The grand colosseum was still buzzing with intense chatter after Tony's absolute victory over Gideon the Mountain. The shattered remnants of the granite armor were being swept off Ring Number One by the outer disciples.
Tony walked back down the stone steps with his standard, lazy posture perfectly restored. He headed straight toward the quiet, shaded corridors to rest his muscles before the upcoming semi-final matches began. He did not care about the shocked whispers of the young nobles who watched him pass. Their superficial opinions were nothing more than a passing breeze on his grand chessboard.
High in the floating galleries, the atmosphere was completely chaotic. Julie Faith sat frozen in her plush chair, her face entirely devoid of color as her body trembled with a sudden, frantic panic.
