The crowd was abuzz with murmurs of confusion and disbelief. The abrupt end to the duel had left many spectators wondering what had transpired in that final, decisive moment. Ethan Hartley, the rising star, was on his knees, while Kellan Stormrider stood tall and proud, his greatsword piercing the ground.
"Yield," Kellan's voice echoed through the amphitheater, firm and commanding.
The crowd erupted into applause, but there was an undercurrent of confusion. Many had not fully understood what had happened in those final moments.
Kaya Hartley, seated in the VIP section with her daughter Jane, observed the scene with a critical eye. She had seen what many had missed.
"Mother, what happened? How did Brother Ethan lose so suddenly?" Jane asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.