

After all, that scum dragon Rigmore lived to stir up trouble for fun. He specialized in blood-boiling pranks that made your fists clench involuntarily.

He was truly despicable.

Aerin rubbed her temples. Visions already swirled in her mind—dragging this pink-haired loli imposter, Rigmore disguised as Aelora, home to discipline her in eighteen different poses.

*You scum dragon, just you wait till I catch you.*

*Then you’ll get no good juice to drink!*

"Alright, alright. Everyone’s here now. Let’s begin."

Seth turned, waving his hand to silence the crowd.

He didn’t shoo Rayelle away either. To Seth, she was excellent performance metrics.

"Though we had a minor hiccup earlier, it’s no big deal. The fact you all arrived an hour early shows your dedication."

As Seth spoke, more figures trickled in around the altar.

Some had been persuaded back by Seth himself en route; others were fresh arrivals.

Those he’d convinced back had heard Rayelle’s earlier remarks. Their eyes burned with fury, glaring daggers at her.

If looks could kill, Rayelle would’ve been shredded to pieces countless times over.

Yet none dared act. Many had glimpsed her power’s edge and felt genuine fear deep in their bones.

"First round begins now! Everyone step out of the bushes and gather around the altar. I’ll activate the trial formation!"

Seth’s voice boomed via sound magic as he strode to the altar’s center—right beside the crimson barrier.

Only then did Rayelle notice the barrier was covered in faint, almost invisible runes and complex sigils.

This barrier wasn’t just for sealing the cave entrance—it was part of the formation.

"As Miss Aelora pointed out, you’re all rather foolish for not spotting the fake examiner. But this trial has no restrictions. We aim to recruit as many as possible. So everyone joins in."

Seth channeled magic into the sigils.

His gaze swept slowly across the crowd, searching for discordant elements.

Earlier, he’d noticed all his planted informants here were dead—killed brutally and professionally, with no traces or clues left behind.

Still, the barrier guarding this area hadn’t triggered. No Church personnel had entered.

At most, a few ordinary adventurers had slipped in.

Seth wasn’t overly concerned. Among adventurers, only Aerin worried him.

But Aerin belonged to the Church. She’d carry the Holy Light Church’s mark, which would trigger the barrier. Its silence meant she likely wasn’t here.

That was enough.

Besides, those informants were useless cultists anyway. Losing them meant nothing.

"Activate!"

Seth’s shout echoed. Countless overlapping sigils on the crimson barrier whirled to life, interlocking into a blazing crimson orb. Light surged outward, engulfing everyone on the altar grounds.

After a brief dizziness, they found themselves in pure darkness. Only eerie black mist floated in the air.

Seth’s figure appeared moments later at the center of this void.

"This is the preparation zone. Listen closely."

Seth paused.

"This Dark Domain was created by the High Priest. Once we begin, your memories will be temporarily erased. Your power levels will be standardized. Each of you will enter a separate illusionary trial to assess your true capabilities."

As Seth explained, Rayelle narrowed her eyes, silently sensing the domain.

No danger lingered. It seemed purely functional—a domain magic for trials.

"The High Priest and I, along with the other Deacons, will judge your performance fairly to determine your eligibility for the Chaos Sect. That’s all. Prepare yourselves. We start immediately."

Murmurs rose below as Seth finished.

Rayelle caught snippets—worries about memory loss, remarks on the trial’s fairness.

Aerin, hugging her disguised Holy Sword, gave a silent nod.

She’d taken many domain-based trials in her past life. Imperial Academy’s entrance exam, for instance.

"Begin!"

Seth’s command struck. Dizziness overwhelmed everyone. Thoughts scattered. Memories vanished.

Seth turned and walked toward the domain’s heart. He settled halfway into the thick black mist, fingers dancing in the air.

Runes and sigils flared to life before him, forming a rectangular screen-like display.

Multiple small windows showed each candidate’s trial. Seth could tap any to enlarge it.

Simultaneously, figures emerged from the mist around Seth—holographic projections hovering vividly.

The tall shadow in a hooded cloak, eyes cold as frost, was unmistakably the High Priest.

Beside him stood the Sect Deacon who’d attended last night’s gathering with Seth.

"Oh dear, Seth. You’ve worked so hard preparing this trial."

The Deacon glanced at the High Priest, seemingly scribbling something, then smiled at Seth.

Seth just shot him a glare and looked away.

"Hmph! Gwyn, how dare you say that! If you actually did your job instead of slacking off, would I be this exhausted?"

Gwyn’s smile didn’t falter.

"Now, now. I *am* working! I’ve been monitoring the Church’s movements outside. You wouldn’t want a surprise raid, would you? My role is vital too!"

"Hmph!"

Seth snorted, refusing to engage further. His gaze shifted to the third projection spot.

Empty. No figure stood there.

"Why isn’t she here?"

Seth raised an eyebrow.

The High Priest finally looked up, voice icy.

"...She ran into trouble at the Adventurers Guild. Some pests have her tied up. Ignore her. We’ll handle this."

"Fine."

Seth nodded, turning to the screens.

Most candidates had already begun their trials.

This assessment was crucial. Seth had designed a meticulous test to gauge their worthiness for the Chaos Sect.

"Let’s start with this one."

Seth murmured to himself, focusing on Lucas’s feed.