It was fascinating to watch how, the instant their prestige and image were on the line, those who'd been only half-heartedly involved suddenly became fully committed.
All the high-ranking officers and commanders of the Dusken Throne—leading divisions, legions, and special forces qualified to participate in this third round but who'd been upstaged by the Myrtharian Nerds—stood with brows knitted in silent frustration, their internal monologues far less composed than their outward calm suggested. They were the ones who should be fighting in the arena right now! Not these outsiders!
Regrettably, the new Soulmancer King had decided otherwise, and the other candidate hadn't opposed him, against all expectations. Though they desired victory for their people, many secretly harbored the twisted wish to see these newcomers get annihilated by the opposing team.
