Elizabeth leaned closer, her voice low enough to stay drowned beneath the roar of the crowd.
"How did you know she'd be here?"
Leon didn't look away from the arena. His eyes stayed locked on the lone figure standing with the green gem still in hand.
"I just had a hunch."
Elizabeth studied him for a moment, searching for more behind the answer. Leon didn't offer any. Eventually, she exhaled and turned back to the arena.
"You have a very good hunch."
A small smile tugged at Leon's mouth.
"Seems like she wasn't idle while we were apart."
Elizabeth nodded.
"So what now? Do we let her compete, or do you want to intervene?"
Leon leaned back in his seat, gaze steady.
"Let's just watch. I want to see how far she's come."
Down on the stage, Nikko Yamamoto stood alone, the green gem catching the arena light as it rested against her palm.
The earlier rush of combat had faded, leaving her expression thoughtful.
"I knew that old woman was up to no good," she murmured.
