The Sky Arena simmered with restless excitement. The audience packed shoulder-to-shoulder. Rumors of Kent's "shameless win" still boiled in every conversation, but now a new anticipation took hold—the official announcement of the twenty-five groups for the next round fight.
The 6th Elder floated down with solemn dignity, his robes trailing clouds of mist, and raised his wand high. "By decree of the Council, the fights shall proceed in group format. Twenty-five groups have been formed, each with ten disciples. From each group, only two shall advance. Strength, cunning, and willpower will decide your fate. Now… witness the group-selections!"
Crystalline talismans shot upward, blossoming into giant scrolls of light that hovered over the arena. Names began to glow one after another, placed into groups like celestial constellations.
Cheers erupted whenever a favored disciple's name appeared, the crowd shouting sect names, wagers already changing hands.
