The western training hall remained empty the following morning beneath four royal ward seals. Captain Roen cleared every attendant, while Ferra placed Gazel's prayer case behind a disconnected ceramic screen at the boundary.
Didi stood inside the central circle with her sword pointed toward an unoccupied target frame. Three Shards waited closed around her wrist, leaving the silver-gold response absent until she chose to begin the complete prayer.
Hajin watched from outside the declared line with one Ring available beneath Vella's recovery limit. His right shoulder remained wrapped, preventing extended output while allowing one narrow Aegis intervention if Didi's test crossed its recorded stop conditions.
Eirwen held the treaty witness slate beside Vella's diagnostic station. Neither woman offered mana into the hall, ensuring Didi's first complete attempt contained only her own source plus Gazel's preserved technique impression.
{Sovereign's Brand training test.}
