The Grand Arena was reborn that night with a stage of light and music.
Gone were the crackling energy barriers and weapon-etched craters.
Now, silken curtains danced in the summer breeze. Spotlights swept the towering dome. Giant holographic displays bloomed above the audience, showing reels from the tournament—slow-motion battles, the top-rated ones on the internet.
In the participants' section, sixteen warriors stood in quiet formation. Those who had made it to the Round of 16 were given their own raised platform to overlook the crowd.
And among them…
Fiona stood with her arms crossed tightly over her chest, pretending to focus on the stage far below. Her hair was tied back in an elegant cascade, her expression carefully composed.
Beside her, Zion stood tall, hands folded behind his back, posture perfect… yet his shoulders were just slightly too rigid.
And the tension between them? It's just obvious for everyone to see.
