Min sat quietly with the rest of the contestants in a dim corner of the coliseum's waiting area. The atmosphere was thick with tension—some competitors were meditating, others polishing weapons or whispering quick strategies to themselves. The muffled roar of the crowd outside seeped through the stone walls, a low hum that made Min's stomach twist with excitement and nerves.
A few minutes later, the heavy door creaked open, and a man in a formal yet slightly disheveled suit stepped in. His voice carried authority, yet there was a hint of exhaustion behind it.
"Good afternoon, everyone," he began with a polite bow. "I'm one of the organizers of this event. First off, thank you all for participating in this year's tournament!"
The contestants looked up, giving half-hearted nods. Min could tell most of them were trying to conserve focus.
