The moment the referee's hand dropped, the atmosphere shifted completely. Where moments before there had been casual entertainment, now there was only deadly seriousness. The weight of divine observation pressed down upon the arena like a physical force.
Rudy and Max stood facing each other, both seventeen-year-olds draped in the armor Leon had gifted them six years ago. The metal bore countless scratches and dents—a testament to years of daily training and sparring. Despite the wear, they wore it with pride—sacred gifts from their God, maintained with religious devotion even as the years had taken their toll.
