The Gym erupted in a mixture of horrified awe and whispered admiration. Nobles who had yawned through the first round now sat upright, suddenly paying attention, leaning forward, clutching their jeweled fans. And me? I took a slow bow, letting the theatrical tension linger, enjoying the chaos I had so perfectly orchestrated.
Alias hurried over afterward, muttering a mix of "incredible" and "you're insane," but secretly—I know—he was thrilled. The show was a success.
And I? I was already thinking about Agro and how soon I could get home after stealing the entire show with something so ridiculous… yet undeniably effective.
*****
