In a hidden observatory room buried deep within the Crownspire Arena, the glow of screens cast soft reflections across a wall of glass.
The room was silent—save for the muted replay of a single match, played again and again.
The footage showed a blur of motion… a single blow… and a stunned silence.
Ethan Cross's match.
It had lasted barely a minute.
A woman sat alone in that room, legs crossed, eyes narrowed.
Her sleek uniform was that of an Ascension Overseer, but her bearing carried weight beyond her title. Her fingers tapped lightly on the cup in her hand before she took a slow, thoughtful sip.
"Interesting…"
Her voice was smooth, cool—almost amused. She leaned forward, tapping the screen once more to rewind the moment of impact. Her eyes shimmered with curiosity.
"Very interesting."
---
Back in the arena, the atmosphere had shifted.
The announcer's voice rang out, energetic and measured as always:
