The roar of a crowd washed over the massive, sun-drenched arena of the Royal Academy.
Hundreds of students; Human, Elf, and Dwarf alike, packed the stands, their faces a sea of rapt attention.
In the center of the field, one of the core exhibition matchs of the 8th Sovereign's Gauntlet was reaching its explosive climax.
On an observation platform, Karl stood with his arms crossed, a grin of pride on his face as he watched his star pupil. Beside him, Serena watched with a calmer focus.
"Your archer is impressive, Karl, but Charles has her cornered," Serena commented, her eyes tracking the complex battle below. "His control of the battlefield is absolute."
"Just watch, Rena," Karl shot back with a grin, never taking his eyes off his student. "She just needs one opening."
On the field, Charles, the Sovereign's pragmatic right-hand, was proving he was far more than just an administrator.
