The entire world was stunned into absolute silence.
For three terrifying seconds, not a single person in the stadium dared to breathe. The black, glass-like shards of the shattered Black Swan Seal dissolved into glowing dark light before vanishing completely into thin air.
Down in the ring, the masked swordsman stared blankly at the remnants of the broken seal. Slowly, sickeningly, the cold realization set in. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end, and violent goosebumps broke out across his skin. It was the ancient, instinctual terror of a prey animal suddenly realizing it was trapped in the shadow of an apex hunter.
Nelico's neutral, solemn expression faltered. A sudden, sharp realization hit him like a physical blow, breaking his stoic face into a massive grin.
"I SEE!" Nelico shouted, slapping the stone railing.
Memphis leaned back in his chair, letting out a long, heavy exhale as he shook his head in disbelief. "The classic tactic."
