POISONED by Darkness.
Most of the candidates who returned to the starting point were poisoned by Darkness.
Fortunately, Neoma's "children" and the other royal mages rescued everyone in time before something worse happened.
Abigail Barlowe looked worried, though.
[This might be too much for the Royal Archmage.]
"Everyone, please stand close to each other," Neoma said in a serious voice. "I will purify you all at the same time."
Abigail Barlowe turned to her. "Princess Neoma, we can also purify Darkness. Your Imperial Highness doesn't have to do this alone."
"I know, and I'm not trying to undermine you, Lady Barlowe," Neoma said calmly. "It's just that we're in a hurry. So I'd like it if you focus on creating the portal instead of healing the candidates."
Trevor could open a portal faster.
But as a candidate, he shouldn't be doing that.