Chapter 1988

Shannon's voice was steady, neither loud nor angry, yet somehow silenced the entire venue for a beat. "I refused to pass the first duel using the methods provided by the officials," she said calmly, "because my principles do not allow me to seize another's opportunity for the sake of my own gain." Before Newton could respond, the same middle-aged official from earlier, Micah Hensington, spoke up, his tone still gentle but now laced with quiet reproach. "This is only a tournament. The items being redeemed are not personal opportunities—they shouldn't be confused with such." Shannon met Micah's gaze and replied evenly, "To me, that is their opportunity. The chance to avoid elimination in the first duel by itself is a form of opportunity." Her words struck a chord. Many of the participants present nodded subtly in agreement. After all, those chosen to compete in the mystical tournament were the best of their families and academies. But even among elites, there were exceptions—like H