Northern frowned as he took a seat beside Ellis. The instructors had gone to great lengths to secure this seat. They'd first approached the previous occupant with careful persuasion.
Though initially reluctant, the student changed his mind upon learning who would take his place. He yielded without further protest.
Northern had leveraged his growing reputation to make this demand. Yet now he sat grimacing as if someone had forced him there against his will.
An awkward silence hung in the air for several seconds as he settled into the seat.
Gazes from around the arena fixed on him—some filled with delight, others with fear, envy, or respect. The attention prickled at Northern's skin until the teams of new participants began filing into the arena, drawing eyes away from him.
Northern shifted his focus to the incoming participants.
The white-haired student president strode in, a massive Warhammer strapped to her back. Something about the weapon tugged at Northern's memory.
