The roar of the crowd had not yet faded when the referee raised his hand for silence. The announcement cut through the din like a blade:
"Next bout—the Masters' duel."
Excitement rippled through the stands. The masters would fight in pairs, matched by the whim of random draw. First to face each other: Julian Cardill of the Cardill Martial Arts Academy versus Helio of the Zen Warriors.
Julian entered the ring first. His robes were immaculate, his every step polished, radiating the arrogance of a man who had spent his life adored, feared, and obeyed. Though time had etched faint lines on his face, his movements carried the sharp precision of decades of relentless discipline. His eyes swept the arena like a sovereign surveying his court, daring anyone to question his supremacy.
But when the referee spoke the name Helio, Julian faltered. His chest tightened with unease.
Helio.
