The arena had not yet fully recovered from the previous battle, and even though the confrontation between Aether and Liora had already concluded, its lingering presence refused to fade away. It was not merely the visible aftermath that remained embedded within the environment, but something far deeper—an intangible residue of tension that had settled into the air itself. The atmosphere felt heavier, denser, as though the very space had absorbed the intensity of that clash and had yet to release it.
Soft murmurs spread across the audience, yet unlike earlier rounds, there was a noticeable restraint in their voices. The excitement had not diminished, but it had transformed into something sharper, more focused. Spectators were no longer watching casually; they were observing with intent, analyzing every possibility, anticipating what was to come.
