The roar of the crowd is still ringing through the coliseum when the golden orbs above begin to spin once more—resuming their slow dance through the air.
The announcer doesn't miss a beat.
"And now, brave citizens of the Empire… are you ready for the second match of the day?!"
The crowd answers in a single thunderous shout:
"YES!!"
"Then hold onto your seats!"
The orbs swirl faster, a pulse of magic crackling around them like lightning caught in a whirlpool.
And then—
BOOM.
Two emblems flash to life, brighter than the rest.
"The Kingdom of Tous…!"
The crowd erupts. Cheers explode from every section of the arena. Flags bearing the golden lion crest of Tous rise high. Horns blare. The chant begins instantly:
"TOUS! TOUS! TOUS!"
"…versus the Kingdom of Hrelm!"
Another wave of noise surges, though this one is more mixed—cheers, whistles, the sound of a proud but smaller group trying to rise above the Tous fans.
Gresren's eyebrows rise. "Tous? Rip to that Hrelm guy."
