On the martial platform, Zion Blackstar stood upright, his robes fluttering slightly in the wind. His calm gaze fell on Zora, and within his deep eyes, a faint light flickered.
At last… it was her turn.
He had heard too much about her these past days. About how she humiliated Ragnor Blackstar, how she swept through the alchemy contest, how she repeatedly overturned everyone's expectations. Now, he would finally see with his own eyes whether those rumors were exaggerated or if Zora truly possessed the strength to match her fame.
High above, Emperor Valerius Blackstar also looked down at Zora, his gaze sharp and heavy like a mountain pressing down. His expression carried no warmth. The faint smile he wore earlier had long since vanished.
He had heard the full story of Ragnor Blackstar's humiliation. He knew Ragnor had provoked her first. He even understood that his son had brought it upon himself.
But none of that mattered.
