The noise of the stadium rolled endlessly across the floating platform. The flying cameras drifted overhead like robot birds, their crystal lenses flashing as they captured the crowds and the feel of the entire event.
Suddenly, the lights dimmed.
A glow of blue light appeared from beneath the central battlefield, and suddenly the entire pinpoint middle of the arena began to rise.
Whirring mechanical sounds echoed outward and everyone watched as a thin, circular stage elevated itself from the heart of the competition grounds.
Layer after layer of dark silver metal unfolded and locked into place while glowing symbols spread across the surface like veins awakening beneath skin.
The audience immediately erupted into louder cheers.
"IT'S STARTING!"
"LOOK!"
"THE HEADMISTRESS!"
Columns of icy-blue wind burst upward around the stage in violent spirals. And when the winds vanished, the stunning, terrifying Danistasia Ardental remained.
