The arena stood still—scarred, silent, and unforgettable.
The crowd didn't cheer at first. They were too stunned. Too awed.
But then, like a dam breaking, thunderous applause filled the hall. A storm of voices, applause, roars, and shouts of disbelief and excitement.
The nobility had been challenged—and held their ground.
The Fangs had fought against four years-level squires—and did not fall.
The Witch raised her hand once more. "All of you. Exit the stage. This night… belongs to history."
Nioh turned once, glancing at his opponents.
Then at his comrades.
Then at the crowd. Before departing the stage under the cheer of the crowd.
The embers had barely cooled when the crowd erupted.
It wasn't just cheers, it was an explosion of voices, arguments, and declarations. The arena trembled not from combat, but from the weight of opinion.
"He could've won if the Witch hadn't stopped it!"
"Nuggart was about to smash that boy's spine in!"
