A heavy silence fell across the amphitheater.
All eyes were on Elysia, tense and shocked.
Airi frowned. Crest sat frozen, his mouth open.
Then came the murmurs. Whispers of confusion that spread like smoke, slowly, then faster, louder, until it swallowed the silence whole.
The prince raised a single hand.
"Silence," he ordered.
The room quieted. He looked directly at Elysia.
"Did you say... you could reveal a demon?"
Elysia nodded, her voice steady.
"I did. Or at least, I asked what if I could. What if a demon were to attack us right now? This room, this moment? It's the perfect opportunity."
Tension climbed again, people leaned forward.
"You gathered the strongest adventurers in the world," Elysia continued. "The potential Sacreds. The leaders. The very heart of our strength. In one room... One place."
Her eyes locked with the prince's.
