The arena pulsed with tension.
Noel stood on one end of the platform, Revenant Fang in hand. The black blade absorbed the arena lights rather than reflecting them, almost as if it drank in the pressure of the crowd.
Across from him, Varian Kraxus spun two curved daggers between his fingers. His stance was relaxed, confident—his dark uniform hugging tightly to his frame, reinforced at key points. His eyes glinted with sharp amusement, and his demonkin horns cast jagged shadows beneath the arena lights.
The barrier dome above shimmered faintly.
A distant voice rang from the stands:
"LET'S GO NOEL!"
Charlotte's voice, clear and defiant. Noel glanced up just long enough to see her in the crowd—Sancta Veil glowing, red hair vivid under the magical lights. Elyra and Elena stood at her sides, both focused on him.
Noel exhaled through his nose, steadying his grip.
