Michael's gaze locked on the illusion panel.
In another waiting room, Prince Rui straightened, eyes glowing faintly. He brushed a loose strand of black hair behind his ear.
Renn Noah's calm expression finally shifted too.
Uga blinked lazily. Then returned to staring at the wall. He'd know if something concerned him—once it called him to the stage.
"These four," the commentator went on, "are the reason the tournament took a different path. The reason the council was forced to rethink everything."
The audience leaned forward.
"Power," the commentator said simply. "Overwhelming power."
He paused.
"And now, these four will fight. They will show us why their presence shook the scales of this competition."
He raised his hand.
"The first match will be between—"
A brief silence.
RENN NOAH vs PRINCE RUI
Michael blinked.
Renn…?
Renn.