Jun Kai watched the participants shift restlessly, adjusting belts, rolling shoulders, murmuring last-minute strategies. Some grouped together, already forming alliances. Others stood alone, eyes closed, conserving breath.
Every few moments, the registration officials moved through the crowd, calling out:
"Water pulse...check in!"
"Earth pulse...move to the left!"
"Fire pulse...numbers recorded!"
The crowd surged and settled again like a living organism being sorted.
Jun Kai's gaze moved with them.
Then...
A pale tag caught his eye.
Not because it was brighter.
Because something about the man's stillness made him stand out.
For a heartbeat, Jun Kai thought he might be imagining it.
The figure was near the middle-right cluster, partially obscured by taller bodies. His hood was lowered, hair tied back. His posture was calm, as if he were not standing among twenty thousand people about to throw themselves into chaos.
Jun Kai's chest tightened.
