Everyone immediately moved toward their respective opponents, each choosing who they would battle by simply locking eyes with them. As for Malrik, his eyes were locked onto the Commander and Vice Commanders and no one else; he would personally take on the two of them without hesitation or interference from any other Elder.
Morthen Wargrave locked eyes with three Cabinet Members, who now had deep frowns etched onto their faces as Morthen had unmistakably selected them as his opponents at this moment.
The remaining Elders and the seven Cabinet Members each chose a single opponent, maintaining a one on one engagement as they waited to see who would make the first move, the tension and silence stretching ever so slowly, as though time itself had grown reluctant to proceed.
