The crowd roared—not in approval of Lukas's defeat, but in catharsis, as if they had all just witnessed something justice-like unfold. The referee rushed forward, eyes wide, clearly uncertain how to categorize what he had just witnessed.
"The winner," the referee stammered out, voice unsteady, "is Kain Newman."
Kain calmly stepped back, dismissing his contracts one by one with a graceful wave. Bea released her grip fully, allowing Lukas to collapse onto the arena floor in a defeated, trembling heap. Medics rushed in quickly, their faces pale.
Kain didn't look back as he exited the arena stage, each step precise and deliberate. The crowd parted instinctively, giving him space.
His friends gathered quickly—Bridge looking both impressed and amused, Addison openly satisfied, and Serena waiting quietly, eyes unreadable.
Bridge bounded up first, eyes still wide. "Holy shit. Remind me never to piss you off, bro."
Kain rolled his eyes. "You say that as if you didn't already know."
