The matches continued.
One by one, names were called, and one by one, participants took to the stage.
Sometimes, it was a commoner versus a commoner—awkward, scrappy fights that lacked flair but were fueled by desperation. Other times, it was a noble versus a commoner—uneven battles that often ended in under ten seconds.
But never… not once… did two nobles step onto the stage to face each other.
At first, it was hard to notice. The matches came quickly, and the crowd was too focused on the brutality or drama of each fight to keep track of the broader pattern. But Michael wasn't most people.
He watched everything.
And after ten, then twenty matches, the realization crept in and rooted itself in his mind.
No noble had fought another noble.
None had even been called against each other.
Across from him, Renn gritted his teeth and muttered beneath his breath. "Bullshit."
Michael turned slightly.
