A cool wind swept across the open arena as the goat man lifted his hand.
Above him, a broad stone stage hovered in the air, humming with a faint silver glow. In the next instant, light rained down across its surface. Figures took shape one after another, each landing with a brief shimmer of energy.
A hundred contestants now stood there, the final survivors after thousands had been eliminated. These were the ones chosen for the coming campaign against the Hallow.
Nikko and Malachi appeared last.
Their arrival hit like a small shockwave, a leftover surge from the forms they'd just released.
A few nearby contestants staggered back, but both Nikko and Malachi quickly suppressed their auras. Malachi shook off the lingering golden spark along his arms.
Nikko steadied her breath, her muscles returning to their normal shape as the last strand of white-green hair settled across her shoulder.
Malachi glanced her way, staff resting against his shoulder.
