A thick, unnerving silence swallowed the arena—an abrupt stillness so profound that even the torches lining the colossal stone walls seemed to hold their flames tighter, crackling no more. The dwarven crowd, moments ago a roaring beast of jeers and laughter, now stared wide-eyed at the lone human who dared do the unthinkable.
Kyle remained with his spear still raised, his stance strong despite the overwhelming hostility pressing down on him. His blue spear hummed faintly with aura, a streak of defiance gleaming under the molten glow of the arena's central forge.
Then, the silence cracked—thin murmurs rippling throughout the packed stands.
"Is he insane?"
"Humans… always so arrogant."
"Brash whelps, thinking courage is the same as strength…"
"He pointed at an Elder… truly foolish."
Some scoffed. Some smirked. Others whispered with a hint of curiosity, even apprehension—because no one, not in decades, had ever challenged an Elder directly.
