The Imperial Arena had never felt this quiet before.
It was not the quiet of boredom, nor the silence of disinterest. Tens of thousands of spectators filled the towering stands from edge to edge, their combined presence heavy enough to shake the structure beneath them. Noble banners fluttered from elevated balconies. Merchant representatives leaned over railings while recording crystals hovered overhead, capturing every angle for broadcast across the Imperial City.
Yet despite the crowd, despite the scale of the event, an unnatural stillness hung over the battlefield.
People spoke in whispers.
Movements became restrained.
Even the arena attendants lowered their voices instinctively, as though afraid that speaking too loudly might disturb something hidden beneath the surface.
Because everyone understood the same thing.
This match would not resemble the others.
There would be no glorious collisions of overwhelming force.
