A blinding flash arcs into the air. Ten banners ignite high above the arena, each one displaying the symbol of a team.
"The Kingdom of Tous!"
Another wave of cheers.
"The Nighthorn Clan!"
Roars answer.
"The Kingdom of Kareth! The Stormveil Sect! The Ashedge Clan—yes, the Ashedge Clan has returned to the top!"
This time, the crowd gasps—then cheers anew, louder than before. The underdog story has caught fire.
"Unreal!" the announcer shouts. "Once overlooked, now impossible to ignore!."
The camera crystal above the arena pans briefly over to Alix.
He doesn't react.
Just watches.
The crowd shifts, murmuring with fresh curiosity.
Gresren mutters under his breath, "They really love building suspense."
The announcer keeps going, voice booming.
"Let's not forget our other champions—Hrelm, Frostpine, Myren, Duskwatch, and Red Ember! The fiercest forces in the empire, gathered here today!"
The crowd roars again, stomping and clapping, the stands trembling with energy.
