The sun stood high overhead. It was the midday break, and the city buzzed with a single topic—the five semi-finalists. As all the participants and spectators were leaving the arena, they continued discussing the matches that had taken place.
The tournament arena was slowly emptying.
Nobles stepped out in flowing cloaks and ornate robes, guards trailing behind as they made their way toward luxurious carriages lined up outside. They had only one destination in mind—Arcadia's grandest restaurants, where gold gleamed on plates and conversations carried political weight.
Meanwhile, commoners surged through the lower exits in loose groups, heading toward street-side food stalls and bustling taverns that filled the air with spice, sweat, and speculation.
Though the final match wouldn't begin until later, the discussions had already taken over every alley, corner, and cup of ale.
