With only six days left until the registration deadline for the hall, the situation became increasingly dire. Despite providing 40 more accesses to the 'magic pool', only two more acolytes applied to join the hall.
[Application received - 34]
New rumors began to circulate, casting doubt on Emery's personal history and connections. Whispers about his supposed conflict with the powerful Nephilim faction held more sway than his background from the lower realm. These rumors made potential candidates hesitant to align themselves with Hall 120.
Furthermore, reports surfaced of numerous halls actively targeting lower-realm acolytes, employing both enticing offers and outright harassment to dissuade them from joining Hall 120. This concerted effort to thwart recruitment efforts hinted at a larger, more organized scheme at play.