Jun Kai saw the blood before he saw anything else.
Just a thin, dark stain spreading steadily through navy fabric at Jin Yue's shoulder... soaking into cloth that had already endured too much.
But once he saw it, he could not unsee it.
The arena noise dimmed in his ears.
Group 417 had slowed near the outer field boundary. Huo Zhen was still boasting about timing. Lei Fan stood quietly. Mu Qing hovered with concern he was trying not to show too openly. Ba Ryou remained beside Jin Yue... steady, watchful.
Jun Kai walked straight toward them.
The crowd parted instinctively when they recognized him.
The shift was subtle but immediate. Backs straightened. Voices lowered. Even Huo Zhen's loud commentary cut short mid-sentence.
Ba Ryou was the first to fully turn toward him.
Recognition sharpened in his eyes.
He stepped back half a pace and inclined his head.
"Your Highness," he greeted formally.
Not mockery.
Not casual.
Respect.
