Morning returned to the Grand Arena with noise. Not the ceremonial drums of the previous day, but the restless roar of a crowd that had come to watch people hurt each other for glory.
Sunlight poured across the rebuilt arena floor, the stone gleaming pale beneath the massive protective barrier that shimmered faintly above it like a transparent dome. Runes carved along the arena's perimeter pulsed softly, maintaining the shield that would keep stray magic and devastating blows from reaching the thousands packed into the stands.
Banners snapped in the wind.
Delegations filled their designated sections again, nobles seated in shaded balconies while common citizens crowded the upper stands, excitement rolling through the arena in waves.
Leo stood near the fighter's entrance and stared at the arena floor.
Thirty-two fighters stood scattered across the staging area, stretching, adjusting equipment, checking weapons or quietly observing their future opponents.
