Morning arrived quietly over the training grounds.
The rising sun spread pale gold across the rows of tents, warming the thin mist that still clung to the grass. Competitors moved through the camp in loose groups, heading toward the breakfast stalls that had been set up near the central pavilion.
Jin Yue sat with the members of Group 417 at one of the long wooden tables.
Bowls of porridge and steamed buns had been placed before them, along with small plates of salted vegetables. The meal was simple, but for most competitors it was more than enough before the next day's battles.
Around them, the usual morning noise filled the air.
Conversations.
Laughter.
The occasional argument between participants who had already begun comparing strength before the coming round.
But beneath the normal chatter, another current of sound flowed through the camp.
Whispers.
Jin Yue noticed them the moment he arrived.
Eyes lingered slightly longer than usual.
