The Sparring Grounds weren't marked by banners or gates. In Arkhe City, titles meant little, and strength was never advertised—it was simply felt.
Leon and the others followed the quiet directions from the black token Valek had thrown. The streets led them toward a lowered section of the city, built into a crater-like basin. There was no crowd. No guards. Just a wide, open arena built from steel, stone, and scorched earth.
On a raised stone platform, a group of warriors watched the arena below. Some stood with arms crossed. Others rested with blades across their laps. A few meditated with eyes closed.
None of them reacted when Leon's group arrived.
A glowing sign above the entry arch read:
[Sparring Grounds of Blades]
– Entry by Recognition Only –
You must prove your presence to be noticed.
Roman blinked. "What does that mean?"
Kael looked around. "They're not interested in talk."
