Chapter 393 : Debut

Chapter 393: Debut

“In Miss Janna, please look this way—”

“Miss Janna, may I ask how you view the other contestants of the 【Transfiguration Trial】?”

“Miss Janna, your current betting odds have already risen to seventh place. Do you think this ranking is realistic—”

Because Goblin Billy had set up a cordon around the Crystal Rose Inn in advance, those reporters who wanted nothing more than to shove their cameras in Janna’s face now had no choice but to stand outside the cordon, straining their voices as they shouted all kinds of questions at her.

However, at this moment, Janna—her face completely hidden beneath her Wizard Hood—simply quickened her pace under the escort of the crowd and stepped onto the carriage that the 【Spirit Communication Group】 had prepared beforehand, without answering a single question.

“I’m sorry, but Miss Janna must hurry to the 【Glory Arena】 to attend the opening ceremony of the Professionals’ Trial, so she cannot answer your questions right now.”

“What? Then didn’t we wait here for nothing?”

“Yes! We’ve been standing here since early morning!”

“Please, miss, can’t you make an exception for us——”

After Janna got into the carriage, Jenny—acting as her temporary agent—spoke on her behalf.

Seeing the reporters still unwilling to give up, Jenny remained expressionless, her face calm as always, and firmly shook her head.

“After the trial is over, the 【Spirit Communication Group】 will arrange an exclusive interview. At that time, Miss Janna will make time specifically to answer your questions.”

“And where will the interview be held?”

“At the 【Spirit Communication Group】’s branch conference hall.”

The reporters, who had been somewhat resentful, stopped pressing further after hearing that they would have a chance at an exclusive interview later.

Jenny gave the group of reporters a bow, whispered a few words into the coachman’s ear, and then stepped into the carriage as well.

“As expected, professional matters are best left to professionals. Just a few words, and you dismissed those reporters.”

Watching Jenny enter the carriage, Gawen-Toul, whose eyes had just been dazzled by the flashing cameras outside, did not hold back his admiration.

“Thank you. After all, this is part of my job. Miss Janna, the interview is temporarily scheduled for one o’clock in the afternoon today. Will you be able to attend?”

Hearing Jenny’s words, Janna—who had already taken off her Wizard Hood—shook her head.

“Change it. Gawen’s 【Wizard Invention】 assessment is at one o’clock. I have to be there to wait for her.”

“Alright, then I’ll reschedule it for six o’clock in the evening. Will that work?”

“Yes.”

After confirming the interview schedule, Jenny quickly went over Janna’s attire, makeup, and the list of interview questions. Only after making sure nothing was missing did she close her notebook.

“Being a spokesperson really isn’t easy. Even after the trial ends, you still have to work.”

“It’s fine. I’ve long been used to it.”

Her two-year career as a popular opera actress had already accustomed Janna to the endless bombardment of questions from reporters and the daily life of facing countless cameras.

Although it could sometimes be exhausting, overall, Janna did not dislike this well-paid job. On the contrary, she was beginning to feel more and more at home in it.

“Today’s first assessment trial is the 【Transfiguration Trial】. Remember the transformation points I’ve been teaching you these past few days, and above all—steady your mind.”

As the carriage drew closer to the 【Glory Arena】, Lilith-Mag, who had been quiet all this time, suddenly turned her head and spoke earnestly to Janna.

“Yes, Professor. I’ll be careful.”

At Lilith-Mag’s last-minute reminder, Janna nodded seriously.

“Janna, I’ll be cheering for you all the way!”

“Miss Janna, I’ll also be praying for your victory!”

“Thank you.”

The carriage moved quickly, and by around 7:50, it had already entered the participants’ entrance of the 【Glory Arena】 and smoothly rolled into the inner grounds.

“So this is the inside of the 【Glory Arena】?”

As they stepped off the carriage one by one, Gawen-Toul, coming to the inner arena for the first time, could not help but let out a sigh of awe.

Janna, also entering the 【Glory Arena】’s inner grounds for the first time, was equally stunned by the arrangement.

From the outside, the 【Glory Arena】 was a massive oval-shaped building. Aside from its sheer size, it wasn’t particularly striking aesthetically.

But once inside, Janna finally understood why the 【Glory Arena】 had been rated as the foremost arena where Elemental Soul Wizards gathered.

Not only could it accommodate tens of thousands of spectators, but the countless magical runes engraved into its walls, and the enormous all-crystal screen suspended above the arena in a 360-degree curve, were what truly left her astonished.

“Professor Mag, do you know what purpose those runes carved on the walls serve?”

Hearing Janna’s question, Lilith-Mag only smiled at her.

“Some things are more interesting when you discover them for yourself. Go on now. We’ll be watching you from the stands.”

Saying this, Lilith-Mag gently patted Janna on the shoulder, giving her an encouraging look.

“Alright then, I’ll head in first.”

After bidding the others farewell, Janna walked toward a reception desk not far from the carriage, where a sign read: “Trial Contestant Registration.”

“Miss Janna, is that you?”

Just as Janna reached the desk, a slightly plump girl stood up excitedly from her chair, whispering a greeting with shining eyes.

“Hello, Joanna.”

Seeing the girl, Janna quickly recalled that she was the same staff member at the Mercenary Guild who had helped register her details a few days ago.

“Miss Janna, let me take you to the contestants’ waiting room.”

“Thank you.”

To avoid unnecessary commotion, Janna once again put on her Wizard Hood as she got off the carriage. Even the shawl Jenny had draped over her shoulders, she hadn’t taken off.

“Miss Janna, this is the 【Glory Arena】’s waiting room. At present, all contestants participating in the 【Transfiguration Trial】 are inside.”

After leading Janna down an underground escalator for about half a minute, Joanna stopped at the door of a room on the first basement level.

“Alright, thank you for your trouble.”

“It’s no trouble at all!”

Seeing Joanna’s excited reaction, Janna simply smiled and nodded. She then slowly removed her Wizard Hood and stored both it and her shawl into her Thorn Bracelet.

“Then, I’ll head in now—”