The thing that Hilia thought probably wouldn't happen—yet expected it just might—ended up happening after all.
She looked at Encore, and their eyes met in silent confusion.
The judge waited a few minutes, and when the absent team still didn't show up, declared Holy Maiden Squad the winner by default, taking a smooth two-to-zero victory.
Backstage, Hilia immediately found Mr. Nikodemos and reported the anomaly to him, asking if he wanted to take it up with the League Committee.
Upon hearing Hilia's report, Mr. Nikodemos pondered for a moment: "Someone's definitely going to investigate the absentees, but if what you say is true, those sent to check might fall asleep too. Only Tier Four Mages or above are likely to resist. I'll speak to the committee."
With that, Mr. Nikodemos left.
