While the auxiliaries cleaned up the remains and prepared the arena for the next combat, Ren couldn't help but notice the gazes now directed at him from various points in the stands.
Klein, in particular, observed him with intensity and suspicion.
Luna, more discreet but equally attentive, studied Ren with admiration but also challenge in her eyes.
"Seems like you've drawn attention," Min murmured. "Klein's team will compete soon. I bet they're now thinking about how to surpass the record of all your strategies."
"Let them," Ren responded calmly. "Everyone made their own effort, and they'll have to make theirs."
Battle Week had barely begun, and it was already revealing surprises that no one had anticipated. For Ren, this wouldn't just be an exam or a competition... it would be the validation of everything he had learned since that day when his gray spore was the object of universal mockery.
And this time, no one was laughing.
♢♢♢♢
