The arena was frenzied, the crowd still echoing with cheers of enthusiasm after the young men demonstrated their skills in the challenge, the buzz of excitement hanging in the air like a swarm.
The holographic screens displayed defining moments, frozen in shimmering light, like Alrik's final blow against the stone golem or a young girl's precise strategy to subdue the giant hawk.
Isolated screams still broke through the continuous hubbub.
The Monarchs remained attentive, impassive as statues, in their own thoughts. Hands resting on the arms of the throne, eyes fixed on the projections.
Orion raised his hands, palms down in a gesture that silenced the arena. A sudden pall of stillness fell over the stands. With a simple two-fingered gesture, he signaled for the master of ceremonies to continue.
The emcee smiled, his eyes narrowing in satisfaction, before announcing,
