The crowd erupted. Not polite applause but genuine enthusiasm, thousands of voices creating wall of sound that echoed through the arena with physical force. Competitors were shouting, spectators were cheering, the energy building until it felt like the protective barriers might strain from containing it.
Raze stepped back from the platform's edge, allowing the moment to continue without his presence diminishing it. Logan appeared at his elbow, brown eyes showing satisfaction mixing with something approaching pride.
"That was exceptional speech," Logan said quietly, voice pitched to carry through the noise. "You addressed their concerns while establishing authority without arrogance. Some of those warriors would follow you based on words alone."
"That was the goal," Raze replied. "Need them to understand this isn't typical noble exploitation disguised as opportunity."
