The next day, at the tournament venue.
Today, the crowd was two-thirds thinner; a vast expanse of empty seats stretched across the stands.
Just last night, after Hilia confirmed that Adrian steadfastly refused to rescind his decision, she contacted the reporters who'd been trying to reach her, issuing a warning to everyone—alerting them that the cult might act again today, and advising all for their safety not to attend the competition.
As for Hilia, she disguised herself and walked into the arena, positioning herself on the periphery, ready to see what the heretics would attempt today.
Benovia and others believed Hilia's warning; though they came, they had no intention of competing. When summoned by the referee, they planned to relay their refusal to the committee.
After that, they retreated well away from the scene, intending to watch from a safe distance whatever chaos would unfold.
Time arrived swiftly.
