Fen Mian stood unmoved. His face remained calm, his staff still untouched on his back. His eyes, steady and deep, met Kael's without a single flicker of fear. When he finally spoke, his voice was soft, yet it carried through the arena like a ripple across still water.
"The lotus blooms even in fire," he said simply.
The Lorehaven students rose to their feet at once. Their chants turned into waves of calm yet firm voices, repeating his words back into the arena like a hymn. The sound was steady, rhythmic, as if they were invoking an ancient prayer, weaving their faith into the air around their champion.
The tension grew unbearable. Every watcher, from the lowest seat to the high stands, leaned forward. The four principals themselves sat without words. Principal Jian of Lorehaven watched with sharp, unreadable eyes, but his hands were clasped tightly before him.
