Forfeit

The weight of expectation bore down upon the high platform as the Sect's senior Elders turned toward Volten. Their expressions varied—some were amused, others thoughtful, but most wore expressions of barely concealed astonishment.

One of the Elders, Elder Veydran, a towering man with streaks of silver threading through his deep indigo-blue hair, was the first to break the silence. As the Head of External Relations with the Western Continent's Lightning-affiliated sects, he had spent centuries navigating diplomatic ties, managing rivalries, and brokering alliances. Yet, even with all his experience dealing with prodigies from other powers, this moment left him at a loss.

"Sect Master…" He exhaled, shaking his head. "That was… something else."