Today, the first group of our cohort entered the ascension chamber, one at a time, to perform the trials. We numbered sixteen when we started out on our pilgrimage, but only twelve of our number entered the portal, leading to the fractal within, where the trials of Divitium Nava are played out. Candidate Illora was the first of our number to enter and the first to emerge a mere four hours later. None of our cohort had any doubts about her capabilities, and as anticipated, her ascension was celebrated right away. She took her place in the circle of acceptance. I was not yet ready to test myself. Mentor Sidony nodded in understanding, but I feared that behind his calm expression lay disappointment. Judgment. How do I tell him that after everything—after making the long trek from the south—still...I feel unworthy.